Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2019 #1
This thread is intended to give people a place to post photos and/or talk about birds, critters, wildlife, fish, whatever - topics you might not want to start a whole thread on, but are still garden-related. You can see the range of possible topics in the previous threads:
For 2012, see the links posted in
RE RE: Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2012 #7. There may be problems with some of the links. I've corrected those I can edit.
2013 threads:
INDEX: Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2013
2014 threads:
INDEX: Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2014
2015 threads: Links for #1 through #10 are included in
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2015 #11
2016 threads: Links for #1 through #9 are included in
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2016 #10
2017 threads: Links for #1 through #6 are included i
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2017 #6
2018 threads:
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #1
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #2
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #3
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #4
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #5
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With winter technically here, but waffling, I repeat the mantra I said years ago, somewhere. "Far better to ponder interesting wildlife behavior in the garden than to spend the winter staring at dormant plants."
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Today is one of my Project FeederWatch count days so I was annoyed this morning when I saw a flock of about 50 birds fly over my yard to the east without stopping here to be identified and counted.
A few hours later, though, some robins started trickling in, accompanied by at least one starling. They didn't seem interested in the holly berries but they appreciated the birdbaths.
I have one heated birdbath that's always liquid and I stomp out the ice from two other birdbaths. The heated birdbath is closest to the camera with an unheated rubber one by the holly..
Heated birdbath
Rubber birdbath
They didn't stay long - they flew off to the west. It looked like a larger flock may have picked them up on its way west.
No snow anywhere.
Claire
Comments (78)
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoRelated Discussions
Birds and other mobile features in the garden 2017 #1
Comments (61)I've been hibernating but spring seems to be sneaking in. We might have 6 bluebirds and have seen one standing guard on each of two bluebird boxes so I hope they will nest although we've always had bluebirds so they nest in the wild someplace close by. Yesterday a cardinal appeared and will probably be the only time we see a cardinal this year. Our feeders never measure up. I've heard of people putting out shelled seeds and mealy worms but a local birder said I shouldn't put out mealy worms because birds are supposed to find their own worms. Two red-winged blackbirds have also arrived and are spending time at the feeders and pecking at the suet. We won't see them in the yard later on when they move to the marshy area and sing from the cattails. I've seen one rusty capped sparrow but we might have more. Mourning doves and, of course, jays are around. Also a hawk but we haven't seen it close enough to identify. The other bird behavior we saw for the first time but the local birder said was quite common was at least 4 birds going into a bluebird box during a snowstorm. We also think the sparrows will take shelter under our small front porch. About two days ago the deer started coming out of the woods. There's not much snow in the fields anymore. Last night I only saw one but the afternoon before, my husband counted 8. Our neighbor farmer curses their fondness for his clover in the hayfield. I, too, appreciate the photos and Claire's maintenance. It's so nice to see what's happening around New England. I'm just north of Concord and west of NHBabs....See MoreBirds and other mobile features in the garden 2018 #1
Comments (84)Hi, Pat, Here is what I own and use: The Crossley Guides are really desk guides because they are so big and heavy. I like Sibley as a field guide, even though I rarely take it outside. Over the years as a bird watcher and photographer, with technology changing from film to digital, my pattern of inquiry has changed. Now, I shoot (with my camera) everything in sight and ask questions later. That way I don't have to carry a book. I like the Sibley. I bought the Crossley guides because I wanted a guide specifically for raptors and got a $ break on Amazon for buying both guides together. Crossley Sibley The layout and info given in the Sibley appealed to me more than the other guides when I was searching for a new one. My first guide is an Audubon, copyright 1977. Jane (My best canine buddy was half Samoyed, half Malamute named Holly. God, I loved that dog!)...See MoreBirds and other mobile features in the garden 2020 #1
Comments (76)May snow again tonight...but will hit 60° by Sunday, so the shovel will remain retired. Thus far, with two hawk nests across the street and the return of the red squirrels, it appears this will be one of ' those' years -- the type of year where the survival of the fittest theory will test its efficacy. Hard shooting into a rising sun, but, that's when the bluejays decided to settle a score with a hawk. And, the meanest little guy in town likes the deck railing. If one could package chutzpah, this guy would need a garden cart to carry all the audaciousness and arrogance he has. So, between 4 resident hawks, red-tailed and red-shouldered, and the red squirrels, it may be a hellishly red summer! Jane P.S. The farm store just delivered my order and the chap said they are seeing a different type of customer now. The pandemic is bringing out future gardeners - more people are interested in and are beginning victory gardens. Here's hoping that may become a trend....See MoreBirds and other mobile features in the garden 2020 #5
Comments (75)The 2020-21 Winter Finch Forecast "It is also a year when red-breasted nuthatches are moving south in high numbers. Perhaps you’ve seen more of these small, charismatic birds than usual in your yard this fall already. I hadn’t seen or heard a red-breasted nuthatch in my yard for about four years. This fall, I’ve had three already. I’ve seen only one, and heard the other two. Red-breasted nuthatches have higher-pitched songs and calls than their cousins, the white-breasted nuthatch. It’s an unmistakable difference once you learn it. Red-breasted nuthatches are the more common nuthatch throughout much of New England, particularly up north. In southern New England, irruption years of red-breasted nuthatches are a special treat as they are not resident birds". Claire...See Moreclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years ago
corunum z6 CT
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoI don't have anything as dramatic as Jane's spellbinding adventure, but here is my reality.
No snow on the ground, or anywhere, but I do have some frozen water in sight pretending it's a mound of snow. I have one heated birdbath and several unheated ones which I turn over and stomp to get the ice out. That ice then has to go somewhere where no one will slip on it. I have a lot of brush piles and pieces of pine left over from the disastrous nor'easter last March.
Behind the fallen pieces of pine works. The path is on the right.
The heated birdbath is easy - just tip it over and the water flows out. Rain is coming tonight and tomorrow so I won't have to refill the birdbaths for a day or two.
Claire
corunum z6 CT
5 years ago
deanna in ME Barely zone 6a, more like 5b
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoRelief. It is 55°, the trees and shrubs are now standing tall again. It was sad to see their heads bowed in deference to Mother Nature's nasty, icy whim. Despite heavy rain and second alto howling winds, the birds are back to normal. I truly appreciate an ordinary day.
Yesterday's tree wrapping:
Today, no ice. (insert smile here)Jane
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years ago
Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland
My birdbath ice blocks are mostly melted too. Reality returns next week.
Claire
nekobus
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoBusy out there this morning in fresh snow.
My guess is the possum with low-hanging tail.
Made his way around the house. Looks like stencil painting.
I've lost my magic power.
Frozen crystal ball.claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoFor decades, the cat hole in the garage was left open. I used to sweep leaves into a pile in back of the old wooden storm windows after seeing a young possum going into the corner and circling round and round to lie down. More than once she fell into the recycle bin in the garage and we had to carry the bin outside to 'dump' her. She would freeze into a ball position, eyes in a fixed stare, and not budge. Truly playing possum. We literally had to gently turn the bin over for her to fall out onto the ground where she would still lie in a ball. Once we turned our backs to leave, she would wobble away into a large brush pile.
Just a few shots of an infrequent bath visitor. With the below and near zero temps, the heated bath water is still at 37°, so it is now a hot drink bar.
Jane
48 days to Spring.NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoThat is a great picture, Jane, of a very disgruntled Carolina wren. This is not what Winter is supposed to be like.
And it's February 2, Groundhog Day. No groundhogs in sight here, they're probably safely sleeping underground waiting for warm weather.
A squirrel rose to the occasion but it's sunny this morning and there's a shadow.
The squirrel probably realized what it meant - six more weeks of Winter. I could almost hear it sigh.
Claire, sighing toocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoOkay, so maybe the deck railing is not the best place for the trail cam.
Thinking about getting a waterproof, dedicated video camera for slow motion/time lapseon flowers and critters. There is so much action happening right in front of us that we don't see. hmm... to be con't.
NHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoJust a few recent shots.
The often overlooked Nuthatch. There is a pair or 3 here, and I have yet to see them fight - unlike so many others.
A Cooper's landed on the bird feeder and rather than focusing on it, I got the petrified little Downy in the kousa just 8 feet away. Not a muscle moved. Life is dangerous.
I put 3 slices of deli ham out for the crows because they've been fed here for 25 years and that's all I had. Couldn't scare them, so I had to shoot from inside. The vulture flew away (no ground shot) as the hawk swooped in. The crow remained steadfast.
They all got some despite the bullying.Jane
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agoThe good news is very good, Jane! And the bad news isn't so bad since it will prevent future problems/bird invasions.
It's snowing now (the first measurable snow of this winter) and the birds are dealing with it. It's not so deep that they can't reach the birdseed and besides I threw a lot of birdseed under some hollies where the snow won't fall.
Doves and a song sparrow:
Cardinal, white-throat and a house finch plus an unidentifiable bird.
About a dozen red-winged blackbirds appeared today but most of them found the seed under the hollies. These are feeding under a feeder.
In a normal winter I'd have gone out and shoveled for the birds but I expect this snow to be melted and/or washed away before it prevents them from feeding.
Claire - who couldn't stand it and just went out and swept the snow to make it easier for the birds.
corunum z6 CT
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoNHBabs z4b-5a NH
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agolast modified: 5 years agoI have no idea what was said, but here is the result.
These 4 photos were taken at 4:08:12 through 4:08:23. 11 seconds to end it all. The next morning the RB Woodpecker flew directly into a pair of starlings on the hopper feeder and bit one starling in the butt. Maybe it isn't over, lol.
They use and abuse each other, so it doesn't take woodpecker to upset the family.
Jane
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agocorunum z6 CT
5 years agoNeed posting latitude here, Claire.
It just STRUCK me when I saw it. The photo was taken from inside the house through a window at an angle, so it is what it is. But look at the life in this picture. Spent wild aster flowers, seeds taken by wind, 80 year old maple tree bark is background, and the tree's leafless top is reflected in the globe which makes the top of the tree look like its roots - and a tree's roots are the same patterns that are the bronchi inside human lungs.
Jane
claireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agoclaireplymouth z6b coastal MA
5 years agolast modified: 5 years ago
corunum z6 CT