The Starlings
know that there are mealworms fed here and occationally in the open, so they stick around. It is interesting to see that some of them are starting to change into their mating looks - the beaks are turning yellow, they lose the “stars” and the legs and feet are getting more red. The sun loves them and reveals why I also call them “evil rainbows”.
Thank you!
With your help, we were able to donate a little contribution to the Houston Food Bank to help Texans during these crazy times.
The Bluebirds had a field day,
they checked out the nestbox, fought off and shared mealworms with the Juncos and were overall seeming to have a grand time. They are so fabulous against the snow and blue sky too.
This morning
temperatures were at -18 °C (I was born and raised in Germany, and Fahrenheit does not make sense to me, sorry). It was frosty but the sun was shining, and the snow was beautiful. Snow and sun always make for nice, clear photos, and some visitors showed their “chocolate side” as we say in German 🙂
I was hoping
for all kinds of cool photos on the big snow day…. But. The Starlings are still here, there are also tons of Goldfinches, and to be hinest, there is not a lot of exciting stuff happening. But here is a Hazel standing up to a Starling. Here’s to a better Wednesday!
And a pleasant surprise today -
Peanut was back! At least I like to think it is him, or I am naming him that. I have not seen a male Red-bellied Woodpecker since fall, I think. I hope he sticks around and likes the female. Maybe they will check out the woodpecker mansion too! Have a great Sunday!
It's that time of the year,
the Goldfinches are starting to turn a bit more yellow and are becoming more aggressive with one another, showing partially spectacular wing displays. I fall for their color change each year, getting excited about an early spring. But nope. This happens every year around this time.
If you are thinking
about how to spend this weekend... The Great Backyard Bird Count is going on! And you can share your data and contribute to science! I always thought this was super cool. Find all the info here: https://www.birdcount.org/
Video: BBs at the bath
The Bluebirds are currently loving the bird bath and come for sips and dips regularly throughout the day.
They are pretty always but look particularly nice against the snow backdrop. New photos tonight or tomorrow morning :) Have a happy Tuesday!
And here's a gallery
of Dark-eyed Juncos. There are plenty around right now, and I thoroughly enjoy these little birds. Their pew-pew-pew sounds are echoing all over the yard while they walk around, scratching in the snow for seeds or competing with the Bluebirds in the caged feeder for mealworms. I think these are mostly females, with the exception being the few all “black and white” colored ones. Have a nice weekend!
European Starlings have a reputation
of carrying disease and being “dirty birds”. Funnily enough, right now, they seem to be one of the cleanliest birds around. They take daily baths even in freezing temperatures, and then look rather funny with frozen feather tips. Because of them, I’ve had to refill and clean the bird bath almost every day during this cold spell.
The royal couple
has made themselves a little rare recently, maybe because the feeders were often occupied by Starlings and Mourning Doves, but the King finally secured a seat on the crystal again and enjoyed the breeze going through his glorious feathers.
I finally had some time
to go through photos, so today is a bit of a dump. I hope you enjoy :D First up - the Bluebirds! I usually have at least a pair around but when there’s lots of snow, the whole family comes over. They like to snack in groups or alone and will always check for dried mealworms.
Happy Feed the Birds Day!
Apparently, since 2016, February 3rd is the designated Feed The Birds Day. Here to wish everybody a great one is Hazel, the Red-bellied Woodpecker.
The so-called Snowbird,
or Dark-eyed Junco, is a very interesting bird to watch for the cold season. They come in all kinds of funky colorings, and are another bird that birdwatchers have fun with to figure out if they have a rarity around. Look up the Oregon variety for a lead to go down the Junco rabbit hole. Anyways, I think this is a healthy female. In reality, I am not sure of the gender of this bird, though. Stay warm and stay safe and wear a mask while you slide into the week!
Video: vocal Starlings in nest box
Some Starlings have been checking out the Flicker box that we built last year. We built a Starling-proof box but I took the shield away last summer to see if maybe a bird checks it on the way. A Flicker did indeed come and check it out a couple of times, so I am hopeful for the summer. I have now put the shield up that is supposed to deny the Starlings an entrance (apparently, they like to fly on head-on) but the Wyze cam got some cool footage before. Listen to these beatboxes!
The snow brought in
some unusual visitors - a couple of Brown-headed Cowbirds. The females (here on the left) are one of the hardest birds to identify for a beginner birdwatcher. But if you know what the males look like and compare their overall shape and the beaks, things become more clear.
