We had some pretty big storms roll through the area the other day, so I waited til they had passed before setting out some seed in the backyard. Then I took my camera out on the deck and watched to see who would show up.

How about I just share the first ten that made an appearance?

The Tufted Titmouse, as is often the case, was the first to fly in. He landed in the tree top and began announcing to his crew that the coast was clear and the feeders were full.

A Blue Jay pounced on the peanuts…

…and a pretty Pine Warbler landed on a branch, with signs of spring appearing around him.

A squirrel (dang rodents!) took advantage of the fact that my labramutt, who would normally chase him, is recovering from ligament surgery, and flauntingly feasted on the free food…

…and a recent arrival to town, a tiny Blue-grey Gnatcatcher, darted about looking for bugs, pausing just long enough for me to snap a quick shot.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker popped in…

…and a Pileated Woodpecker flew across the yard to investigate some trees at the edge of the fence.

A stunning male Bluebird, who is occupying a nearby birdhouse with his mate, perched for a bit…

…and a Chipping Sparrow, with his gorgeous copper crown, stopped by as well.

I think my favorite visitor of the day was this Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, who will soon be heading north. He swooped in and landed on a branch that had Bark Butter smeared on the back side, and helped himself to a hearty snack.

Don’t you love the way the branch wood looks while it is still rain drenched? I think it’s as pretty as the birds are!