There's a new kid on the block!
Today, I spotted a bird at the feeders that I thought looked unusual. I grabbed the camera to get a closer look and snap some photos. Well, as it turns out, this is a juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker. I have only ever seen one one time, and that was in northern Michigan. It is a very elegant and beautiful species, and I am so happy about this. He liked the seed cylinder, so I quickly changed the Birdsy setup to try and capture some video of him too. I hope you enjoy.
Video: Chipping Sparrows at the pond
A group of Chippers has landed in the yard this morning, and made good use of the bath. These are native Sparrows in the US, tiny cute little things that are fun to have around.
On my quest
to not have the sun shine directly into the camera, I move my setup around a lot with the change of the seasons, and I am always looking for new backgrounds. This is one I recently started using, and today, the light was really lovely for a bit.
Feeling cute, might delete later...
I think the MoDos should develop a modeling course.
They certainly know what they are doing in front of the camera. 😆
The smurf family
is here regularly now, finding their way back to the caged feeder, the bird bath, and also peeking into the nestbox several times a day. I wonder what they are thinking because I made a little bed of dry grass in there for the Downy that is using it as a roosting spot. Here is a female BB. I am not sure if it is Lagertha, it might just as well be one of her kids. It is the same bird, these are from a series of photos.
The fall crowd
is starting to settle in for the cold season. I am still hoping for Purple Finches too but I am very happy that the Redbreasted Nuthatches are here again. I also saw the first Juncos yesterday. Here’s to a good new week!
(from left to right: Red-breasted Nuthatch, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Blue Jay, House Finch, Tufted Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Black-capped Chickadee)
It makes me happy
to watch the yard in the mornings and evenings because a group of Cardinals has started to take over. I have lived in this country for quite a bit now but they are still stunning to me with their vibrance and beauty.
The Bluebirds
have been absent for the late parts of the summer, but they are back. They are checking out the nestbox and the feeders and bath, and I am thrilled. Because otherwise, this is a bit of a downtime right now.
Ostdrossel 2021 calendars
I am pleased to announce the Ostdrossel calendar for 2021. There are four sizes available, three wall calendars and one desk calendar. All wall calendars have the species names on the back side with the thumbnails. The desk calendar has the species names on the photos.
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Video: White-crowned Sparrows
A nice little fall migration surprise this morning. There was also a White-throated Sparrow earlier. I only see these birds during migration times, so it is always special when they are around. They are larger than the average sparrow and have a pretty call as well.
I don't know why,
but for some reason my yard has been flooded with Blue Jays in the last two days. It must be a large family group that is migrating a bit farther south.
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.
Video: vocal morning visitor
This American Robin had quite a lot to say at 7 am :) Robins usually leave my area during the winter months, which is funny because they are the state bird of Michigan. I always kind of hope one stays.
Video: Bluebird uses warning call
An interesting scene from this morning. The young Bluebird first divebombs the Starling, then lets out a warning call. Bluebirds use this call to alert their peers that there is some kind of danger in the area. It is possible that there was a hawk around, but the Starling certainly seems to know the call and what it means. He looks startled!
The youngster
ist still elusive, but the King of the Yard himself showed today how nicely the molt has been going.
They are back
and I am so happy 😁💙 Today, Eastern Bluebirds graced my yard, I saw an adult male and some young ones, like these two. They have been absent since the last brood fledged in July. If you listen closely, you can hear one singing softly.
