Video: Turf war!
Trash panda and smelly teddy are having a turf war over spilled seed. The skunk’s defense is giving the word buttress a whole new meaning 😆 Bird traffic has slowed down a lot right now, so the photo bounty is a bit meagre. With temperatures dropping, things will pick up soon again. I am still hoping for some Evening Grosbeaks, but so far I got none.
Video: Elfriede the Opossum
This young opossum has been coming to the yard recently, and I just love watching it. I called it Elfriede, which is a German name equivalent to maybe Ethel. And yes, I am assuming it is a she. I just love her little feet and the tail and the fuzzy coat. She is very careful and alert, but she comes every night. I hope she stays.
Video: Kid Icarus!
Tonight, the Birdsy cam captured a Flying Squirrel in the yard! We have named him Kid Icarus.
Fun fact: There are nine squirrel species in Michigan, per the DNR. I would not have considered Chipmunks and Groundhogs the squirrel species, very interesting. And the Thirteen-lined ground Squirrel is on my wish list of animals to see now.
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.
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.
Video: fuzzy night visitor
Last night, the trifecta of Michigan nightly visitors came to the waterhole - a raccoon, a skunk and then this adorable fuzzy butt, an Opossum. I am happy to see him, it has been a while. I am busy with work this weekend, and bird traffic is not extraordinary, so I am a bit slow with photos. However, the calendar is in the works, and the cameras are out to capture whatever fun stuff might happen. Have a great Saturday!
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.
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!
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.
Video: Robin eating pokeberry
I found this huge pokeberry plant in my yard, and thought maybe it could be a chance to get some Cedar Waxwing videos. I haven’t seen any so far, but today, a Robin came to check the berries out. I never really thought about how they get to them but I wouldn’t have thought they jumped! (Footage is not perfect, I still need to figure out the best angle etc. but I thought it would be fun to share.)
Video: “Crowing” Blue Jay
Friday is finally here, and this Blue Jay couldn’t have heralded it
in a more perfect way.
Video: MoDo at the bath
Now that there is not as much action at the bath anymore because it is getting cooler, I thought it would be fun to change the focus of the bath cam a bit towards the edge. This MoDo couldn’t help itself and had to show off.
Video: female Scarlet Tanager
What a nice surprise yesterday, a female Scarlet Tanager showed up at the bird bath. These birds are so cool looking, and I only ever saw two males from very far away. (the other birds are a Mourning Dove and a Brown-headed Cowbird)
Video: two Hummers in the rain
It was cold and rainy this morning, feeling like autumn. Yet, the Hummingbirds are still coming. The lens was wet but I thought this was so cool to watch and listen to. My favorite part is at the 10 second mark haha
Keep those feeders up and clean to help the migrants that might be passing through your area!
Video: young Cardinal
I am always fascinated with Cardinals, and especially with their young ones. They just have the coolest looks. The other day, I checked recordings from earlier this summer, and found this adorable youngster foraging right in front of the camera. It still has a brown beak, meaning that it is less than a year old.
Someone's getting pudgy!
I noticed that the Hummingbirds that came to the Birdsy feeder just quickly checked things out and never sat down. It was as if they couldn’t figure out the feeder. I thought it might be because they are not used to the insect guards, so I have removed them now and try to keep the nectar level low so the wasps cannot reach in. This seems to have worked - this little guy sat right down for two minutes.
