Shove off Jr.

More forceful in Large.

Oh my!  We were in the bird winter-storm-survival business today.  The heated bird bath has rarely had a customer since I put it out in January.  Our hot pepper suet has slowly been gaining in popularity, but nothing like today.  (We have tried hot pepper suet in an effort to attract birds and not other creatures for various reasons.)  

Today, every (backyard) bird imaginable made repeated visits to bath and suet.  In fact, there was a lineup across the street at the edge of the woods.  Several of the branches had multiple (sometimes 20 or more) eager birds, waiting their turn.  Fortunately, there weren't too many scuffles other than what you see above.  It was surprising how civilized everyone was as they were clearly seeking food and water, in an urgent manner, due to the winter storm we are experiencing.  The robins were especially interested in the water and one larger male wasn't interested in sharing with anyone but his lady.  

Normally, when I go out front to try to photograph the visitors, they quickly leave.  So today I moved two of our porch chairs in front of a  small stool and that little bit of camouflage seemed to do the trick for most of the birds (except the starlings... but that just seemed like a bonus). ;-)

I added a papa nuthatch feeding the momma and a hairy woodpecker to extras.  There were others, but I haven't gone through all of the images yet.