Red-bellied Woodpecker. © 2022 by Randy Runtsch.

Birds, Nature, and Photography

Springtime Birds in and Around the Brush Pile

I enjoy winter, but in spring and summer, the meadows, fields, and woods come to life

“Little darling, it’s been a long cold lonely winter.” — George Harrison, Here Comes the Sun

It has been a long and cold winter in Minnesota. But according to the calendar, it’s springtime now. Plus, the sun emerged today, so it was a good time to hike Essex Park and watch and photograph birds.

Sparrow (unidentified species). © 2022 by Randy Runtsch.

As a creature of habit, I walked past the brush pile near the middle of the park. Birds and the occasional woodchucks take refuge in the pile in spring and summer. There, they hunt for food and look for nesting or bedding materials.

This American Robin hunted in the brush pile the second time the author passed the spot. © 2022 by Randy Runtsch.

A yet-to-be-identified sparrow hopped around the brush pile as it looked for food. Later, an American Robin hunted for food there, too.