Grackles and Red-winged Blackbirds
are still arriving or maybe even just passing through, but there are more each day, and the air is filled with their trills and snarls and calls. It is funny how certain sounds get you into a certain mood, and the songs and calls of these birds definitely have that effect. They are harbingers of spring.
The Common Redpoll
turned out to be a very cooperative little bird, checking out the camera feeders after he took at sip at the bird bath. Someone asked yesterday how to tell House Finches and Redpolls apart, and maybe these photos help a bit. Note that they are smaller than House Finches as well. And they seem to have a temperament similar to that of the Pine Siskins and Goldfinches.
Video: Backyard lifer!
Earlier today, a Common Redpoll graced my backyard. This was a wonderful surprise. Due to the irruption, they have been abundant in Michigan this winter, but I never had one right here. Now we can really move on to spring!
March is kind of the most boring time
of the year, especially bird-wise, but we have new visitors! The first harbingers of spring are here, and it is a reason to celebate. Today, the first Grack and Red-winged Blackbird found the photo cams, and the male Red-bellied Woodpecker was back!
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/.
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!
A nice little surprise
during these rather dull times at the feeders was this Pine Siskin today (in the second pic, there is also a Goldfinch). I used to have lots during the cold season but none in the last two years. Due to the irruption, they are back in lower Michigan, but I haven’t seen larger numbers. They are feisty and entertaining little bird, and I hope there will be more. and that they tell their northern friends the Evening Grosbeaks of my yard.
Sunday sunshine!
Baltimore activity is still quite high, even though this will soon change when the first ones start their fall migration. I always thought it was interesting to see their plumage variety, so here is a little gallery. I especially love the “Sunrise Tequila” one.
Video: Orchard Oriole
Orchard Orioles are the smaller relatives of the Baltimore Orioles. They have a very short nesting season, and I usually only see them passing through. I am assuming that the males at least have already begun their migration south. There was a young adult in the spring, maybe a female or youngster will show up now as well?
