Livestream PSA
I have several Birdsy cameras in my yard that I am livestreaming in different spots. The main bath/ pond in the summer can be watched here on my website but also on BirdsyTV. The Tree cam and the green bath cam are livestreaming on that website as well, I am going to post links below. You can give my channels and cams and also videos a like there too. The website will eventually grow but there are already several cams public there. My own livecams change throughout the year, I may move them around, activate and deactivate per my needs. But here is how you find them:
1. Ostdrossel pond channel: https://birdsy.com/l/355115274eb4873b and ostdrossel.com/livestream
2. Ostdrossel3 channel (tree cam and shed cam and sometimes a third one): https://birdsy.com/c/Ostdrossel3
Activity will ramp up in the coming weeks with migration starting, so there may be lots of fun stuff to see. Check it out if you like
I am seeing a lot of ads for
for "THE AI BIRD FEEDER" and things like that, and I would like to state that I am not using any of these birdfeeder cameras. For my photos I use a homemade setup with an action camera, and for video and streaming I use Birdsy cameras. Many of the currently available feeder cams appear to be knockoffs (makers saw products in Kickstarter that garnered a lot of attention and then proceeded to quickly produce lesser quality products and flooded the market with them). They are often pricey gadgets and not the quality they may promise to be. My opinion of this is coming from seeing posts in birding groups, as well as my own research for what is out there and promising. I can only recommend Birdsy so far because it is what I use and because I know there is a solid, authentic and diligent team behind it. My general advice would be - do some research, try to find feedback and don’t spend fortunes on bad products.
If you are a maker of a feeder cam, feel free to send me one, I will put it to the test.
Have a great Friday!
Ostdrossel link to Birdsy Kickstarter
This is live now, and you can pledge to get yourself a Birdsy camera. Birdsy will record and monitor the wildlife in your garden with the help of AI. It will identify the birds and mammals that come to visit you, and save the videos in your own Birdsy account. There, you can watch your own livestream, save videos or share them with others. I have been using this system for about a year now, and I can tell you, it can become quite addictive :D Let me know if you have any questions.
To pledge, follow this link: https://birdsy-ai-records-and-ids.kckb.st/190e5d15
If you are interested in Birdsy,
go and sign up on their Kickstarter page. Birdsy launches TOMORROW, Mon June 15th 2020 at 11:30am EST. I will have special Ostdrossel links for you tomorrow as well. I am very excited for the Birdsy team, but also for all the birdwatchers who get to use Birdsy!
Video: Orchard Oriole
This morning, we were greeted by snow and this happily singing Orchard Oriole. I usually get one male visitor per season, and it is always a special occasion. They are slightly smaller than the Baltimore Orioles. I had left the feeder out for the night, and it seems the edge was a little sticky. I cleaned it right away this morning. This is a good reminder to not offer grape jelly in large containers or plates and cleaning those regularly. The sticky residue can easily get on bird feathers or feet, making it harder for them to fly. Snow in May is pretty crazy and unusual, but I also haven’t seen any hummingbirds this year yet either.
Video: A dispute at the bird bath
Now that the days are getting longer and the weather a bit warmer, the pools get more frequented. For some reason, the tiny bird bath on the pedestal is very popular, and they all want to sit there. The female Rose-breasted Grosbeak didn’t give in and won pool rights. Lens and bath were cleaned and replenished. Captured with the Birdsy camera.
Video: The female Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
have arrived now as well. These birds are true badasses. They will sit through a thunderstorn when they have good seed in front of them. They have a very beautiful song and begging sounds, too, but when they are angry, they squeal like a rubber ducky :)
Video: Screech Owl this morning
6 AM, the Robins are already awake. Screecher goes for some more sips before bedtime.
Video: Rosebreasted Grosbeak FOY 2020
It is funny that all the spring arrivals are happening on an especially wet day, but here we are.
(Since so many keep asking - I got the feeder at my local Wild birds Unlimited store. It should also be available online. Google “Oriole feeder”.)
Video: Baltimore Oriole FOY!
I thought I heard one yesterday, and a bird migration forecast page said there was a huge movement coming, so I was excited for today. And nature did not disappoint - it felt like Christmas! First thing I saw out of the window was a Rosebreasted Grosbeak, and when I checked the Birdsy camera, I saw this beautiful guy :D I have not seen a Hummingbird yet, but they are usually all coming on the same day. Spring is here!
Baltimore Orioles and Orchard Orioles (I get them here as well occasionally) love oranges and grape jelly. This is what I put out for them. The jelly dish should not be too large so they don’t get their feathers sticky.
Video: There's a new friend in town
I have seen a couple of Chipping Sparrows in the last few days but never on the feeder. This one was brave and checked it out this morning. Chipping Sparrows are native to the US. They are smaller than House Sparrows and overall adorable. I am glad to see them back.
A double puff
is better than a single puff. Grackles have a very impressive way of showing their beauty and dominance during mating season.
Video: She's got a voice!
Lagertha the Bluebird lady came in the early morning and could not stop singing. She has been very busy in the nest and still is trying to make it comfy. Ragnar, her partner, has been bringing feathers into the box occasionally, and I always wonder if that is something like gift-giving amongst them.
