Midwest Mary

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By

Mary K. Doyle

·

Party at the Birdfeeders

Maybe it was the bright sunlight. Perhaps it was the cold, crisp temperature. Most likely it was the aroma of fresh seed. News went out quickly that dinner was served in Mary’s garden.

Miss Woodpecker and Sparrow enjoyed dining together.

The thistle seed was particularly tasty.

Black-capped chickadee flew in for a quick bite and quickly flew away.

The party was enjoyable until purple finch sighted the Starling family heading in.

Those rabble-rousers aren’t known for their table manners or polite conversation.

There was some squawking and pushing.

Peace Dove came in to encourage better behavior.

For the most part, the party continued without disruption.

Some even learned to take turns.

Cardinal wanted no part of the event. He shook his head and watched from afar. He knew there would be plenty of food remaining when the others left.

©Mary K. Doyle, 2025

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Responses to “Party at the Birdfeeders”

  1. Violet Lentz

    You had all of these different birds in your yard in one day! Holy cow! All I ever see are Raven- but then it is February in Alaska! hehehe

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Violet. The birds all came around the same time. It was fun to watch being winter and typically so little to see. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  2. Melissa Lemay

    😍

    Reply
  3. Looking for the Light

    I love to hear the chirp of our small woodpeckers like the one in your photo, they always let me know they are out enjoying the suet. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Me too, Melinda! Hearing and watching the birds is fun.

      Reply
      1. Looking for the Light

        One of the favorite things to do.

        Reply
  4. Tony

    Dieu que la nature est belle Mary.
    Très joli post 🙏
    Prends soin de toi.
    🌌⚛🌞

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Merci, Tony. La nature est tellement incroyable. Tout cela me rend heureux. Des bisous, mon ami.

      Reply
      1. Tony

        Je t’embrasse aussi Mary.

        Reply
  5. Nancy Homlitas

    Thank you for sharing a blow-by-blow of the bird event in “Mary’s Garden.” I never realized starlings were so much bigger than the other types pictured in your post. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Nancy, I’ve never seen the starlings in my garden before. They came in force!

      Reply
      1. Nancy Homlitas

        I hope they’re not bullies to the smaller birds.

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          I’m not sure, Nancy. It’s the first time I’ve seen the starlings, and they were aggressive with each other. The other birds steered clear.

          Reply
  6. luisa zambrotta

    Incredible photos❣️❣️❣️

    I loved all of them

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Luisa.

      Reply
      1. luisa zambrotta

        Truly my pleasure 🌷

        Reply
  7. Herald Staff

    Such great photos–love the story in pictures. Looks like the starlings made a ruckus at that party!

    –Scott

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Scott. How about that angry bird! There was so much going on at those feeders!

      Reply
      1. Herald Staff

        I’ve seen movies that didn’t have that much emotion or near as interesting a cast of characters!

        –Scott

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          LOL. Love your comment, Scott. Thank you.

          Reply
  8. Kirsten Curcio

    Great photos Mary! They’re so cute, I love how the cardinal patiently waited, haha. 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Kristen. I had to share my joy.

      Reply
      1. Kirsten Curcio

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
  9. satyam rastogi

    Wonderful post 🎸🎸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Satyam. The birds make me happy.

      Reply
  10. Monkey’s Tale

    The best kind of party. Was this all in one day? Wow. There was barely a strip of the seeds left! Loved the play-by-play, Maggie

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Yes, Maggie. I was working at the kitchen table and watched this out my patio door.

      Reply
  11. kagould17

    Wow, that is a lot of action Mary. I am sure they are all happy to find some food accessible. The same goes on here right now, but it is away colder. Love the cardinals and finches, which we seldom see up here. Happy Monday. Allan

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Allan. I do think food is scarcer, so they do appreciate the feeders and I appreciate seeing them.

      Reply
  12. Victoria

    What a joy…the pics and your beautiful post. Thank you, Mary. 🥰

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Vicki.

      Reply
  13. dennyho

    I love your feeder party photos. I enjoy eavesdropping on my feathered friends, too.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      They are fun to watch. Thank you for commenting, Denny.

      Reply
  14. hubertprevy

    I like the photo, I like the story 🙂❤️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, Hubert.

      Reply
  15. P. J. Gudka

    Aw, they’re all so cute.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Pooja. Hugs to you.

      Reply
      1. P. J. Gudka

        You’re most welcome, hugs.

        Reply
  16. joannerambling

    Such lovely photos

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Joan.

      Reply
  17. Rosaliene Bacchus

    How delightful! Smart cardinal 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. Thank you, Rosaliene.

      Reply
  18. trudymonti

    I enjoyed the party too!!Trudy Monti / Monteith, AIMCSociety of American MagiciansMidwest Regional Vice President 803 Sherwick TerraceManchester, MO 63021HM Cell: 636-399-5391TM Cell: 636-394-4191Sent magically from my iPhone

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’m happy you enjoyed the birds, Trudy. Love to you.

      Reply
  19. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

    What a day of bird gatherings!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Dorothy, I hope you are feeling well and strong.

      Reply
      1. Dorothy’s New Vintage Kitchen

        Certainly getting there!

        Reply
  20. Party at the Birdfeeders – Explore Baaz

    […] Party at the Birdfeeders […]

    Reply
  21. Awakening Wonders

    Oh, my goodness a sweet party for your feathered friends!💖

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      A lot of action in a short time, Amy.

      Reply
  22. gustavo_horta

    Lindo!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Gracias, Mi amigo.

      Reply
  23. Ronit Penso Tasty Eats

    So much fun. No doubt a lot of juicy gossip was exchanged while dining! 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL! Right? You’re so clever, Ronit.

      Reply
  24. Radio Faux Show

    Wonderful! But Starlings – the worst.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’ve never seen the starlings here before. My goodness, they are aggressive and come in mass.

      Reply
      1. Radio Faux Show

        Where we live, you have to put strong covers over your house’s dryer vent outputs or they will nest in there and cause horrible odors and noise.
        Interesting fact – they are an invasive species that ended up in the US over 100 years ago because someone thought it would be good to bring all of the birds mentioned in Shakespeare over to the US from England. 🤦‍♂️

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          Thank you for sharing that interesting information! I didn’t know that. Many years ago, I was pregnant and a bird got in the dryer vent. I know the smell you describe. It made me sick.

          Reply
  25. mistermaxxx08

    That was incredible and amazing timing. Just wow just wow

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Mister Maxxx. Nothing was different. Same seed. Same feeders. Just lots of birds.

      Reply
      1. mistermaxxx08

        Your energy and vibe brings the birds singing

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          You say the sweetest things, Mister Maxxx. Must be the poet in you.

          Reply
          1. mistermaxxx08

            Part poet, part the man I am, part you are a kind soul. Combination of things

          2. Mary K. Doyle

            Love to you, my friend.

  26. Kym Gordon Moore

    Oh how beautiful Mary. If birds can play and eat together, what on earth is wrong with the human species? But your rabble-rousers are too funny! Thanks for sharing nature’s moments in time. 🦜🦉🐦

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      You are so right, my lovely friend. Hugs to you, Girlfriend.

      Reply
      1. Kym Gordon Moore

        I receive those wonderful hugs Mary and return them three-fold, along with lots of love and smooches! 😘💋😊

        Reply
  27. Dawna

    You certainly do know how to plan a wonderful birdie party. Wow, I am blown away at the amount of different bird families showed up for a tasty dinner treat specialty of Mary. Those wonderfully spoiled little birdies, how priceless to be able to sit and enjoy their interactions and be able to bring them so much yummy happiness. What a blessing He’s given you to have so many different types of little flying creatures stopping by for a munch. I love it!! Thank you for sharing all the amazing photos.

    Hugs and love to you my dear friend.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was fun to watch, Dawna. I was sitting at my table working on the laptop when I saw all the birds coming and going. It’s the same seed. I don’t know why it was so busy. Love to you, dear Dawna.

      Reply
      1. Dawna

        What a wonderful movie He gave to you. I love it.
        Love right back to you Mary. Hugs

        Reply
    2. SoundEagle 🦅ೋღஜஇ

      Dear Mary,

      I certainly concur with Dawna about your achievement. What an avian party you have captured via your excellent photography! Well done!

      For your amusement and for resonating with your good spirit of feeding and photographing my fellow avian friends, I would like to present you the following:

      Yours sincerely,
      SoundEagle🦅

      Reply
      1. Mary K. Doyle

        Thank you and welcome to Midwest Mary.

        Reply
  28. noga noga

    ,e,jdjkn add it jhkl ton djtj; Lahfan Haqqan [Ladjam, Bek, Km Hjrjaf Jabdahjen, Zaghlen💖💕🎶👍👍🍵🙌😘

    Reply
    1. noga noga

      Wow, I wish I were a bird to have the warm guest of Mary. I apologize for the previous comment, which was translated incorrectly

      Reply
      1. Mary K. Doyle

        No worries, dear Nougat. I always love to hear from you. You are welcome in my home anytime.

        Reply
        1. noga noga

          My love, may I grant you good health and livelihood. I wish I could meet you, Mary. Thank you very much for your kindness, my love.

          Reply
          1. Mary K. Doyle

            I know! Who knows, maybe we will meet someday. Love to you.

  29. Michele Lee

    Wonderful captures and storytelling and love the ending! 🐦 Thank you for sharing with us, Mary. Fun to see the different personalities.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Michele. I know you love nature in all forms, as well. Have a wonderful day, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Michele Lee

        You’re welcome and you too! Thank you, angel Mary. 🌞

        Reply
  30. Edward Ortiz

    Amazing pictures, Mary. It looks like the party was a successful one.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. The birds don’t usually show up like that. Typically, they are all in at different times. All the best to you, Edward.

      Reply
      1. Edward Ortiz

        Thank you, Mary

        Reply
  31. LoveLifeHappiness&More💙💙

    Lovely shots, Mary!!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Melinda. I took the photos from inside the house. Fortunately, the birds didn’t see the camera, and I didn’t get a glare. Love to you.

      Reply
    2. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, T’.

      Reply
  32. carolinestreetblog

    I love all the activity! Happy birds!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you for commenting! It’s wonderful to see you here.

      Reply
      1. carolinestreetblog

        Thank you!🙋‍♀️

        Reply
  33. Klausbernd

    Dear Mary
    It’s like on our bird feeder right now. We have the same birds feeding.
    Great photographs of the birds 👍 👍
    Thanks for sharing
    The Fab Four of Cley
    🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Aren’t they fun to watch? It’s interesting you have the same birds. Thank you for adding to the story. I hope your day is fabulous.

      Reply
  34. Indira

    All sorts of birds are flocking to your feeder!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was an exciting morning here, Indira. 🙂

      Reply
  35. Amy

    Ooh… lovely bird series! How fun to watch them. 💖

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was fun to watch them, Amy. We could have enjoyed the activity together. I know you also are a nature lover.

      Reply
  36. D. Wallace Peach

    Amazing photos! It takes a certain amount to patience and readiness to photograph birds. And I liked the story, Mary. I can’t wait to see the birds return to my feeders.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It does take patience and many shots to get the one I like. I enjoy the process. Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your presence here.

      Reply
      1. D. Wallace Peach

        So standing up and saying “where’s my phone?” probably isn’t the best approach. Lol.

        Reply
  37. SiriusSea

    Fluffing my feathers to you, Mary ❤ for a chirping good party! Loved them all and they are such beautiful little friends. Of course, I did hear your garden is The Place to Be! 😉

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      LOL. You are such fun, Ms. Siri.

      Reply
  38. Kevin

    That cardinal is one smart cookie right there lol
    Magnificent shots, Mary, and I love the play-by-play! Excellent! 👏👏👏

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I was entertained by the winged creatures and had to share, Kevin. I bet you’d be a cardinal. Love to you, my friend.

      Reply
      1. Kevin

        They look entertaining for sure, Mary!
        I think I would be a cardinal at that, yes! 😄

        Reply
        1. Mary K. Doyle

          LOL

          Reply
  39. Baydreamer – Lauren Scott

    That was some party, Mary! Amazing photos and story.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was a busy day. Thank you for chiming in, Lauren.

      Reply
  40. Garden Bliss

    Fabulous Mary – they are so delicate and special.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Flavia. The birds are my entertainment. Hugs.

      Reply
  41. Party at the Birdfeeders – SIRGT

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  42. Adarsh G

    This is lovely Mary 😍

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Adarsh. All the best to you.

      Reply
      1. Adarsh G

        You too dear

        Reply
  43. Thobile Simelane

    Mary, what a delightful and imaginative tale of a garden dinner party! I love how you’ve brought the birds to life with their unique personalities and quirks. The vivid descriptions of the setting and the birds’ behaviors are a treat to read. It’s also wonderful to see the themes of community, sharing and kindness woven throughout your writing. A charming and uplifting read!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Thobile. Sometimes, we have to write just for fun.

      Reply
  44. Mindful Mystic (MM)

    I very much enjoyed the wonderful photos of your beautiful birdies! Cardinal knows what’s up.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      He was cute in the background, watching. Have an incredible day, Ms. MM.

      Reply
      1. Mindful Mystic (MM)

        Enjoy your weekend! 😊

        Reply
  45. johnlmalone

    wonderful, Mary; it was the first post I read today — and I warmed up inside; so well written — succinct and chirpy — and wonderful photos 🙂

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thanks, John. Sometimes, we just have to be a bit silly. Hugs.

      Reply
      1. johnlmalone

        yes !indeed —

        Reply
  46. 1000 Thank Yous – Black Moon Lilith 🌙

    […] and fascinating facts have wowed me! You inspire me everyday. So many of you have offered so much support, love, and encouragement which I am eternally grateful for. Reaching out to me when I needed it most – that I will […]

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Love, love, love you, sweet Laura.

      Reply
  47. Laura

    This was amazing, Mary ❤️ thank you for sharing all these wonderful photos and your words along with them. Birds are such smart creatures and hard to catch on camera! 📸

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      It was just for fun, Sweetie. Thank you for commenting.

      Reply
  48. The Introverted Bookworm

    How lovely, Mary! Such a beautiful thing to witness and partake in. Wonderful photos!🕊️🐥

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you, Ada. Good to hear from you. I hope your new book is completed and doing well.

      Reply
  49. Gino Vaglivielo

    Beautiful shots of all those birds . Do you use your phone or a digital camera to take your photographs?

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Hi Gino, Good to see you on Midwest Mary! I use a Nikon 950. It’s a point-and-shoot camera with a good zoom. The photos on this post were shot from inside and through the sliding glass door.

      Reply
  50. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

    Enjoyed beautiful photos of our feathered friends feast at the birdfeeder!

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you! I appreciate your input.

      Reply
      1. spotlightchoices.com-C. Wilson

        You’re welcome!

        Reply
  51. Eternity

    I love your pics of birds; they are a blessing and joy to see. Please keep up your good work.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you. The birds make me happy.

      Reply
      1. Eternity

        I am glad that we are in the same camp, in this subject.

        Reply
  52. Chuckster

    If ever there were a Black-Capped Chickadee of the silver screen, it was Jean Arthur—small, sprightly, and possessed of a voice like birdsong, equal parts charm and steel. Flitting between comedy and drama with effortless grace, she was both delicate and unshakable, a figure of warmth with a glint of defiance in her eye. Like the chickadee, she never blustered but always made herself heard, her presence lingering long after she’d flown from the frame.

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      I’ll have to check out one of Jean Arthur’s movies. She sounds adorable, and I just saw some photos. She’s lovely in a way that reminds you of a friend. Thanks, Chuckster.

      Reply
  53. Swamigalkodi Astrology

    Interesting

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Thank you!

      Reply
  54. Chuckster

    Thistle be the day—
    prickly moods in bloom again,
    nature throws shade sharp. 🕊️

    Reply
    1. Mary K. Doyle

      Cute, Chuckster!

      Reply

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