Winter Birds

Some of my new Winter Bird Potholders

In the summer, when I take my bird feeder down, I forget how much it means to me to be able to look out my studio window in the winter and see the birds on the feeder.

In the summer, the birds don’t need the food.  They migrate back to the wetlands at the farm, and I see them everywhere. The red-winged blackbirds, Killdeers, Turkey Vultures and so many others, that I don’t know the names of, but know are there.

The birds at my feeder bring the color of summer flowers to my drab winter window. Their movement compensates for not being able to see the sheep and donkeys grazing and the hen pecking around the farm, looking for food.

I don’t know if the birds in the potholders I made today are winter birds.  But they make me think of the birds at my feeder.  The ones that bring life to these dark winter days.

I love how soft the birds in these images are.  I tried to emphasize that quality in the fabric I used to create the potholders around them.

I still have some more that I can make.  It took me a while to figure out the feeling I wanted for these, but now I think I’ve got it, so maybe the next few will go more easily.

I’ll work on them again tomorrow.

6 thoughts on “Winter Birds

  1. Interesting thought, Maria. Two of your birds are European robins, one of the most defining images of Christmas and the dark season here in the UK. It seems nearly every Christmas greeting card here features a cheerful little “Robin Redbreast”. The others seem to be Blue Tits which are commonly found in our gardens in the winter, dominating the bird feeders and cheering up my dark days with their antics.

  2. Birds are so very important to me. I have a wonderful time caring for so many of them in the area behind my house and spend hours watching and enjoying them. These lovely potholders you’ve made are so soft and understated, like we’re looking at them through frosted glass. Just perfect for winter bird creations in fabric. Your work is so much fun to look at. Thank you for sharing!!!!!!

    1. I love the idea of seeing the birds through frosted glass Wendy. And making these potholders has made me more aware of how important the birds are to me too. Thanks for your thoughts.

  3. Yes, our robins are special. The males can be pugnacious and territorial. defending their own particular patch of garden, but can sometimes be tamed to come to a hand, especially if you’re holding live meal worms which they adore. Robin babies don’t have the red breast, but are cute speckly little fluffballs. The adults’re often seen following a gardener to see what food is available. With their bright and cheerful song, I always feel better for seeing, or hearing one.

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