Early Spring Sights

It is still early spring in my part of the world,although the temperatures have been unseasonably warm.

I have been enjoying the warmer days,and trying to get out more often in search of pictures.

Very few flowers are blooming yet,but the leftovers from last years flowers are still visible.

I found this Milkweed Pod beside the lake,and thought is deserved to have its picture taken.

You can see that on the twigs in the background,the buds are swelling.

I should say that this was taken about a week ago and by now I can see little green leaves sprouting from these same branches.

I looked out of the back door the other day and this is what I saw.

This male Purple Finch was soaking up the warm sunshine at the feeder.

He really was enjoying the warmth,by the looks of it.

The Black-capped Chickadees have been busy trying to hollow out an old tree to build a nest.

He was so busy that I could come quite close and get all the pictures I wanted.

What an energetic bird this is,and still he has time to sing his cheerful tune.

In his feverish work,he would stick his head into the hole and bring out one small bill full of wood shavings.unfortunately,these birds had not done a thorough check of the building site.As he was chipping away at this cavity,he went down too far and now all that is left is an open hole to the outside.No nestlings in this one.I did put a nest box up right beside this tree,so maybe they will use that.

I may not have the easily accessible nest that I was hoping for,but I do have many beautiful images of this cute bird.I have said it before,but if I had to choose just one bird,the Black-capped Chickadee would be  my all time favourite bird.They are cheerful even on the coldest days of winter,and never seem to sit still for very long.

Thought for today:

Praise is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.