Video: Robin eating pokeberry
I found this huge pokeberry plant in my yard, and thought maybe it could be a chance to get some Cedar Waxwing videos. I haven’t seen any so far, but today, a Robin came to check the berries out. I never really thought about how they get to them but I wouldn’t have thought they jumped! (Footage is not perfect, I still need to figure out the best angle etc. but I thought it would be fun to share.)
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.
Video: “Crowing” Blue Jay
Friday is finally here, and this Blue Jay couldn’t have heralded it
in a more perfect way.
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.
Video: FOY Red-breasted Nuthatch :D
I didn’t have any of these little guys last year, and then heard that the reason was that they had ample food sources farther north last year, so they didn’t need to come south for the winter. Well, they are back and I am so glad. Red-breasted Nuthatches are very entertaining to have around, they sound like mini-beatboxes and are one of the tamest birds I have ever met.
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.
Donation to Feeding America
Thanks to your generosity, I was able to donate $46 to Feeding America today. The next donation will go to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. Check out all available face masks (and other cool stuff) in my Redbubble shop or here at ostdrossel.com.
I am also planning to make calendars again this year. There will be an update when the time has come.
Video: female Scarlet Tanager
What a nice surprise yesterday, a female Scarlet Tanager showed up at the bird bath. These birds are so cool looking, and I only ever saw two males from very far away. (the other birds are a Mourning Dove and a Brown-headed Cowbird)
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!
The little man
continues to elude me! Even the Blue Jay pep talk could not convince him to check out the bowl.
