It’s cold.

The middle of March in Michigan is always a mixed bag of weather, but it doesn’t make it any easier to accept.

The heat just turned on.

The fireplace is lit, my third cup of coffee is poured, and the sun just rose over the snow-covered tundra that was once my front yard just yesterday. But the bird feeder is filled and abuzz with visitors.

All people should have hobbies. I have a couple, maybe my wife would argue too many. Sports have been my go-to for more than four decades. And while I do still play and am involved with sports, I have added birding as part of my hobby repertoire.

This is my version of “My old man hobby”.

I consider sports my “young man’s hobby”. A hobby I will at some point have to stop because of age but I will be a birder as long as the feeders are filled in front of my window. I just have to maximize the opportunity to see more species without leaving the comfort of my home.

Mealworms, suet, sunflower seeds, Nyjer seed, and millet are some of the most popular options to add. If you have a water feature nearby the birds will be around all day!

Bluebirds and other thrush species enjoy mealworms, suet is frequented by woodpeckers, the Nyjer seed is usually inundated with finches, and the millet/sunflower seed combo will call to rest!

Spring through fall I have to keep the nectar flowing for hummingbirds and the orioles’ food of choice are sliced oranges and jelly.

Birds of prey are often seen around feeders as they consider them a buffet smorgasbord! Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk can be expected visitors. They have to eat too! If you don’t want the chickadee to be breakfast make sure you add places to hideout in until the coast is clear!

The heat turned on again, another log has been added to the fire, and the snow has started flying…again.

Time to enjoy the feeders!

Birds seen by breakfast:

• Black-Capped Chickadee
• White-Breasted Nuthatch
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• American Tree Sparrow
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Downy Woodpecker
• Blue Jay
• Northern Cardinal
• Mourning Dove
• House Finch
• House Sparrow
• Tufted Titmouse