The House Finches
are back in numbers, showing their offspring the fall and winter feeding spots and enjoying more space in the yard (because the large migrant bird groups have gone). These are all 100 % House Finches. I like their color variety.
Slomo video: An unsuccessful hunter
This morning, a Cooper’s Hawk tried his luck in the yard. He got a MoDo’s feathers but was not successful, as the video revealed when I slowed it down. These guys are so fast, it is amazing to watch them.
It is wonderful
to see the Bluebirds returning to my yard. I have to admit, I almost took them for granted because they were so much around in recent years. But this year’s couple was a bit different, they never returned after the last brood fledged. It looks a lot like the family of Ragnar and Lagertha are here to spend the winter.
The Cardis
are becoming a little bit more accustomed to the camera, it seems. Or maybe they are just more easy about it because the larger birds are not around in such great numbers anymore. anyways. Here is a beautiful Queen of the Yard and a young King. He still has some black on his beak and he was too close to be in focus, but I hope he will return. The Cardinals seem to have had a really good summer.
The youngster
ist still elusive, but the King of the Yard himself showed today how nicely the molt has been going.
With the change of the seasons,
also the light and cover in the yard is changing. I like setting the camera up in different spots to explore different options. This spot was nice even if the sun was a bit too harsh at times.
I think the Chickadees
are happy they found some allies of equal size now that the yard has calmed down for the fall. And I am so happy about the Red-breasted Nuthatches! I spotted two of them on the big tree today.
The price you pay
when you’re hunting that teen Cardi and put the cam on the ground… Here’s one of each squirrel kind I have visiting. Top left to bottom right: Fox Squirrel (that is the largest kind), Eastern Gray Squirrel, American Red Squirrel (tiniest here and feisty, and I think this one is preggo), and a melanistic Gray Squirrel.
As a little Sunday surprise,
the Blue Jays have leaked the cover of their next album. Influences of Death Metal and Hardcore are interwoven with ethno and hip hop beats and folkloristic melodies, as a commentary on the current state of the world, I’ve been told.
I am still impatiently waiting
for the return of the Redbreasted Nuthatches but in the meantime, the Titmice are wonderful to have around. After an initial shyness around the cameras, they are now super curious and inquisitive and make many trips to check if more food is there. I am also really getting a kick out of their vocalizations.
Two young House Sparrows
are sharing a spot at the bowl. A group of them often comes around at this time of the year. The youngsters are cute, but as someone who also has a Bluebird nestbox in the yard, I am always quite happy when I don’t see any House sparrows. If you are interested in the challenges and aspects of the relationship between House Sparrows and Bluebirds, check out the very informative sialis.org.
I love these guys.
Today, Titmice and Chickadees had the majority of photos on my cameras. It was a lot of fun hearing them squeal and squeak with excitement when they discovered a feeder. And they sound so similar too! I am ready to get showered in Titter and Chickie goodness all fall and winter.
Nothing much going on
except for Blue Jays and Mourning Doves these days, so this Robin was a lovely surprise. In some parts of Michigan, they stay during the winter, but where I live, they leave and come back in spring.
Pretty bird ladies
I usually don’t post House Sparrows, but they are around right now, and I thought the portrait of this young one was very sweet. It fit well together with the Cardi lady who also sat still to have her picture taken.
Pink brothers
These young House finches have a coat that is matching the dish. I am happy to see a bit more of them right now, otherwise it is mostly Blue Jays and Mourning Doves.
Posing twins!
It was funny how similar this Redbellied Woodpecker lady and the Grackles were in front of the camera.
The Grackles have mostly left for their winter quarters but some are still passing through. This season seemed so short for some reason, and I am going to miss them.
Everybody was enjoying
this nice, shadowy spot. At least until…
On a sidenote, that Titter looks so happy!
