Back Yard Bird Paradise?

I've been working hard to help the back yard birds this snowy and frigid winter. Have 5 seed feeders and numerous suet feeders. I'd say I'm going through 20 pounds of seed a week. (I think the suet is frozen!) But it seems I've attracted the attention of a sharp-shinned hawk. It's the first time I've seen this raptor! (My red-tails have not been around much this winter.) Kind of sad ... it's one thing when we see hawks go after mice and rats. Poor goldie! Apparently songbirds are these raptors food of choice. The hawk is a beauty, though. Quite small, I'd say half the size of a red-tail?

Sharp-shinned hawk gets a goldfinch. (Click to enlarge)

Teamwork!

Ozzie and Harriet on the Southwest Florida eagle cam are quite the team. They both are helping to reinforce the crib rails as their eaglets grow by leaps and bounds. And, both help to shelter the babies in an early evening rainstorm. Quite a difference from Phoebe, who had to incubate, feed, and raise her babies all on her own!

Building crib rails, 1/10/14

Ozzie and Harriet shield E3 and E4 from the rain, 1/10/14

In Honor of Phoebe

In honor of Phoebe, a wonderful hummingbird we have followed, who has been missing since Jan. 8. Her current brood is in the care of an experienced rehabber. This screen shot is from earlier last year (March 15, 2013).

Phoebe feeds her babies on 3/15/2013. Click to enlarge.