A bird mystery.....

I decided to feed the birds this year.   We've always had hummingbird feeders and I usually keep 3 near the windows and the patio. So far, none have shown up this year

but they will..... 

I went to the Wild Birds Unlimited store to learn about feed and came home with a less messy variety and I have been pleased that it seems to leave very little residue on the ground.    We put this feeder and another in front of our family room windows and have enjoyed their antics.    Mostly we get house finches and they are colorful and lively.    

Today, I looked out our large kitchen windows and found NINE birds sprawled on the patio.    These windows are under the upper deck and the feeder is out farther in the yard.    I had one very dead robin (they don't eat from feeders) and 8 finches in various stages of dead and stunned.    I was shocked and saddened.      I immediately removed the feeders.     We left the birds undisturbed and in the end, 4 managed to right themselves and wander off.    I'm not optimistic they will survive.    

So now, I'm feeling quite guilty and sad.    I will move the feeders to the perimeter of the yard and just have the hummingbird feeders by the family room.    I just got an oriole feeder and undecided if and where I will put it out.   

Birds are just amazing and especially the happy little finches.   We also have chickadees, cedar waxwings, kingfishers, crows, an occasional grackle, lots of swallows over the pond,  doves, hawks circling and lots of robins.     Most of those won't come to the feeders but I have my bird books and binoculars nearby to try and identify more of them.    

My straw bale is ready to plant and I am trying to decide on tomato varieties.   I can only plant a few things and will put some bright flowers around the sides.   It won't camouflage it at all but if I put in nasturtium and marigold it might help as a repellent.   I have to figure out a deer cover.   

Our Ladies golf league started yesterday.   It was 35 degrees and ominous but we bravely went forth.   Our group and most others lasted about 7 holes before rain, wind and probably some snow forced us in.... a luncheon followed with hot soup to start and lots of cupcakes to make us feel better. 

With uncertain weather, I'm using the treadmill most days.   I kind of miss the morning walks to check out the changing trees and pending flowers.   But it sure is nice to walk in my pjs.   And it's about time to get on my bike !!

Update:

More birds have hit the windows....I had the feeders  farther back and we had way too many birds.   And then they started flying into the windows again so I removed it all.     I'm puzzled as this has rarely happened in the past.   And I'm sad, for the dead and injured birds and for the loss of enjoyment from watching and identifying them.     The hummingbirds have returned and I will keep their feeders up.