Backyard Bird Eateries:
Birds Partaking in the Sustenance of Life
2019 Photo Contest
1st Prize
Squirrel Buster Plus
Snow day for the Birds
by Deanna Mayhew
Crocker, Missouri
PHOTO#2-21DM
Here in Crocker, Missouri, it’s another snow day for the birds…Cardinals, White-throated Sparrows, Purple Finches scurry about to get their fill of black oil sunflower seeds. It’s always a favorite and provides an excellent source of high fat, fiber, and protein to keep them warm and healthy through the winter months.
2nd Prize
Squirrel Buster Peanut
Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird
by Timothy Miller
Woodburn, Indiana
PHOTO#2-18TM
This photograph of a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird is very special to me due to all the work that went into it. After setting up my feeder in our backyard flower garden in such a way that the nearby flowers would be in the background, I positioned a cardboard dummy camera nearby for a few days to get the little hummers used to feeding with a camera nearby. Finally, I dared to replace the dummy camera with my real camera. Tense with excitement, I sat back under the shade of a nearby tree with my remote, which I would use to trigger the camera every time a hummingbird zoomed in. After many different tries, many hours, and many, many photos, I finally captured this photograph.
3rd Prize
Squirrel Solution 150
Having A Snack
by Jaime Janik
Downers Grove, Illinois
PHOTO#2-45JJ
Sunflower & A Finch
A male Goldfinch feeding from a sunflower that I planted from a seed.
Visitors Vote
1 Year Subscription To
Bird Watchers Digest
Red-bellied Woodpecker
by Peggy Yaeger
Corbin, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-49PY
All The Entries From The 2019 Photo Contest
Feeding Frenzy
by Jenifer Nagle
Santa Clarita, California
PHOTO#2-52JN
This is in my backyard in Santa Clarita where the appetite of these Goldfinches is insatiable! The birds are feasting on nyjer seed and I have to fill the sock at least 2 times a day.
Wet Robin Enjoys This Unique Bird Bath
by Peggy Yaeger
Corbin, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-51PY
I found this wet Robin in Lexington, KY USA. It was really enjoying itself playing in this unique bird bath. I liked watching its antics.
Frequent Visitor
by Peggy Yaeger
Corbin, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-50PY
This Downy Woodpecker is often seen on my bird feeder outside my classroom in Corbin, KY, USA. My first grade students really enjoy watching it every morning.
Backyard Visitor
by Jon Hains
Orangeville, Ontario
PHOTO#2-48JH
Red-bellied Woodpecker
We were visiting relatives in Lakeland,Florida U.S.A and sitting in the backyard and this guy flew in for lunch. Having the camera right there I took the shot(actually 44 shots). This is a Red-bellied Woodpecker and he went to the feeder that had a mixture of seeds.
Hungry Winter Traveler
by Jon Hains
Orangeville, Ontario
PHOTO#2-47JH
Pine Siskin
Hi we live in Orangeville Ontario, Canada and feed a couple hundred birds mostly Pine Siskins and American Gold Finches plus about a dozen other different breeds. When the weather gets warm in the winter (above 0 degrees F) our home sounds like early spring with all the chattering in the trees around the house. This is the first time I have entered a photo contest. Thanks for the chance.
Mommy Bluebird Feeding Her Baby
by Jennifer Hall
Fort Wayne, Indiana
PHOTO#2-46JH
Female Bluebird
She is feeding a cherry to her baby. The cherry is from my cherry tree.
Filling Up For Nesting Season
by Jaime Janik
Downers Grove, Illinois
PHOTO#2-44JJ
Male Baltimore Oriole
A male Baltimore Oriole having some sugar water after feeding on some grape jelly and sliced oranges. Have to fatten up for their travel back after nesting season.
Chatting Over Some Lunch
by Jaime Janik
Downers Grove, Illinois
PHOTO#2-43JJ
2 Female Hummingbirds
Two female hummingbirds having some sugar water lunch on the little sweeties feeder.
Hummingbird Nose Dive
by Ronda Hix
Scottsville, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-42RH
Nose dive!
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
by Ronda Hix
Scottsville, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-41RH
Don’t look at me while I’m eating!
2 Ruby-throated Hummingbirds
by Ronda Hix
Scottsville, Kentucky
PHOTO#2-40RH
Coming in for a drink before the other one drinks it all in Scottsville, Kentucky
Wind Beneath My Wings
by Julie
Alabama
PHOTO#2-39J
The Mourning Dove
In rememberance of those who lost their lives in the 2019
tornado that tore through the heart of Alabama.
Was It Something I Said?
by Clark LaGrange
PHOTO#2-38CL
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Most birds flee when this guy comes around!
Looking For Food!
by Missy Biller
Fayetteville, North Carolina
PHOTO#2-37MB
This is an Eastern Towhee. They love to scratch for food. This one was hopping all around under the feeder and found some safflower seeds.
My Favorite Treat!
by Missy Biller
Fayetteville, North Carolina
PHOTO#2-36MB
I’m a beautiful Pine Warbler eating my favorite nut and berry suet treat.
Fueling Up!
by Clark LaGrange
PHOTO#2-35CL
Chipping Sparrows
Chipping Sparrows are extremely cute and hyper little birds! They must burn a lot of carlories because they certainly consume quite a bit of seed at my feeders.
If You Hang It, They Will Come!
by Clark LaGrange
PHOTO#2-34CL
American Goldfinch
I had my doubts about a white sack of nyjer attracting American Goldfinches! But true to its promise, the birds showed up almost immediately!
I’m Hungry!
by Missy Biller
Fayetteville, North Carolina
PHOTO#2-33MB
This is a Chickadee eating an almond at his favorite bird feeder in Fayetteville, NC.
Christmas Wreath by Mother Nature
by Gail Hall
Smithfield, North Carolina
PHOTO#2-32GH
Mother Nature Adds to the Decor
This photo was taken in Smithfield, North Carolina, USA. The peanut ring has been enjoyed by so many birds this year. I decided to add a big red bow for a Christmas decoration and let Mother Nature do the rest! I have captured a Red-Bellied Woodpecker, the Downy Woodpecker, a Titmouse and a Carolina Wren decorating my wreath.
This bird is a male Downy Woodpecker. He pecks the peanut shells until he finds his treat.
I watch the birds from a blind (small tent) and have my camera ready to capture Mother Nature’s beauty! She always gets it right.
Red-bellied Woodpecker –
Sometimes You Feel Like A Nut!
by Gail Hall
Smithfield, North Carolina
PHOTO#2-31GH
Red Belly Feels Like A Nut
This bird is a female Red-bellied Woodpecker. She is eating a mixed blend of bird food that includes sunflower seeds, peanuts and seeds. When this photo was taken, she was flying away with a piece of peanut. This feeder is the first feeder we put up and has lasted more than 20 years.
I captured this shot from a duck blind. It was a gift from my daughter. The birds don’t notice me as much when I’m in the blind with my camera.
Sharing With A Friend
by MaryLin Howard
Shrewsbury, Chatham-Kent, Ontario
PHOTO#2-30MH
A Mourning Dove and a Tree Sparrow share a delicious meal of birdseed on a silver platter.
Time for a Snack
by MaryLin Howard
Shrewsbury, Chatham-Kent, Ontario
PHOTO#2-29MH
Junco Stopping by for a Snack
A beautiful Dark-eyed Junco stopped by for a snack.
Crystal Nibbles
by MaryLin Howard
Shrewsbury, Chatham-Kent, Ontario
PHOTO#2-28MH
Crystal Diner
A beautiful male Northern Cardinal enjoying a snack.
Pollen Head
by Bill Saidel
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
PHOTO#2-27BS
Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird sampling the Coleus in my backyard. Sloppy eater… note the pollen on its head.
A Square Peg In A Round Hole
by Bill Saidel
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
PHOTO#2-26BS
This Red-bellied Woodpecker is opportunistic. When the trees aren’t fertile, it’ll go to my feeder for a choice of other food.
Pileated Picnic
by Elizabeth Sprague
Wantage, New Jersey
PHOTO#2-25ES
Pileated Woodpecker duo enjoying berry suet.
Majestic Bluejay
by Lauren
Masury, Ohio
PHOTO#2-24L
King of the feeder!
Beautiful Bluejay enjoying an afternoon snack.
Play nice
by Lauren
Masury ohio
PHOTO#2-23L
House Sparrows having a spat.
Do not play well with others!
Saving Some For Later
by Lauren
Masury ohio
PHOTO#2-22L
So Cute
House Sparrow really enjoying the suet.
Three House Finches Enjoying
A Winter Snack
by Bill Saidel
Cherry Hill, New Jersey
PHOTO#2-20BS
Did you hear what they have at the feeder in the next yard?
Red Bellied Woodpecker
Eating Suet in the Snow
by Timothy Miller
Woodburn, Indiana
PHOTO#2-19TM
Seeing this Red-bellied Woodpecker outside the window at my home in Fort Wayne, Indiana, I eagerly set up my micro tripod on the window sill and snapped photo after photo of the contented woodpecker. Of all the photographs I took, this one is my favorite. I really like how the piece of suet in the woodpecker’s beak adds to the photo, as well as how both the woodpecker and the suet feeder are in tack sharp focus.
American Goldfinch Pair
by Timothy Miller
Woodburn, Indiana
PHOTO#2-17TM
Seeing the Goldfinches flocking to our thistle feeder after arriving in early April (I live in Fort Wayne, Indiana), I set up my tripod and cardboard dummy camera nearby. After the Goldfinches became accustomed to the dummy camera, I replaced the dummy camera with my real camera. Using the interval timer setting, I set the camera to take a picture every minute. After multiple attempts and hundreds of photographs, I finally captured this photograph. I really like this photograph because the wide angle view not only shows the Goldfinches, but also their habitat – our backyard, as well as showing a touch of blue sky.
OH LUCKY DAY!!
by Tina Kouskoutis
Tarpon Springs, Florida
PHOTO#2-16TK
This picture was taken in my yard and this little Tufted Titmouse had the pile of seeds to himself for a total of about .5 seconds!
Feed Me Now!
by Terri Wasilenko
Weedsport, New York
PHOTO#2-15TW
When sitting on my backyard deck I observed two Sparrows at the black oil seed feeder. I laughed out loud when I watched a fledgling practically attack its parent for food. Enjoying the drama, I marveled at the parent’s patience as it was teaching its offspring to feed itself at the bird feeder.
Sweet Water!
by Terri Wasilenko
Weedsport, New York
PHOTO#2-14TW
When visiting Stillwater Inn in northern New York state, the owners had set up several hummingbird feeders for patrons to watch the local Ruby-throated Hummingbirds while dining on the outer deck. I payed more attention to the Hummingbirds than my lunch! It was a fascinating visit!
Yummy Worms!
by Terri Wasilenko
Weedsport, New York
PHOTO#2-13TW
A pair of Robins built a solid mud nest on the ledge over my front door. Three wee Robins waited enthusiastically for their Dad and Mom to feed them constantly through out the day. If you look closely, one of the babies was quite large and often got more than its fair share.
I See You Watching Me
by Robyn Waugh
Columbia, Pennsylvania
PHOTO#2-12RW
Ruby-throated Hummingbird sipping sugar water. Able to take these shots, as I sit on my porch where I have multiple feeders available for them to choose from. Always a super fun bird to watch!
I Am Thirsty
by Robyn Waugh
Columbia, Pennsylvania
PHOTO#2-11RW
Gray Catbird drinking from a fountain water bowl. This is a dog water bowl that my husband bought me a few years ago to help attract birds with running water. I have all kinds of birds that come and visit.
American Goldfinches in Symmetry
by Michelle Wittensoldner
New Philadelphia, Ohio
PHOTO#2-10MW
Photo taken summer of 2018 at my home feeder in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Male and female American Goldfinch. They are eating nyjer finch food. I liked this photo due to the symmetry of the birds on the feeder.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird Pair
by Michelle Wittensoldner
New Philadelphia, Ohio
PHOTO#2-9MW
Male and female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at my feeder at home in New Philadelphia, Ohio. Birds are eating Hummingbird food. I liked this photo because I was able to capture not one but two birds in flight.
The Chase
by Michelle Wittensoldner
New Philadelphia, Ohio
PHOTO#2-8MW
This is a picture of a Cardinal chasing a Titmouse off the feed. It is just simple wildbird food here. I was happy to catch the birds in flight. Photo taken at my home feeder in New Philadelphia, Ohio.
Cigar and Champagne
by Linda Brooks
Simpsonville, South Carolina
PHOTO#2-7LB
I like to use unusual vessels to hold the seed and they make for interesting conversation starters. This is one of my favorites. My Chickadee is enjoying a seed that appears to be a cigar while sitting on a champagne glass.
Early Morning Gossip Session
by Linda Brooks
Simpsonville, South Carolina
PHOTO#2-6LB
I like to think “Outside the Box” and was trying to think of unique feeders. I came across this pitcher from a child’s tea set and glued it to a plastic plate. I filled the pitcher with seed and it spilled out onto the plate. The next morning the Goldfinches were having a field day. In my mind, I saw one of them saying to the another, “Hey Mable, did you hear what happened at the party last night?” This is one of my favorite bird photos. Hope you enjoy!
Coming In For A Landing!
by Kristi Hart
Texarkana, Arkansas
PHOTO#2-5KH
I love my backyard birds, and enjoy taking pictures of a variety of beautiful birds that visit my feeders year round. This picture is my first attempt to try and capture a bird in flight. With the weather being colder, my feeders were busy with yellow finches enjoying hulled sunflower seeds.
The Dark-eyed Junco That Saved Christmas
by Jody Grenier
Syracuse New York
PHOTO#2-4JG
This photo of a Sparrow was taken in Syracuse NY. The morning was perfect. The lightest of snow as the bird feeds is beautiful. Christmas morning!
I’m Outta Here!!!
by Tracie Csomos
Ida Michigan
PHOTO#2-3TC
Wait Your Turn!!!
by Tracie Csomos
Ida Michigan
PHOTO#2-2TC
Don’t Even Think About It!
I Was Here First!
by Tracie Csomos
Ida Michigan
PHOTO#2-1TC
This picture was taken during the polar vortex that all of Michigan experienced this winter. I had a flock of bluebirds come in so quickly. I made sure I had live mealworms, and a heated bird bath close to where I originally spotted then. It wasn’t but an hour later and I caught these two drinking. Such an awesome surprise on a cold winter day.
Great Backyard Bird Stories:
“Tails” of Avian Visitors
2019 Story Contest Winners!
1 Prize
1 Prize
$50.00 Amazon Gift Card
Dad And His Hummingbirds
By Sheila Chapman
STORY#1-2SC
Visitors Vote
1 Year Subscription To
Watching Backyard Birds
Sandhill Crane At The Backyard Buffet
By Clark LaGrange
STORY#1-3CL
WildBirdScoop.com E-book
The Joy Of Bird Baths
For the Love of Feeding Birds
By Kathy Berent
STORY#1-1KB
Thank You To Everyone Who Entered The Contests!
Your Contribution Is Appreciated!
Thank You To Our Wonderful Sponsors For Their Generous Prizes!
Brome Bird Care
Bird Watcher’s Digest
Thank You To Our Respected Judges For Lending Their Expertise To The Contests!
The contests are over for another year but bird watching will always inspire great photos and the telling of exciting “tails”!
See you all next year!
Wild Birds Scoop Photo & Story Contests
- Photo Contest Rules It is a must to read the Photo Contest rules before entering.
- Story Contest Rules It is a must to read the Story Contest rules before entering.
- Meet Our Respected Judges We are very grateful for our Judges who are freely giving their time and expertise. (To Be Announced)