For many years I did not pay close attention to the backyard birds.  When I lived in the city I had the token sunflower seed feeder in the backyard that attracted chickadees and blue jays.  It was not until I moved to the lake that I looked at them more closely.

The open fields and bodies of water welcome large flocks of Canada Geese, snow geese, swans and many different species of ducks.  I didn't get to see these beauties in the city.

In my current backyard I have black capped chickadees, blue jays, white breasted nuthatches, pine grosbeaks, magpies and three different types of woodpeckers.  

I recall the first day that I laid eyes on a pileated woodpecker.  It flew into the backyard and landed on an old poplar tree.  Bark chips flew in every direction as that big beak drilled for insects.  I ran for a book to ID the big guy.  Ever since that day, I have been in awe of them.

In the summer I have gold finches, hummingbirds, robins, wrens, swallows, crows, ravens, sapsuckers, flickers, orioles and so many more feathered friends.  Each year I add at least one new species to the lifer birding list.

There is nothing more enjoyable than to sit back and watch the backyard action whether it is in summer or winter.