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)
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.
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.
Lots of rain today,
and I am gazing at the fascinating wonder of rain drops on bird feathers outside. I hope you all have a dry spot today, and a belly full of food. I am thankful to have you to share my photos and stories with, and also grateful to have the luxury of feeding birds. I hope you all have a good day today. It might be different from other years, but it is the spirit that counts. And always has, if you are being honest :) Happy Thanksgiving!
This Goldfinch
had such a cute little agistated pose. (I know I am lagging behind with photos a bit but I am busy work-wise this week, which is very welcome. The cams are out, I just need a moment to process photos.)
Come good into Wednesday!
Snow days
always make the birds congregate. And this year, for reasons we all probably somehow can relate to, I am enjoying seeing them eat together in peace a bit more than usual.
(pairings are: Whitebreasted Nuthatch + American Goldfinch, Redbellied Woodpecker + Redbreasted Nuthatch, House Finch + American Goldfinch, House Finch + Tufted Titmouse)
Hazel the resident
Red-bellied Woodpecker lady is enjoying a morsel as much as I hope you are enjoying your Friday night and weekend.
Ragnar the Bluebird man
is having a relationship with the golden morning light and the camera. There is no bird that looks better on my setup than the Bluebird. It is no wonder that they are one of my favorites. And the inspiration for my alias. “Ostdrossel” was what came up when I first tried to find out the German name for the Eastern Bluebird. An automated translation result. In reality, they are Rotkehl-Hüttensänger (“red-throated hut singers”), which is also not too bad of a name.
There seems to be no bird in my yard
with more “facial expressions” than the Tufted Titmouse. I also think puppy eyes should be renamed to Titter eyes 😆 Cause who could say No to that?
It was picture day,
and everybody had their portrait taken. Those who are small in size got a full-body one 😃
(Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow, Redbellied Woodpecker, Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, House Finch, Northern Cardinal, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Blue Jay)
The Goldfinches are back,
and and as usual, are creating a little drama whenever they come across a fellow Goldfinch. They do play nice with the House Finches and others. The House Finch in the middle is the most interesting guy, and he seems to be a local. He has fantastic hues of red, brown and even orange in his feathers.
