There is a children’s book named the Selfish Giant (excerpts):

“My own garden is my own garden,” said the Giant. “Anyone can understand that, and I’ll allow nobody to play in it but myself.” So he built a high wall around it, and put up a notice that said, “Trespassers will be prosecuted.”
He was a very selfish Giant.

Then spring came, and all over the country, there were little blossoms and little birds. But it remained wintertime in the garden of the selfish Giant. The birds did not care to sing in it as there were no children, and the trees forgot to blossom. Once, a beautiful flower poked its head out from the grass, but when it saw the notice, it was so sorry for the children that it slipped back into the ground again.

Here in northern Minnesota, during the deep winter with its cold north wind and severe cold, it would appear “The Selfish Giant” has triumphed. In my yard the giant has been defeated. Hundreds and hundreds of birds visit my five feeders every day; their color and song brightens the winter landscape. Over the course of the day I see cardinals, purple finches, goldfinches, redpolls and many, many more species. Even when not feeding, many of the birds remain in my yard and fill my local world with song and color! Here is just one example from yesterday’s performance, a red-bellied woodpecker.

• View this project’s Flickr photo stream. (click upon images to view at full size)

Sunrise Color (this woodpecker always visits a few minutes before dawn)

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The Giant’s Castle … Not My Yard!