And now that traffic
has generally slowed down a bit, some of the birds that haven’t visited feeders in a while are showing up again. I was so happy to see the Cardinal lady! She was not with her man but lunched with a House Finch 😍 Speaking of Cardinals - my fundraiser for Kentucky is still running over at my Redbubble shop, if you are inclined. Have a great Tuesday!
Lookie here!
I feel like I have heard Grackles for a bit now but I was never sure. But this beauty visited today. I am still not calling an early spring, just happy to have some that pass through on their journey… Have a great Tuesday!
The September bird
of the Ostdrossel calendar for 2022 is one of my favorite MoDo photos. This silly bird was posing like for an iconic painting. The light and leaves make the look perfect. It is hilarious and beautiful at the same time. The calendar is available in several sizes and you can get it here: https://www.createphotocalendars.com/Shop/ostdrossel. Have a great Tuesday!
Video: Last but not least,
Herr von Bödefeld finally made another showing too 😍 I always feel so bad for opossums in the winter and want to make them little possum mittens. By the way, if you find little compact pellets in your feeders in the mornings, you might have an opossum coming around to feed. They munch on the seeds and then make a compact pellet out of the hulls and spit that out. It is not poop!
A quick Hello
during a busy start of a work week. The light right now is interesting, either almost blindingly bright or so murky that every hour seems like 5 PM. I do prefer the sunny days, though. It is true that birdwatching makes you more aware of the cycles in nature, and I always find it interesting to see how the position of the sun is changing with the seasons. Somehow, that regularity is soothing amidst the chaos of life. Now, with the trees almost empty, there is also a noticeable uptick in hawk activity, so far with no casualties. Here are a Blue Jay and a House Finch to brighten your Tuesday, and I hope it is a good one.
The weather
has turned from scorch and humidity to a pleasant warmth with a nice breeze. A good time to do some gardening and think about winter feeding options and the calendar for next year. There are Black Walnuts, Beech trees and oaks around, and I like to gather some foods “in the wild” to feed to the birds too. Here are the current regulars, minus House Finches and Sparrows, the occasional Oriole, and camera-shy Flickers and Cardinals. The MoDo came with a baby. Have a great Tuesday!
Videos: Finally!
It’s hatch day for the Bluebirds 🥰 Very early in the morning, Dr. Clara and Mandrake's babies started to hatch. In the first video, you can see her helping and also eating the eggshell. In the second video, you can see Mandrake coming in, making a call and bringing food. The vocal interactions during incubation have been sparse, but now there is communication each time food is brought. Four have hatched, one egg is left. It is swampy outside today, so they should feel nice and comfy.
It has rained
Bluebird babies yesterday while I was gardening in the evening. I am happy to report that it now looks like all four have made it. They are seemingly different characters, some more enthusiastic and brave than others. They are still focused on the parents and follow them around but they will become more independent in the coming weeks. Hopefully, they stick around and will help the parents defending the nestbox. It was absolutely wonderful to sit in the yard last night and just listen and watch. My favorite time of the year is here.
Happy Tuesday
with a little gallery of the current “staff”. I love that also this year, there is a Grack with a blue sheen that looks different than the usual more purple ones. The Goldfinches are beginning to look very funny, the Titmice seem to be staying for the season, and Peanut the Redbellied Woodpecker is showing why this species is named so.
(Redbellied Woodpecker, Grackle, Grackle, Mourning Dove, Goldfinch, Cardinal, Blue Jay, Redwinged Blackbird, Tufted Titmouse)
Video: BBs at the bath
The Bluebirds are currently loving the bird bath and come for sips and dips regularly throughout the day.
They are pretty always but look particularly nice against the snow backdrop. New photos tonight or tomorrow morning :) Have a happy Tuesday!
Happy National Bird Day!
Well, to be honest, every day is bird day to me but it is nice to see that there is an official date to celebrate our feathered friends too. My personal bird ambassador this year is the Red-breasted Nuthatch because I am so happy to have them back in my yard after a two-year absence. Quick as always, and almost not in frame.
Have a beautiful Tuesday!
The most interesting
House Finch is still frequenting the yard, and I am always excited to see him and explore his fabulous plumage. I have no idea what he ate this summer, but it looks like he knows what he is doing.
Here’s to an eclectic Tuesday!