Video: Dr. Clara at the pool
The camera was struggling a bit because of the constantly moving leaf shadows but I thought this scene was too cute not to share. Dr. Clara is behaving like me when I first go to take a dip 😆 Also, I just love their slow wing display. Bluebirds are magical.
Video: Dinner with the Blues!
The Bluebird babies have been in the yard for a couple of days, but the male always fed them by the caged feeder (that has no cam on it). Last night, they finally led them to the open tray, and Mom and Dad joined in the feeding duties. I have seen all five babies at some point but harsh weather, natural predators or individualism might have separated the siblings. Anyways, here is some happiness to make your Saturday better. (No, the babies are not considerably larger, the angle makes it appear so.)
Video: Not the Nasturtium!
We plant a little flower patch each year around the bird bath, and this year, the nasturtiums are plenty. I was so happy because I love using them in the kitchen, but I guess others like them too 😆 (I know that groundhogs can damage gardens and sheds, but we have one every year and the house and garden are still standing.)
Birdsy 4th of July offer - extended
I hear that the special offer will be extended until tomorrow due to popular demand. Check it out at birdsy.com :)
As many of you know, I have been using the Birdsy camera for my livestream and videos for a while now. I love it because it captures many things I would not be able to capture with my other cameras, and it has given me lots of insights into the secret things happening in my yard. I would not want to be without it anymore, ha! Many people have asked me about it, so I thought I would give you a little heads up - they are having a special sale on the 4th of July on their website birdsy.com. This is only for the US but a good chance to get a camera right now. Sales for other areas will start later. I have a little more info about the camera in my FAQ too.
Video: Those slow summer days
where all the birds are taking care of their babies and there is a thunderstorm every four hours can be a bit boring for the backyard birder. But the bird bath still provides good entertainment. Here is a surprise Cedar Waxwing, who was joined by a Baltimore Oriole.
Video: A sunbather
On very hot days, it can happen that birds go into an odd-looking pose, spreading out their wings, beak open and just remaining like that for a bit. It can look concerning, but it does not mean they are sick or injured - they are taking a sunbath. The reason is not entirely clear, and explanations range from plumage care to personal enjoyment. If you want to read more, you could check this article. (Birds also sometimes do something called “anting” where they sit in a spot with lots of ants, also for plumage care, but here, the Blue Jay is sunbathing.)
Video: A new pond visitor
I love it when a new bird comes and the pond cam lens is clean. (I run out all the time to wipe it but sometimes my timing is off. It's a good workout in this weather 😁)
I am thinking immature Cooper's. Never had any other ones here and it feels like the legs and overall size are bigger than a Sharp-shinned.
Video: A white whale backyard bird
Today was a special day - a group of Cedar Waxwings came to the pond! They are one of my white whale backyard birds because they do not come to feeders and I find them so cool looking. We planted lots of plants in the garden because we heard they lure them in :D The other bird is an American Robin, and he cracked me up because he seemed rather unhappy about the jolly group using his pool.
Video: Raccoon babies!
We noticed a nipply mommy raccoon recently, and were wondering if or when we would see babies. Well, tonight they came. Once again, I did not have the heart to edit, so please enjoy five minutes of baby racoons, and choose your favorite :D
Video: He has been back
every other night now, and while I don't want to jinx it, he might be a regular now... I think in this one, some sort of ear tuft is visible, so I am now leaning more towards my initial thought Northern Screech. It is a delight to wake up in the morning, check my Birdsy app and see that there are new owl videos from the night 😊
Video: Would you have thought
that House Finches like oranges? I was surprised when I noticed for the first time years ago. But who doesn’t like oranges? there are numerous options to offer oranges as food for birds, from spiking them on a shepherd’s hook to stuffing them into suet cages or putting halves in dishes. This feeder here was provided to me by the Canadian company Moore Birdfeeders to test. They have been making their feeders by hand for more than 25 years now, and I was excited to try them. This one here has a cool concept for the orange halves, and I was happy to see the House Finches using it.
Video: Mr. Matt Fowley, the owl
has returned last night and seemed to enjoy the splish splash as much as I did my shower after this extremely hot day. He still looks nervous but the sound of the water must have been too tempting. His bathing moves are also getting more bold. I will never get tired of watching this 😄
(Now people are telling me that it is a Screech owl. I am no owl expert, I thought Screech initially and was then corrected and found the roundness fit for the Saw Whet. If there are owl experts present, feel free to shower me with your knowledge.)
Video: After about two weeks
of not seeing any hummingbirds, yesterday this shy female came around. This was lovely because it was also my birthday :) She was back this morning, looking a bit like she had spider webs on her beak, so hopefully there is nestbuilding underway somewhere and activity will pick up.
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.
Video: Look who was back!
An owl came to my bird bath a couple of times last year when I did not have the pond set up, and the videos were some of the highlights of my birdwatching year. I was hoping it would return, and last night it did. I love how it is exploring everything. This is four minutes long, I did not feel like editing any of it. I hope you enjoy and have a pleasant Wednesday!
Adding a second video here because Owlie was back Friday morning, this time going all in!
It seems to remain unclear what kind of owl it is. I initially thought Screech, then someone convincingly said it might be a Saw whet. Now someone else came up and said Screech. Whatever it is, I enjoy the visits. Maybe at some point the ID will be more conclusive.
Videos: The tree setup
The camera I set up in a tree is proving to be an entertaining setup, especially in the morning. Here, a Blue Jay comes to hide one single seed and then a bit later comes back to retrieve it. The female Oriole came to check out the nesting material options. I put nesting wool (I got mine from Wild Birds Unlimited), grass and roots in there. Don't use dryer lint, hair from pets with treated fur, or yarns. Audubon has a nice article about what is safe for the birds to put out.
Video: Here comes the sun...
…and one of Bette Midler’s new favorite birds, and I say - it’s all right 🌞 The last couple of days I have been pacing the windows and watching the feeders like a hawk. The local birdwatching groups were full of Oriole sighting reports, and there were none in my yard. But I am happy to report that they are back! and such a pleasing sight. Now with the Grosbeak back as well, I am ready for those glorious first days of May where anything can happen bird-wise. Happy Sunday!
Video: FOY White-throated Sparrow
Spring migration is underway, and while I haven't seen an Oriole or Hummingbird yet, this beauty stopped by the bird bath this morning. White-throated Sparrows are native to the US, and they look super cool with their bib and head markings. I only get them for short periods, so it is always a delight to see one.
I have seen numerous Oriole sighting reports yesterday, so they should also arrive here any day / hour now. The Bluebird babies had a huge growth spurt yesterday, are developing their dotted “PJs” and have started to exercise their wings. Dr. Clara did not spend the night on the nest with them but this could also have been because it was so warm. Things are looking up in the garden too. Baby veggies are getting bigger and the fruit trees are full of blooms. Even the Mulberry that we transplanted here a couple of years ago as a sapling has a bloom. I cannot believe my favorite month May is almost here.
Video: Home improvement for the Robins
Robins use mud to fortify their nests. I have seen them starting to build the other day and thought it would be fun to make a little mud pit for them. It has been dry for a bit so they seemed to appreciate it. I mixed soil and water with some small roots and dried leaves.
Pond season!
I have been rather busy last week, so there have not been many photos, but things are more relaxed now. I put the pond back together too, and while it is not finished yet, the birds seem to be happy, and the livestream is back too. My prediction of Orioles and Hummingbirds last week did not turn out to be true but sighting reports are becoming more frequent, and historically, the last week of April and first week of May have been THE time for the first ones to arrive in my yard. Here’s to spring, it truly has sprung now!
