I am still having a hard time believing what just went down in my backyard. I took my book, my can of Coke, and my phone and sat in my chaise, and watched the birds. Boy, did they put on a show! I had a big flock of Bushtits, at least three Red-Breasted Nuthatches, three Northern Flickers, and assorted Juncos, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, a Rufous-sided Towhee, and a Downy Woodpecker.

At one point, which I could not capture, a chickadee actually flew toward me, and lighted on my knee, before flying off. This leads me to believe that, if I am careful, and use the most inviting combination of seed, I might be able to get them to eat out of my hand. I watch the videos from photographer Jocelyn Anderson and her “Hand of Snacks” on X, and lots of birds eat out of her hand. Anyway, below are some of the videos I captured.

And on this one, a Downy Woodpecker happens by. but the flicker is bigger.

Here are some still shots, just to prove they were here!

I still can’t believe my surfeit of riches from my backyard time this afternoon. I love that the birds are getting used to me, and don’t immediately fly off when I move around. Stay tuned, t see if I can get them to eat out of my hand.

Here’s a flock of Bushtits. Watch for the adults feeding the young, on top of the crook holding the suet.

Here’s what Jocelyn Anderson can get.

A male Red-bellied Woodpecker, a Tufted Titmouse, and a female Red-winged Blackbird visit the Hand of Snacks pic.twitter.com/dm4h9bqrHK

— Jocelyn Anderson Photography (@JocAPhotography) June 22, 2026