Love is in the air...
A Northern Flicker has discovered that our gutter has a nice resonating quality and has drummed to impress the ladies quite a bit. Which prompted us to build an experimental starling-proof Flicker nest box. I am excited to see how that goes. Well, and the Blue Jays are also getting cozy :)
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 :)
The Baltimore Orioles
are so much fun to have around.
I have not seen the Orchard Oriole yet, but I hope it will show up this year too.
This Cardinal
made a glorious appearance in the morning sun, reminding everyone why he is the King of the Yard.
Goldfinches
are the mini kamikaze of the bird world, it seems. At this time of the year you see them squabbling all the time. Males with males, females with females, as well as couples. Do they ever get along?
The Grosbeaks
are still dripping in slowly, but I saw a female yesterday too. The males are so pleasant to look at with their bloody bib.
For some reason
it feels like there are more Cowbirds around this year. Or maybe I am just paying more attention to them. Pictured here is a female.
Video: Screech Owl this morning
6 AM, the Robins are already awake. Screecher goes for some more sips before bedtime.
Masks available in Redbubble shop!
I am still designing more and am open to suggestions. But there are some masks available now in my Redbubble shop. There is also a new Cardi and Nuthatch motive, available on several things. I linked the photos to the pages. I will donate all profits to a cause supporting covid-19 relief.
Features (per Redbubble)
Non-medical face masks help you express yourself even when you can't show your face
Two layers of soft 100% brushed polyester with sublimation print on the outside layer
7.25" x 4.6" / 18.5 x 11.5 cm with over-ear elastic straps for a snug fit over mouth and nose
Wash after each use
For every mask sold, Redbubble will make a donation to Heart to Heart International
Do not use as medical personal protective equipment
Adult use only and should not be placed on young children younger than 2 years of age, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the cover without assistance
The Robins
have begun building their nests. I have seen them walking around, collecting leaves and grasses. They also use mud to fortify their nests. Which is why right now, you also might see Robins with muddy beaks. They are still coming to the feeders too, which the Red-bellied Woodpecker lady was not amused about. The second one made me think of Billy Porter.
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: Eastern Screech Owl at the bird bath
I just casually checked the livestream when, much to my delight, I spotted this adorable Eastern Screech owl taking a dip and a sip in the bird bath. I never even knew I had them in my backyard before I had the Birdsy camera. I am loving the bird bath setup, it is a nice little change from the feeder, and it might capture some of the spring migrants that never actually make it to my feeders. They all need to drink!
Nestbox camera: The House Wren is back
For several years now, a House Wren has raised broods in a nestbox that we made with the intention to get woodpeckers to nest in there. It is quite a mansion for such a tiny bird, but they seem to like it. I am excited to see how things progress.
As we wait for the summer guests to arrive,
these guys, the Redwinged Blackbirds, are filling the air with their song and show off their gorgeous colors. The females have arrived now too, but they are still camera shy. Hopefully that changes, because they are quite beautiful too.
