The February bird
in my calendar is a Song Sparrow. This is a species that I rarely get in front of my cameras or in my backyard. The photo was taken on a lovely day that I spent at the Belle Isle Nature Center in Detroit last winter, talking to fellow nature lovers and showing my setup. They were nice enough to allow me to set up my camera outside their fabulous birdwatching window, and that is when this beautiful native sparrow came. It was a day full of snow, and I absolutely loved the wild, wintery background.
Christmas is getting closer
and in the days leading up to it, I am going to go through this year's calendar birds. You can get an Ostdrossel calendar in my shop here or following the link here at ostdrossel.com. There are four sizes available (the 8.5 one has a second, larger option).
The cover bird is a MoDo. This species has turned out to be an exceptional camera lover that creates some of the most hilarious portraits. The January bird is a male Red-bellied Woodpecker. They are quirky goofballs with a love for nuts, and we have them here all year. Last summer, we built a nestbox that would fit them, and we hope to get to see them raise a brood one day.
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.
During the winter,
a magical bird finds its way down to Michigan and enchants everybody who sees it. The Snowy Owl. This morning, we got up very early and went to an area where we thought we might see one (I will not disclose the location so there is no need to ask).
We got lucky. She was far away, too far for my humble lens to produce decent photos, but we got to witness the magic with our own eyes. My footage does not really do the bird justice, but I hope you still enjoy.
There is a lot of attention to them this year, probably because there are so many new birdwatchers, so it is good to remind everybody of proper etiquette - give them their space and put their safety first. No photo is worth a stressed out animal. Here is a great link with more information (https://www.projectsnowstorm.org/snowy-owl-etiquette/.
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)
Video: Breakfast with the Starlings
The flock came back this morning. My post last night evoked lots of interesting reactions. For the birder on a budget, Starlings can be a bit of a nuisance because of their voraciousness. They will chase other birds away and can be rather aggressive in defending the food (also amongst each other). They are an invasive bird in the US, and can be a threat to native cavity nesters like the Red-bellied Woodpecker, taking over nestboxes and killing the inhabitant. But they are also very clever, impressive and beautiful birds, and none of their behavior is their own fault. As a native European myself, I do feel a connection to them, but I am always glad to only enjoy them in small doses.
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)
Sometimes the backyard birder
has to venture out to see birds that would never visit their yard. I heard that people saw Common Redpolls in the area, and I got lucky to find a little flock, happily munching on native grasses and berries. I have never seen those cuties before, so it was very special. They were mostly feeding on the ground, but at some point, one jumped onto this plant right in front of me. And I was happy to have my camera ready to go. We are expecting snow this week - stay warm and in good spirits!
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.
