It is mid-December and around this time of year there is a distinct difference in the number and variety of birds visiting my feeders.  There are now three varieties of woodpeckers at the suet feeders, upwards of a dozen different cardinals enjoying the safflower; along with wrens, chickadees, finches, blue jays, nuthatches, sparrows, juncos and mourning doves all congregating at the hanging and ground feeders full of hulled peanuts, suet cakes, thistle, and mixed blends.  And then there are the ever-present squirrels always looking for a handout.

And why is this?  Because it is winter and I have changed the feed to try to match their nutritional needs. There is no possible way I can feed all of the birds that might live within range of my small backyard; however, I can target my feeding to those birds I enjoy watching and listening to during the year.