Of all the birds that visit my feeders,
I think it is safe to say the Mourning Doves take most portraits. I think it has to do with their greediness a bit, they love the small bowl that only allows for one bird to feed at a time. If another bird approaches, they put the wing up and move around to protect the bounty. They can be overwhelming in numbers and appetite. But they are experts at being models for bird portraits, so that evens things out a bit.
The Royals
came out to show off in the sun today. I have several Cardi couples around, and recently, this female has started coming to the Birdsy cam in the early mornings and evenings. I was happy to finally see her on the photo cam today. It is not the original Queen Red Eyebrow, but she has some pretty strong markings too. The male always either comes shortly before or after her.
The House Finches
are really interesting this year. These are three different guys, all the same species, yet each of them looking beautiful in his own different way. Nature makes the dull days still a bit exciting with that. And it keeps my mind active because I constantly think about where the birds go to dine out and what native plants I can add to my garden to make it more attractive to them. Have a beautiful Thursday!
The small crowd
for the winter - these guys are very diligent and alert and work all day to get their winter stashes ready. I also saw a Brown Creeper today, and I am sure he appreciates every morsel the Nuthatches are hiding in the trees.
(House Finch, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, White-breasted Nuthatch)
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!
The Bluebirds
know that they can still get to the mealworms in the caged feeder without being bothered by the Starlings (the openings are too small for them), so they are coming around frequently. Visiting the bath, going for mealworms, and delighting me. I guess they do have their nickname for a reason :)
(male, female, female w/ House Finch, male, male)
The Starlings are back.
In the last two days, a group of Starlings mixed with Cowbirds has rained down on my yard and raided the feeders. The mealworms are back to being offered in the caged feeder exclusively, and I hope this flock will move on soon. The camera did capture their spirit and colors well, though 😆.
Here’s to an enthusiastic Monday!
With this Blue Jay
that appears to be “nicely smiling” for the camera, I want to wish everyone a wonderful Friday. Stay warm and be safe out there.
Tufted Titmice
love peanuts, and will make many trips to the feeder to grab a piece and take it to a secret hiding spot. Or they eat right there and then, holding the nut with their feet while pecking away.
The snow has melted again here, and now is a good time to make sure everything is winterized and ready for when the big white hits.
When the sun comes out
and teams up with snow, even royalty cannot remain all sophisticated and needs to let some goof out.
Snow day today!
The birds came in droves and the day concluded with a gorgeous pink sky. Snow is always a nice backdrop, so I am hoping for a couple more days like this, maybe with some sun?
(Brownheaded Cowbird, Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, female House Finch)
House Finches
are one of those birds that are always here, and we kind of take them for granted. I do too. But they are interesting to watch too! The color intensity and variety of the males is changing with their diet, and some of them can appear so vibrant that people are thrown off and think they saw a Purple Finch. Here is a local resident. Same bird in both photos (I think). Different days and light.
New mask style on Redbubble
Redbubble has made fitted masks available, and I have added a couple to the shop too. They can be found here: ostdrossel.redbubble.com, but I am also linking the photos below. Code DEALS2020 takes off between 20 and 60% of selected products there all weekend, according to Redbubble. Profits of these will go into the donation bucket.
The royal couple
does not mind the rain much, and I think it might have to do with them being probably better camouflaged than in any other season right now. I love all her blush around the face and crest, and the King always looks gorgeous with a little rain on him anyways. Have a wonderful weekend!
More wet mops
from the last rainy few days. It is nice that is is not freezing yet but snow looks better than all the dull wetness. And the birds always look a little pitiful when wet too. Here are Hazel the Redbellied Woodpecker and one of the Bluebird males.
Lots of rain today,
and I am gazing at the fascinating wonder of rain drops on bird feathers outside. I hope you all have a dry spot today, and a belly full of food. I am thankful to have you to share my photos and stories with, and also grateful to have the luxury of feeding birds. I hope you all have a good day today. It might be different from other years, but it is the spirit that counts. And always has, if you are being honest :) Happy Thanksgiving!
This Goldfinch
had such a cute little agistated pose. (I know I am lagging behind with photos a bit but I am busy work-wise this week, which is very welcome. The cams are out, I just need a moment to process photos.)
Come good into Wednesday!
Snow days
always make the birds congregate. And this year, for reasons we all probably somehow can relate to, I am enjoying seeing them eat together in peace a bit more than usual.
(pairings are: Whitebreasted Nuthatch + American Goldfinch, Redbellied Woodpecker + Redbreasted Nuthatch, House Finch + American Goldfinch, House Finch + Tufted Titmouse)
Hazel the resident
Red-bellied Woodpecker lady is enjoying a morsel as much as I hope you are enjoying your Friday night and weekend.
Ragnar the Bluebird man
is having a relationship with the golden morning light and the camera. There is no bird that looks better on my setup than the Bluebird. It is no wonder that they are one of my favorites. And the inspiration for my alias. “Ostdrossel” was what came up when I first tried to find out the German name for the Eastern Bluebird. An automated translation result. In reality, they are Rotkehl-Hüttensänger (“red-throated hut singers”), which is also not too bad of a name.