The extreme heat
of the last two days has been rough on everybody, including the garden. The bird bath was visited frequently, and during the hottest hours, everybody was looking for shade or ways to stay cool. Some take sunbaths, looking like they have a seizure, others puff up. Apart from the Grackles, the MoDos are my favorite puffer uppers. They always seem very self-confident, and this one is no exception.
And a lot of traffic
And a lot of traffic can create quick interactions and surprise gatherings at the feeders. The Blue Jays, Starlings and Goldfinches were exceptionally active. I love these interaction shots but they are often not in focus, so here are three rare examples. I hope you have a pleasant Monday with no bad surprise gatherings 😊
Today, we have
the first more winterish weather here - it’s been murky and sleety all day. The birds are not amused. I hope you have a warm spot and will bob into the week as effortlessly as this MoDo.
Red-winged Blackbirds
have quite the variety when it comes to their plumage and colors. Epaulet intensity and overall feather patterns are depending on their gender as well as their age, and I guess the individual bird too. This speckled specimen is a young adult male. He still shows some of the beautiful baby pattern but is growing into the black, glossy plumage of the adult males. Just what the goofball in the gif is showing off.
Happy Feed the Birds Day!
Apparently, since 2016, February 3rd is the designated Feed The Birds Day. Here to wish everybody a great one is Hazel, the Red-bellied Woodpecker.
I don't post them often enough,
but I love the Whitebreasted Nuthatches. There seem to be several couples around. This is a male, his head cap is black, whereas the one of the female is blue-gray.
