Video: Snack time!
The Bluebird babies are growing and developing well, mostly because they get constantly fed by their attentive parents. The parents like to come for a snack at the mealworm bar but the babies get the good stuff. Here, Mandrake brings a huge worm. The baby has quite the beak full but eventually managed to get it all down.
Video: Bling for the yard!
I am always exploring new options for feeders to try and keep my videos and photos interesting. Often, feeders are more function than design, so I was delighted when the people from Moore Birdfeeders approached me to try out some of their work. Seen here is their “Diamond”, an absolutely stunning piece of art, made from glass and brass that adds some serious bling to the backyard. The coolest thing is that it can also work as a terrarium. I hung it yesterday, and so far, the Goldfinches have basically started to call it their home. I am also going to try out their Oriole feeder but it is still a bit too early to out that out. The company is Canada-based and can be found on social media as well as at mooredesignbirdfeeders.com Mother’s Day is coming!
Video: A Michigan Stand-off
The Opossum was back tonight! But also meeting a Raccoon. This was neat because I have never seen the 'possum show it's teeth. We are still wondering if we will see a mommy opossum walk by carrying the babies.
Video: A romantic moment
for the Cardinals this morning - borbed! I loved the light on the Queen. Female Cardinals are such pretty birds.
Video: Talk to the wing!
I cannot wait to set the pond back up. It looks like competitive bathing season is here and the heated bath is way too small. 😆
Videos: More good signs of spring
I have heard and seen them for a couple of days now, but they hadn’t made it to the cams yet. But this morning, a Robin finally checked out the bird bath. The bath is quite nasty looking from what must have been a critter party last night and it has been cleaned now.
The other sign of spring is the first recorded Grackle puff of 2021. “It’s here,” he shouts!
Have a great Saturday!
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!
Video: Look who it is!
After seeing the Red-winged Blackbird the other day, I was hoping to see Grackles soon too, and I am so happy they have returned. It was quite frosty this morning with -7 °C but we are unstoppably marching towards spring. Happy March and have a wonderful Tuesday!
Video: Looks who's back!
Temperatures have gotten a little milder, and last night, this cutie came over. He/ she looks quite sturdy and moves very carefully so we think it might be a mommy to be. (I have sped the video up in the middle part) It would be so cool to see an Opossum waddling around with babies on their back.
Video: BBs in sun and snow!
I had run out of mealworms the other day and my next load was delayed due to severe weather but arrived today. The Starlings had gone but the BBs remained loyal and had a field day.
Snow day!
We got a lot of snow last night. I made Pelmeni, knitted and watched the cameras getting buried under snow. This morning, the yard was covered in about 12 inches of beautiful, fluffy snow. I shoveled the cameras and the bird bath free (they all made it like true champs!) and put out food. There is a bit of a feeding frenzy going on, so hopefully there will be some nice photos tonight.
And here’s Dasher. I had seen his tracks in the snow but wasn’t quite sure who could have made them :D
Stay warm, everyone!
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!
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!
Video: Blue for breakfast
The sun is out today, and the Bluebirds came for a quick breakfast. Followed by a Chickadee that had some grievances to air. Happy Saturday!
Video: Sir Hoppy Swiftfoot!
This bunny has been coming every night all winter long, but tonight when we got quite a bit of snow, he made it up onto the feeder. This feeding station is about a foot off the ground, and I am very impressed with his survival skills. I also think he is super adorable.
Good night, stay warm and have a great Wednesday!
Video: The squirrels
have taken over this ground feeder,
and they are taking the most hilarious videos.
Happy 2021!
There was a lot of traffic at the bird bath today, and seemingly some birds are adhering to the tradition of the “New Year’s Dip” to greet the new year. Or it is just Lagertha, showing why she proudly carries her Viking name. The MoDos and Juncos loved my little sign so much that they sat on it and messed it up. I hope you all had a nice and smooth last night of 2020.
Here’s to many new adventures and a fantastic new year!
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.
Video: Evening Grosbeak
WOHOOOO!!! This is an Evening Grosbeak, and the first male of this species that I ever knowingly had in my yard. (I had a female in 2018). They are having an irruption year, and everybody around me seemingly got them for weeks now, just not me. I am so happy right now, and I hope he brings his family 😀
