http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/VjE0Kdfos4Y
I've seen this documentary. Marvelous creature (Decca's label L'oiseau lyre is named after it, btw).
I wanted one when I was a child (picking my favourites from a huge zoology book we had in the house), although sooner or later it might have proven embarrassing to have around (imitating flushing toilets and the like:-).
I couldn't stop laughing at that...
chainsaws and camera noise- that's impressive...
Had I received this video this as part of a forwarded e-mail, my first reaction would have been to check snopes.com. If true, -- and I suppose it is -- this is truly, truly <insert one of those wonderful superlatives that describes any aspect of Nature>. (Really, that chainsaw bit still leaves me sceptical... :-\ ;D)
And, Tasos, thanks for that piece of trivia regarding the label's name. :)
That entire documentary series, "The Life of Birds", is amazing and well worth the investment for the DVDs if you have any interest in nature or birds. There is amazing footage of all sorts of rare birds, as well as familiar birds doing things you didn't know they did.
Quote from: O Mensch on July 20, 2009, 07:25:55 AM
That entire documentary series, "The Life of Birds", is amazing and well worth the investment for the DVDs if you have any interest in nature or birds. There is amazing footage of all sorts of rare birds, as well as familiar birds doing things you didn't know they did.
And the commentary of Sir David, to boot!
Most underrated bird ever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGPGknpq3e0
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ykewnc0oE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Nqpo9F_4Sc
I see those things flying around all the time, never knew they were this awesome. You can even get one as a pet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L3f0zVcJOOA
Quote from: Josquin des Prez on July 20, 2009, 08:28:32 AM
Most underrated bird ever:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGPGknpq3e0
What I find even more amazing is that someone has managed to patiently observe all this in the middle of a Japanese city!
Birds are amazing. That's why I spend many of my weekends and free days getting up early and photographing them. Some recent ones: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mvk116/sets/72157617905517384/
Messiaen on birds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QdgUJss9BU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkKrD9knBvU&feature=related
Quote from: O Mensch on July 20, 2009, 08:57:30 AM
Birds are amazing. That's why I spend many of my weekends and free days getting up early and photographing them. Some recent ones: http://www.flickr.com/photos/mvk116/sets/72157617905517384/
Really, really nice bird shots, Mensch! The tanagers are spectacular, and I can't believe the shots you got of warblers! When I see warblers, they are just unidentifiable little dots bouncing around in the tree tops! And, of course, singing.
Quote from: secondwind on July 20, 2009, 10:43:32 AM
Really, really nice bird shots, Mensch! The tanagers are spectacular, and I can't believe the shots you got of warblers! When I see warblers, they are just unidentifiable little dots bouncing around in the tree tops! And, of course, singing.
Thanks! I am lucky to live in Chicago. There is a little tip of land that sticks into Lake Michigan that is a great "migrant trap". Because small songbirds will avoid flying over water if at all possible and the prevailing westerly winds push them against the lake as they migrate north, they find themselves stuck between the lake and the immense urban sprawl of Chicago. So small nature preserves along the lakeshore like Montrose Point become magnets. During migration in mid-May you can observe some thirty species of warblers there as they pass through within a one to two week window. As the trees there are all very short, you can see most of them at eye level, and since the birds are crazy hungry from migration they are so preoccupied with feeding that they don't mind you getting a bit closer as long as you don't make jerky and jittery movements.
O Mensch, I sent the link to your pics to my best friend along with the message "We.Are.Going.To.Chicago!" She could very well book our flights before replying!! :D
Fabulous pics; thanks for sharing them!
Quote from: O Mensch on July 20, 2009, 11:06:18 AM
Thanks! I am lucky to live in Chicago. There is a little tip of land that sticks into Lake Michigan that is a great "migrant trap". Because small songbirds will avoid flying over water if at all possible and the prevailing westerly winds push them against the lake as they migrate north, they find themselves stuck between the lake and the immense urban sprawl of Chicago. So small nature preserves along the lakeshore like Montrose Point become magnets. During migration in mid-May you can observe some thirty species of warblers there as they pass through within a one to two week window. As the trees there are all very short, you can see most of them at eye level, and since the birds are crazy hungry from migration they are so preoccupied with feeding that they don't mind you getting a bit closer as long as you don't make jerky and jittery movements.
My brother lives in the Chicago area. Now I know the best time to visit him next year!
LOL! Great, the city of Chicago should pay me a commission for promoting tourism.
MORE
http://www.youtube.com/watch/v/KOFy8QkNWWs
Sounds like this one has a little recording device in his brain.
Hooray for byrds!!!
ZB
Do any of the original posters and responders still visit the GMG website?
I've recently started trying to learn more about birds and have downloaded a couple of apps (finally acquired a smart phone--that helped!). Cornell University has a great website and a free application for iOS and Android devices. There's also a group called Hawk Watch International which also has a free app (which I just downloaded); it's called Raptor ID.
Best wishes,
PD
Quote from: MishaK on July 20, 2009, 10:07:32 AM
Messiaen on birds:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QdgUJss9BU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkKrD9knBvU&feature=related
Thank you for posting these links: fascinating!
Hoping that you and others here are still visiting this site?
PD
I just noticed on the Cornell live bird cams' website that the Barred Owl (located out in Indiana) has just had a chick. Believe that there are three eggs. When I went to watch the cam for a few minutes, I noticed that one of the eggs had hatched; it looked like she was feeding it. Alas, the view of the newbie was short-lived; it's now nestled warm and cozy and safe under her. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/
Best,
PD
The owlets have grown quite a bit! Amazing to watch: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/
Earlier this morning, noticed Arthur (the red-tailed hawk) carefully feeding his little ones--including the tiniest one which was relieving to see as about a week ago, I was checking on the Savannah ospreys and the youngest and tiniest of the lot didn't make it. Hard to watch the little one die.
The tiny hawks are now sleeping away with full stomachs.
I know that the red-tailed hawks are common, but I still find them amazing to watch. Found a nest nearby....can't see anything though as it is so high up in the air! The reason that I and a friend out on a walk noticed it to begin with was that we saw a hawk flying with a branch in its mouth and land on the nest. :)
Anyone else here have any reports of sitings? Or favorite birds to watch?
PD
Saw a kingfisher today. Only had the small pocket camera though.
Quote from: steve ridgway on May 06, 2020, 04:43:27 AM
Saw a kingfisher today. Only had the small pocket camera though.
Oh, neat! I don't recall seeing one before now.
Saw about four red-winged blackbirds a few days ago whilst getting a walk in with a friend. I took some photos of them, but alas, they were too far away and didn't come out well at all.
EDIT: These guys are just too cute and growing up quickly! https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/
Was stunned today when I went to check on the red-tailed hawk fledglings/juvies still currently living on the campus of Cornell. Big Red (the female) and her mate Arthur had three chicks. I've followed their progress from birth and had grown quite fond of them. They are at the point now that they've all managed to catch at least one meal themselves (other than bugs) but are still learning about life, hunting, and perfecting their flying skills.
One thing that I learned pretty early on was that roughly 80 percent of birds do not survive their first year (some reports are even higher than that). It still came as a shock to me that the oldest of the chicks died a couple of days ago. She was so beautiful and had a lovely voice too and suspect would have made a great mother like her own. They are doing an autopsy at Cornell to see if they can find out why she died.
PD
An American Avocet wading for breakfast.
Quote from: Todd on July 18, 2020, 01:20:48 PM
An American Avocet wading for breakfast.
Is that one of the birds in your neck of the woods Todd? Neat coloring and a sweet little chirping sound.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2020, 01:37:38 PM
Is that one of the birds in your neck of the woods Todd? Neat coloring and a sweet little chirping sound.
I don't believe I have seen them where I live. The lake where I shot this is a seven hour drive away.
White Faced Ibis.
They're fascinating to watch aren't they?
I've seen red-tailed hawks in my area...one time quite closely and became interested in learning more about them. Someone, I think, told me about Cornell's bird cams and I was hooked. Cornell has two cams on its campus (including a feeder cam) but also streams others too. They also have a free app (called Merlin) which you can download on your cell phone. It's very handy for identifying birds. A great website too. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/search
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 18, 2020, 01:56:02 PMThey're fascinating to watch aren't they?
When I take trips to rural and wildlife areas, I keep an eye out for all manner of wildlife. This last trip the only thing I saw of note were new birds, so that is what I shot. I'm opportunistic when I take photos. Lake Abert, where I shot the Avocet, had more birds gathered than I've ever seen in one spot. I had to alternate between two cameras, one taking sunrise shots over the butte, and one taking shots of thousands/tens-of-thousands of birds feeding. The unpredictability of flight always makes for invigorating shooting. Bless DSLRs and 128 GB SD cards.
While out and about over the holiday weekend, I spotted this trio of American White Pelicans swimming and fishing together, in almost perfect unison. I watched and shot them for probably 10-15 minutes.
Second shot.
How nice it must have been to have seen them! Do you have a telephoto lens that could bring your view (and picture) closer?
A friend and I went for a short walk by a river and saw several pelican flying around; wish that i could have viewed them a bit closer (and not flying away so quickly!). Still, cool to see. :)
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 08, 2020, 11:43:33 AMHow nice it must have been to have seen them! Do you have a telephoto lens that could bring your view (and picture) closer?
No. Those shots were from 100+ yards out. A longer telephoto is not justified.
They zoom in fine for me. Lugging a massive expensive lens over my shoulder and a heavy tripod is not my idea of "out and about".
Quote from: steve ridgway on September 08, 2020, 08:21:40 PM
They zoom in fine for me. Lugging a massive expensive lens over my shoulder and a heavy tripod is not my idea of "out and about".
What sort of equipment do you use Steve? And, when you've captured a decent closeup, any idea of about how far away you were?
And, I meant that I had seen some herons the other day...not pelicans. ::)
PD
Quote from: Szykneij on February 16, 2021, 06:30:51 AM
I don't know how much climate change and COVID have to do with it, but even though I'm just 5 miles out from downtown Boston, there was a coyote roaming down my street early yesterday evening. It was probably hunting a rabbit or other small animal whose populations have exploded as of late, just like the hawks that targeted my bird feeders all summer.
We've had steady rain all morning, which won't melt all of our snow and will probably create a hard, slippery glaze after temperatures drop down below freezing again.
Looks like you had a juvie coopie visiting you? :)
I often see red-tailed hawks in my area. I love it when I see one. Just realized that it was a year ago Presidents' Day when I saw my first one whilst out walking with a friend. :)
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 06:48:15 AM
Looks like you had a juvie coopie visiting you? :)
I often see red-tailed hawks in my area. I love it when I see one. Just realized that it was a year ago Presidents' Day when I saw my first one whilst out walking with a friend. :)
PD
We get red-tails, too.
I don't know if my owl photo is as good as Gurn's, but I took this one while I was out walking my dogs in a nearby reservation.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 16, 2021, 07:16:03 AM
We get red-tails, too.
I don't know if my owl photo is as good as Gurn's, but I took this one while I was out walking my dogs in a nearby reservation.
Cool! Was this early one morning?
My neighbors and I have a number of tall trees in our yards; I often see them there. About a month-ish ago, I was walking past one neighbor's house, heard a rustle and saw something out of the corner of my eye. I turned and looked: it was a RTH on the ground. It then flew off low over a short fence with a grey squirrel in its talons.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 06:44:03 AM
I'd love to see your owl picture! :) And a panther?! I ended up doing some googling and see that there are such creatures as jaguarundi in Texas. https://texasnativecats.org/cats-of-texas/ I want to go back to a trail/dog path not too far away. I spoke to someone a few months ago who told me that she saw a snowy owl there. I haven't checked the local weather lately (did just put on the Weather Channel a few minutes ago), but we escaped in my area today. Warm enough at the moment that the rain didn't freeze.
Do you guys have a backup generator?
PD
(https://i.imgur.com/MrudPpV.jpg)
I can't find the owl yet (it's among hundreds if not thousands of pictures), but here is a Broadwinged Hawk that started off the New Year for us. IIRC, the owl was facing the camera, the hawk is looking towards where the food is. :D I was driving when I saw the panther (puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount &c.) so no picture. A jaguarundi is really a Mexican native that occasionally shows up in south and west Texas. Panthers were reputedly extinct here, but there is actually a healthy population, they just are very good at laying low.
Yes, we have a generator, but it is only big enough to run the lights and 120 volt outlets, not appliances (except the microwave) or the central heat/air. We are looking at a new one, this one is 12 years old and has been used heavily in that time. Like to go with LP gas so I don't have to keep a huge supply of petrol laying about.
8)
(https://i.imgur.com/VpuqTqw.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/nbynZTP.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/iNYZUTE.jpg)
Still looking for the daytime pic, I didn't tag it with anything, so I can't search for "owl" and hope to find it that way. :-\
This Barn Owl pair was having a nice frolic over the course of a couple of evenings. Can't recall what we had decided they were hunting for, maybe fish.
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 08:31:59 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/MrudPpV.jpg)
I can't find the owl yet (it's among hundreds if not thousands of pictures), but here is a Broadwinged Hawk that started off the New Year for us. IIRC, the owl was facing the camera, the hawk is looking towards where the food is. :D I was driving when I saw the panther (puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount &c.) so no picture. A jaguarundi is really a Mexican native that occasionally shows up in south and west Texas. Panthers were reputedly extinct here, but there is actually a healthy population, they just are very good at laying low.
Yes, we have a generator, but it is only big enough to run the lights and 120 volt outlets, not appliances (except the microwave) or the central heat/air. We are looking at a new one, this one is 12 years old and has been used heavily in that time. Like to go with LP gas so I don't have to keep a huge supply of petrol laying about.
8)
Nice photo! I love it when they are stretching their wings out. :-) Looks like it is perched on a metal fencing stake? What color was your over-sized 'kitty' by the way?
No generator here--though I've been tempted. The power goes out on occasion, but (knock on wood) it normally is restored in about an hour or so.
By the way, there's a very helpful app called Merlin which was created by the folks at Cornell. Some birdwatching friends told me about it a few years ago. It can help you to ID birds in your area and it's free. https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/ I also like using their website (allaboutbirds).
Neat owl pics too. The way that their eyes are shining makes them look like some sort of supernatural creature!
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 08:56:05 AM
Nice photo! I love it when they are stretching their wings out. :-) Looks like it is perched on a metal fencing stake? What color was your over-sized 'kitty' by the way?
No generator here--though I've been tempted. The power goes out on occasion, but (knock on wood) it normally is restored in about an hour or so.
By the way, there's a very helpful app called Merlin which was created by the folks at Cornell. Some birdwatching friends told me about it a few years ago. It can help you to ID birds in your area and it's free. https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/ I also like using their website (allaboutbirds).
Neat owl pics too. The way that their eyes are shining makes them look like some sort of supernatural creature!
Yeah, I like that one, even though it took me a while to identify him. We have tons of red-tailed hawks here, they are the most common species in East Texas. The are averagely even larger than this guy. It took me a little while to identify him from the back like that. The white patches on the wings were the giveaway though. I will check out that app, that could be very useful. We have so many birds here, you would be amazed. When the birds up north fly south for the winter, this is where they come. I couldn't count all the Cardinals at the feeder yesterday, probably nearly 200! :o
The panther was a rather darkish brown overall. Couldn't mistake the long tail, that knocked 'bobcat' right out of the equation. Plus, if a bobcat was that big, I would give up and go home! :D
Sometimes when ours goes out, it is a week or more. Hurricanes can be amazingly damaging.
8)
Quote from: Wanderer on February 16, 2021, 08:24:37 AM
Drone footage from Athens:
https://youtu.be/VNHuGDp9BUo (https://youtu.be/VNHuGDp9BUo)
https://youtu.be/2BW-3XVyAAs (https://youtu.be/2BW-3XVyAAs)
Awesome videos. I'm a kite flyer myself, so I don't know much about drones. Is operating in inclement weather an issue? It seems like it wouldn't take much snow buildup to bring one down.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 08:31:59 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/MrudPpV.jpg)
I can't find the owl yet (it's among hundreds if not thousands of pictures), but here is a Broadwinged Hawk that started off the New Year for us. IIRC, the owl was facing the camera, the hawk is looking towards where the food is. :D I was driving when I saw the panther (puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount &c.) so no picture. A jaguarundi is really a Mexican native that occasionally shows up in south and west Texas. Panthers were reputedly extinct here, but there is actually a healthy population, they just are very good at laying low.
Yes, we have a generator, but it is only big enough to run the lights and 120 volt outlets, not appliances (except the microwave) or the central heat/air. We are looking at a new one, this one is 12 years old and has been used heavily in that time. Like to go with LP gas so I don't have to keep a huge supply of petrol laying about. Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 08:31:59 AM
8)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh4jRtvSQ0Y
(https://i.imgur.com/MrudPpV.jpg)
I can't find the owl yet (it's among hundreds if not thousands of pictures), but here is a Broadwinged Hawk that started off the New Year for us. IIRC, the owl was facing the camera, the hawk is looking towards where the food is. :D I was driving when I saw the panther (puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount &c.) so no picture. A jaguarundi is really a Mexican native that occasionally shows up in south and west Texas. Panthers were reputedly extinct here, but there is actually a healthy population, they just are very good at laying low.
Yes, we have a generator, but it is only big enough to run the lights and 120 volt outlets, not appliances (except the microwave) or the central heat/air. We are looking at a new one, this one is 12 years old and has been used heavily in that time. Like to go with LP gas so I don't have to keep a huge supply of petrol laying about.
8)
Good job IDing that bird by the way. Normally, I have good luck IDing them using Merlin. I've even used it (on my old iPhone) to ID birds at the Cornell's feeder cam by taking a screen shot. Though I didn't have luck when I tried using your photo with it (even though I changed the location and entered your date into it). You can go about it two ways: 1) take a photo with your cell phone (open the app): it then asks you 1) where did you see the bird? 2) when did you see it? 3) it then gives you seven different buttons that you can tap on with some images and asks you what size was the bird? 4) what were the main colors (select 1 to 3)? and 5) Was the bird...? asking what it was doing or where seated
...and I entered all that in and it still didn't bring up
You know what, I was just looking at the wing shape and also the number of feathers on the wingtip. Looks like 5 and squared off or rounded (vs. pointed); wonder if it might actually be a red-shouldered hawk? https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/media-browser/71533401 Any more photos of de bird?
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 10:30:01 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh4jRtvSQ0Y
(https://i.imgur.com/MrudPpV.jpg)
I can't find the owl yet (it's among hundreds if not thousands of pictures), but here is a Broadwinged Hawk that started off the New Year for us. IIRC, the owl was facing the camera, the hawk is looking towards where the food is. :D I was driving when I saw the panther (puma, cougar, mountain lion, catamount &c.) so no picture. A jaguarundi is really a Mexican native that occasionally shows up in south and west Texas. Panthers were reputedly extinct here, but there is actually a healthy population, they just are very good at laying low.
Yes, we have a generator, but it is only big enough to run the lights and 120 volt outlets, not appliances (except the microwave) or the central heat/air. We are looking at a new one, this one is 12 years old and has been used heavily in that time. Like to go with LP gas so I don't have to keep a huge supply of petrol laying about.
8)
Good job IDing that bird by the way. Normally, I have good luck IDing them using Merlin. I've even used it (on my old iPhone) to ID birds at the Cornell's feeder cam by taking a screen shot. Though I didn't have luck when I tried using your photo with it (even though I changed the location and entered your date into it). You can go about it two ways: 1) take a photo with your cell phone (open the app): it then asks you 1) where did you see the bird? 2) when did you see it? 3) it then gives you seven different buttons that you can tap on with some images and asks you what size was the bird? 4) what were the main colors (select 1 to 3)? and 5) Was the bird...? asking what it was doing or where seated
...and I entered all that in and it still didn't bring up
You know what, I was just looking at the wing shape and also the number of feathers on the wingtip. Looks like 5 and squared off or rounded (vs. pointed); wonder if it might actually be a red-shouldered hawk? https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-shouldered_Hawk/media-browser/71533401 Any more photos of de bird?
Thanks. Broadwinged Hawks are very common in the Piney Woods, north of Houston. He also fits the size criterion quite nicely. There are 14 species of hawks which are regular denizens here. This is a very nice site which I use often;
https://birdfeederhub.com/hawks-in-texas/ The 14 species of Hawks in Texas
https://birdfeederhub.com/owls-in-texas/ The 11 species of Owls in Texas
Red-Shouldered Hawks are noticeably smaller than Red-Tails or Broadwings, which are nearly the same size. Somewhere I also have a picture of a Red-Tail sitting on that same fence post, and they are nearly identical in size.
We need to start bird-watching thread so the meteorologists among us don't blow a fuse... ;) :D
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 11:15:42 AM
Thanks. Broadwinged Hawks are very common in the Piney Woods, north of Houston. He also fits the size criterion quite nicely. There are 14 species of hawks which are regular denizens here. This is a very nice site which I use often;
https://birdfeederhub.com/hawks-in-texas/ The 14 species of Hawks in Texas
https://birdfeederhub.com/owls-in-texas/ The 11 species of Owls in Texas
Red-Shouldered Hawks are noticeably smaller than Red-Tails or Broadwings, which are nearly the same size. Somewhere I also have a picture of a Red-Tail sitting on that same fence post, and they are nearly identical in size.
We need to start bird-watching thread so the meteorologists among us don't blow a fuse... ;) :D
8)
I've been learning that IDing birds can be quite tricky! For one thing: in different parts of the US, for example, dark morphs are much more common. I also checked out one I believe it was a Peterson Guide video on youtube that also said that not all red-tailed hawks get their red tail....oy! ::) And trying to understand the differences between juvies and adults and male vs. female and non-breeding male and so on.
Anyway, thanks, I'll check out those links. And there is a bird thread somewhere (in Diner). I'll find it and modify my posting here shortly.
EDIT: It's called "This bird is awesome" and is currently on page 5 I believe (in the Diner). Feel free to move whatever there of course. :) I had tried to revive the thread in the past, but almost no one seemed interested in participating. :(
Hi Guys - thanks for all of the wonderful posts & pics! I'm also a bird lover (although penguins, puffins and pelicans are some of my favorites, the latter seen often on our now postponed visits to the Carolina coast - FIRST PIC though is mine from a recent trip to the Georgia coast) - BUT I do have a fondness for raptors. In July of 2019, we decided to celebrate our anniversary with a return visit to the Homestead Resort (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia) in Virginia (just a 4-hr drive) (first pic below) - numerous activities are available and one afternoon we did the introductory lesson to falconry! Linda was our guide and of her birds, she selected a Harris hawk (next 3 pics); we all put on the glove and held the bird (just showing the photo of a little boy who looked cuter than me!) - if we return and she (or another falconer is there), the next lesson has the bird fly onto your gloved forearm.
About an hour south of us near Charlotte is the Carolina Raptor Center (http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/visit/), a rescue facility w/ outside cages and walking trails - all sorts of injured raptors are on display (last pic) - we've gone about 4 times but have not been back since some rebuilding and renovations have occurred - but will do depending on the COVID pandemic! Dave :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-rVc4JHp/0/41b51cf3/L/4B_Simons_Pier_Pelican-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-94ZNSH5/0/b39fcbce/O/HSAnn19A.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-7xCFwxC/0/8d270286/L/HSAnn19B-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-wJn88QX/0/9e876a24/L/HSAnn19C-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-p46qRLv/0/e99cfad6/L/HSAnn19D-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-9vQkPBW/0/202aeb9e/L/HSAnn19E-L.jpg)
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 16, 2021, 12:21:41 PM
Hi Guys - thanks for all of the wonderful posts, pics, and drone flights over Athens! I'm also a bird lover (although penguins, puffins and pelicans are some of my favorites, the latter seen often on our now postponed visits to the Carolina coast - FIRST PIC though is mine from a recent trip to the Georgia coast) - BUT I do have a fondness for raptors. In July of 2019, we decided to celebrate our anniversary with a return visit to the Homestead Resort (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia) in Virginia (just a 4-hr drive) (first pic below) - numerous activities are available and one afternoon we did the introductory lesson to falconry! Linda was our guide and of her birds, she selected a Harris hawk (next 3 pics); we all put on the glove and held the bird (just showing the photo of a little boy who looked cuter than me!) - if we return and she (or another falconer is there), the next lesson has the bird fly onto your gloved forearm.
About an hour south of us near Charlotte is the Carolina Raptor Center (http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/visit/), a rescue facility w/ outside cages and walking trails - all sorts of injured raptors are on display (last pic) - we've gone about 4 times but have not been back since some rebuilding and renovations have occurred - but will do depending on the COVID pandemic! Dave :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-rVc4JHp/0/41b51cf3/L/4B_Simons_Pier_Pelican-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-94ZNSH5/0/b39fcbce/O/HSAnn19A.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-7xCFwxC/0/8d270286/L/HSAnn19B-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-wJn88QX/0/9e876a24/L/HSAnn19C-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-p46qRLv/0/e99cfad6/L/HSAnn19D-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-9vQkPBW/0/202aeb9e/L/HSAnn19E-L.jpg)
Cool! I knew that there was a reason that I liked you! 8) ;) A friend of mine said that he almost purchased a falconry class for me as a present; he certainly knows me. Hope to do it sometime in my life. And thanks for the photos too. :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 11:54:11 AM
I've been learning that IDing birds can be quite tricky! For one thing: in different parts of the US, for example, dark morphs are much more common. I also checked out one I believe it was a Peterson Guide video on youtube that also said that not all red-tailed hawks get their red tail....oy! ::) And trying to understand the differences between juvies and adults and male vs. female and non-breeding male and so on.
Anyway, thanks, I'll check out those links. And there is a bird thread somewhere (in Diner). I'll find it and modify my posting here shortly.
EDIT: It's called "This bird is awesome" and is currently on page 5 I believe (in the Diner). Feel free to move whatever there of course. :) I had tried to revive the thread in the past, but almost no one seemed interested in participating. :(
I'll have a look for that thread. I have no memory of ever seeing it (but wouldn't be surprised if I was the top poster in it ::) ), but we'll make it happen. I can just cut this whole section and put it into that thread, that should pep it up some.
Quote from: SonicMan46 on February 16, 2021, 12:21:41 PM
Hi Guys - thanks for all of the wonderful posts, pics, and drone flights over Athens! I'm also a bird lover (although penguins, puffins and pelicans are some of my favorites, the latter seen often on our now postponed visits to the Carolina coast - FIRST PIC though is mine from a recent trip to the Georgia coast) - BUT I do have a fondness for raptors. In July of 2019, we decided to celebrate our anniversary with a return visit to the Homestead Resort (https://www.omnihotels.com/hotels/homestead-virginia) in Virginia (just a 4-hr drive) (first pic below) - numerous activities are available and one afternoon we did the introductory lesson to falconry! Linda was our guide and of her birds, she selected a Harris hawk (next 3 pics); we all put on the glove and held the bird (just showing the photo of a little boy who looked cuter than me!) - if we return and she (or another falconer is there), the next lesson has the bird fly onto your gloved forearm.
About an hour south of us near Charlotte is the Carolina Raptor Center (http://www.carolinaraptorcenter.org/visit/), a rescue facility w/ outside cages and walking trails - all sorts of injured raptors are on display (last pic) - we've gone about 4 times but have not been back since some rebuilding and renovations have occurred - but will do depending on the COVID pandemic! Dave :)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-rVc4JHp/0/41b51cf3/L/4B_Simons_Pier_Pelican-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-94ZNSH5/0/b39fcbce/O/HSAnn19A.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-7xCFwxC/0/8d270286/L/HSAnn19B-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-wJn88QX/0/9e876a24/L/HSAnn19C-L.jpg)
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-p46qRLv/0/e99cfad6/L/HSAnn19D-L.jpg) (https://photos.smugmug.com/Other/Miscellaneous/i-9vQkPBW/0/202aeb9e/L/HSAnn19E-L.jpg)
Nice post, Dave. That Harris Hawk is super. They occur here, but like all smaller hawks, they are hard to identify in the field because they always seem to be going away from you at 90 mph. The big hawks are generally easier, especially the biggest of them here, the Red-Tail. We have 3 big nests right on our property, and one of them used to be on the top of a big tree at the bottom of the hill we live on, which put it slightly above eye-level from the back porch, great way to watch birds grow up!
8)
Excellent! Thanks Gurn! ;D So envious of you for having a nest at nearly eye-level! There's a nest near me, but it's so high up that it's almost impossible to see what is going on in there. Forget being able to watch the chicks. Thankfully, Cornell has two hawk cams which I can watch. Recently, the female RTH was caught on camera doing some nest work. :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 16, 2021, 12:56:35 PM
Excellent! Thanks Gurn! ;D So envious of you for having a nest at nearly eye-level! There's a nest near me, but it's so high up that it's almost impossible to see what is going on in there. Forget being able to watch the chicks. Thankfully, Cornell has two hawk cams which I can watch. Recently, the female RTH was caught on camera doing some nest work. :)
There are benefits to living on top of the highest point of land in the vicinity!
You remember that Bald Eagles' nest in DC? I used to watch that webcam every day, it was fascinating to see the young'uns growing up!
Did you ever see a hawk "boof" a songbird? Well, it's their job, can't begrudge them the occasional Cardinal. I was looking out the window while waiting for my coffee to brew, and the sun was coming over the house behind me. A Cardinal popped up out of the feeder, and suddenly a small hawk (too fast to see) came right down the ridgeline of the house out of the sun, thus invisible to the Cardinals) and boofed that one in a big explosion of red feathers. It really was interesting, it seemed he was going 100 mph, I'm curious how fast. Then perched on a high branch and ate breakfast. :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 01:16:36 PM
There are benefits to living on top of the highest point of land in the vicinity!
You remember that Bald Eagles' nest in DC? I used to watch that webcam every day, it was fascinating to see the young'uns growing up!
Did you ever see a hawk "boof" a songbird? Well, it's their job, can't begrudge them the occasional Cardinal. I was looking out the window while waiting for my coffee to brew, and the sun was coming over the house behind me. A Cardinal popped up out of the feeder, and suddenly a small hawk (too fast to see) came right down the ridgeline of the house out of the sun, thus invisible to the Cardinals) and boofed that one in a big explosion of red feathers. It really was interesting, it seemed he was going 100 mph, I'm curious how fast. Then perched on a high branch and ate breakfast. :)
Thanks
Gurn for your further contributions - seems like you live in 'raptor heaven'! :laugh: In my yard, I see occasional red-shouldered hawks (and probably some others that I don't recognize) - Dave :)
Great thread! I'm a keen birder these days - we don't get an awful lot of birds of prey here in London though I did have a sparrowhawk making a mess of a pigeon in my back garden three years back.
I have a feeder set up within sight of my bedroom window so I can watch quite a selection over the year - European robins, bluetits and great tits are the every day visitors but I get long tailed tits, coal tits, goldfinches, collared doves, starlings, and very occasionally jays and parakeets. And cleaning up the mess beneath tend to be dunnocks, blackbirds and thrushes.
That's pretty much the full gamut of British garden birds in this part of London so I'm pretty lucky. I would love some sparrows as they're very characterful and I love their chatter but it's like west side story - you can only have the sparrows or the tits, not both, and this is Tit Town. 😄
This weekend was exciting as the local park had some redwings feasting on the winter berries and I got close enough to get a good view. Normally they are so shy you'd be lucky to get within 20 feet but the glut made them brave I guess!
Quote from: Benji on February 16, 2021, 03:42:10 PM
Great thread! I'm a keen birder these days - we don't get an awful lot of birds of prey here in London though I did have a sparrowhawk making a mess of a pigeon in my back garden three years back.
I have a feeder set up within sight of my bedroom window so I can watch quite a selection over the year - European robins, bluetits and great tits are the every day visitors but I get long tailed tits, coal tits, goldfinches, collared doves, starlings, and very occasionally jays and parakeets. And cleaning up the mess beneath tend to be dunnocks, blackbirds and thrushes.
That's pretty much the full gamut of British garden birds in this part of London so I'm pretty lucky. I would love some sparrows as they're very characterful and I love their chatter but it's like west side story - you can only have the sparrows or the tits, not both, and this is Tit Town. 😄
This weekend was exciting as the local park had some redwings feasting on the winter berries and I got close enough to get a good view. Normally they are so shy you'd be lucky to get within 20 feet but the glut made them brave I guess!
Nice, I've often wondered what there was for an urban birder to enjoy other than pigeons (AKA - rats with wings). The only ones I've ever heard about as far as birds of prey are concerned is Peregrine Falcons, which nest on building ledges in New York (and I imagine other urban centers).
Over here, at least in Texas, tits is reserved for other uses, but we have an overwhelming number of songbirds which overwinter here, finches of several sorts, grosbeaks, buntings, tanagers, lots of woodpeckers (it's a pine forest, after all), and in summer, a different suite of regulars, after those first ones have headed north for the summer. I never fail to be amazed at the sheer numbers and diversity outside my back door. I always enjoyed birding, but never got a fraction of what I've had for the last 35 years down here.
Do you keep a list/diary/sighting guide, whatever? I haven't done in the past, but my memory, heretofore superb, sometimes fails me now that the catalog is so large, so I think I will begin to do so. Haven't even mentioned the waterbirds yet... :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 03:59:13 PM
Nice, I've often wondered what there was for an urban birder to enjoy other than pigeons (AKA - rats with wings). The only ones I've ever heard about as far as birds of prey are concerned is Peregrine Falcons, which nest on building ledges in New York (and I imagine other urban centers).
Over here, at least in Texas, tits is reserved for other uses, but we have an overwhelming number of songbirds which overwinter here, finches of several sorts, grosbeaks, buntings, tanagers, lots of woodpeckers (it's a pine forest, after all), and in summer, a different suite of regulars, after those first ones have headed north for the summer. I never fail to be amazed at the sheer numbers and diversity outside my back door. I always enjoyed birding, but never got a fraction of what I've had for the last 35 years down here.
Do you keep a list/diary/sighting guide, whatever? I haven't done in the past, but my memory, heretofore superb, sometimes fails me now that the catalog is so large, so I think I will begin to do so. Haven't even mentioned the waterbirds yet... :)
8)
Once your eyes are open to them there are birds everywhere and such variety. I forgot even to mention the humble wrens that visit my garden... which is unforgivable given it is my niece's name (my sister has the bird bug too, via our father!)
I sometimes keep a log on the British ornithological trust website, which they use to keep statistics so I feel it's helpful for conservation efforts. Perhaps there is a US equivalent, I'd imagine so. I visited Iowa in 2013 and saw the Cardinals. I understand they are a bit violent but so beautiful! And of course the Mississippi was frozen when I visited but I got to see so many bald eagles fishing through holes in the ice. What an experience!
Quote from: Benji on February 16, 2021, 04:29:45 PM
Once your eyes are open to them there are birds everywhere and such variety. I forgot even to mention the humble wrens that visit my garden... which is unforgivable given it is my niece's name (my sister has the bird bug too, via our father!)
I sometimes keep a log on the British ornithological trust website, which they use to keep statistics so I feel it's helpful for conservation efforts. Perhaps there is a US equivalent, I'd imagine so. I visited Iowa in 2013 and saw the Cardinals. I understand they are a bit violent but so beautiful! And of course the Mississippi was frozen when I visited but I got to see so many bald eagles fishing through holes in the ice. What an experience!
Oh yes, no doubt there, lots more birds than we realize. We have a flock which constitute ca. 60% of the entire and is constituted solely of what we just call "small brown and grey birds". They are the 'background noise' upon which the whole daily avian theater plays itself out. Yet when one bothers to dissect the group and identify the individual species, there are dozens of them which are quite interesting in all but colour.
The Audubon Society nationally keep a census and enlists locals to help count on one certain day of the year. I haven't the skill to join that (many of that lot can do a count just by listening!!), but in conjunction with it they also publish a list for each area of all the birds one can expect to see there. I would like to get a copy of that to keep on hand. Then I can log by their system. As it is, my main book is "Peterson's Field Guide to the Birds of Texas", which easily equals in size "Birds of the Eastern US", and surpasses "Birds of the Western US", due to our unique location we are more or less the epicenter of birds in North America.
Bald Eagles are making a comeback, which is great. I have seen them here, one had perched for a couple of days at the end of our pond in a large tree. We hoped he would decide to nest, but no. Also saw one in Vermont when I went home to visit family. That would have been unheard of when I was a child there. I saw it out the train window as we skirted the shore of The Lake and was thrilled by what it added to the already surpassingly lovely view. :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 16, 2021, 01:16:36 PM
There are benefits to living on top of the highest point of land in the vicinity!
You remember that Bald Eagles' nest in DC? I used to watch that webcam every day, it was fascinating to see the young'uns growing up!
Did you ever see a hawk "boof" a songbird? Well, it's their job, can't begrudge them the occasional Cardinal. I was looking out the window while waiting for my coffee to brew, and the sun was coming over the house behind me. A Cardinal popped up out of the feeder, and suddenly a small hawk (too fast to see) came right down the ridgeline of the house out of the sun, thus invisible to the Cardinals) and boofed that one in a big explosion of red feathers. It really was interesting, it seemed he was going 100 mph, I'm curious how fast. Then perched on a high branch and ate breakfast. :)
8)
No, I have not (re bird cam). Haven't heard the term "boof" before either (but figured out what you meant by context).
We have way too many squirrels around here; I'd prefer that any raptors in the area would go after them!
Has anyone here ever been 'buzzed' by a hawk before? :)
Benji,
It sounds like you have a nice variety visiting your yard?
I have a friend who almost every morning (whilst working on her morning coffee) sits at their kitchen table with a pair of binoculars at hand recording the number and variety of birds that she sees in their backyard for the Audubon society; she's been doing this for decades. She has a number of feeders set up in their backyard. They also have a stream running through it. I remember seeing a heron in it one year when I was visiting them in the wintertime.
Recently saw a blue heron flying along a river landing in a tree--which quite surprised me and the friend who was with me! And two falls ago, we saw a pair of bald eagles way up high in a tree by the same river--thanks to some other folks who had noticed them first and had stopped to look at them. Also, early last spring same friend and I were walking around my neighborhood and I happened to notice a red-tailed hawk flying overhead with a stick in its mouth and was able to see where it landed. And, yup, there was a nest probably about 70' up off of the ground in a tree. That was a happy day! ;D
PD
I had posted this elsewhere (in the Pictures you like thread), but thought that I would copy it here. I loved the story and was very touched by it and these photos in particular.
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 11, 2021, 09:43:41 AM
https://www.today.com/pets/rescued-owl-gives-big-hug-man-who-helped-save-her-t97136
(https://static.boredpanda.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/rescue-owl-hugs-man-gigi-douglas-pojeky-3.jpg)
(http://www.gannett-cdn.com/-mm-/a889bbcd29a7e4098dc3e637105b9b7c1c6d3a7a/c=0-2-974-1301&r=537&c=0-0-534-712/local/-/media/2016/06/08/USATODAY/USATODAY/636009817071471484-Screen-Shot-2016-06-08-at-11.20.22-AM.jpg)
A great story!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 17, 2021, 02:19:38 AM
No, I have not (re bird cam). Haven't heard the term "boof" before either (but figured out what you meant by context).
We have way too many squirrels around here; I'd prefer that any raptors in the area would go after them!
Has anyone here ever been 'buzzed' by a hawk before? :)
Benji,
It sounds like you have a nice variety visiting your yard?
I have a friend who almost every morning (whilst working on her morning coffee) sits at their kitchen table with a pair of binoculars at hand recording the number and variety of birds that she sees in their backyard for the Audubon society; she's been doing this for decades. She has a number of feeders set up in their backyard. They also have a stream running through it. I remember seeing a heron in it one year when I was visiting them in the wintertime.
Recently saw a blue heron flying along a river landing in a tree--which quite surprised me and the friend who was with me! And two falls ago, we saw a pair of bald eagles way up high in a tree by the same river--thanks to some other folks who had noticed them first and had stopped to look at them. Also, early last spring same friend and I were walking around my neighborhood and I happened to notice a red-tailed hawk flying overhead with a stick in its mouth and was able to see where it landed. And, yup, there was a nest probably about 70' up off of the ground in a tree. That was a happy day! ;D
PD
Yep, boof is just onomatopoeia in action. :D
We have a 'pet' Blue Heron at the pond, he has lived most of his life there and doesn't easily suffer others. Here he is raiding our stock of young catfish:
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1rzDSQ.jpg)
I like your friend's occupation. I need to find one of the lists they make for that. Probably at Audubon.org, I would guess.
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2021, 07:18:37 AM
Yep, boof is just onomatopoeia in action. :D
We have a 'pet' Blue Heron at the pond, he has lived most of his life there and doesn't easily suffer others. Here he is raiding our stock of young catfish:
(https://i.imgur.com/Z1rzDSQ.jpg)
I like your friend's occupation. I need to find one of the lists they make for that. Probably at Audubon.org, I would guess.
8)
Yet another cool photo! I suspect that he or she isn't interested in sharing any of their catches with you, the landlord?
I've heard of eBird before and suspect that that is how my friend is now doing it these days though I will ask. It's a joint project that was created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. You can read about it here...just scroll down a bit: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-use-ebird
Went for a short walk today out in the sun: chilly but crisp and sunny. No hawk sightings alas. May go for a longer walk after I finish lunch. I love going down to a local river and walking around there. :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 17, 2021, 07:58:24 AM
Yet another cool photo! I suspect that he or she isn't interested in sharing any of their catches with you, the landlord?
I've heard of eBird before and suspect that that is how my friend is now doing it these days though I will ask. It's a joint project that was created by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Audubon. You can read about it here...just scroll down a bit: https://www.audubon.org/news/how-use-ebird
Went for a short walk today out in the sun: chilly but crisp and sunny. No hawk sightings alas. May go for a longer walk after I finish lunch. I love going down to a local river and walking around there. :)
No, he would sooner we never showed up, I believe. :)
eBird, eh? Well knowing even that name should enable me to find it. But any further info would be cool.
Here is another shot of that lad, you can see he is ready for the lady of his dreams to arrive at his pond. FYI, she did, they had a baby, he tolerated that, then he ran them both off when the time was ripe. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/faXrcaC.jpg)
And on that same chip, this shot came up. You were talking earlier about the difficulty of ID'ing sometimes. Well, have a go at this one. My guess is that due to the mosaic pattern of the back feathers, it is a sort of owl, but I can't tell what, nor for that matter, what he is doing. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/66DSfUr.jpg)
8)
This little one was a successful rescue attempt from the past summer. I heard her calling for her mother one day in my backyard, so I kept an eye out for her all afternoon. When it started to get dark and she was still in the same spot, I knew she wouldn't escape the nighttime predators. I took her in and fed her using an eyedropper and a pair of stamp tongs, going to bed hoping she'd survive the night. The next morning, she was still calling away, so I put her back where I found her where (hopefully) she had a family reunion. It's hard to identify a bird so small, but my guess was she was a baby robin.
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 17, 2021, 05:34:51 PM
No, he would sooner we never showed up, I believe. :)
eBird, eh? Well knowing even that name should enable me to find it. But any further info would be cool.
Here is another shot of that lad, you can see he is ready for the lady of his dreams to arrive at his pond. FYI, she did, they had a baby, he tolerated that, then he ran them both off when the time was ripe. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/faXrcaC.jpg)
And on that same chip, this shot came up. You were talking earlier about the difficulty of ID'ing sometimes. Well, have a go at this one. My guess is that due to the mosaic pattern of the back feathers, it is a sort of owl, but I can't tell what, nor for that matter, what he is doing. :D
(https://i.imgur.com/66DSfUr.jpg)
8)
Gurn,
I don't know, the head/neck is too blurry to be able (for me anyway) to try and figure it out. I do think though that it's most likely tearing up and eating something that it caught.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 18, 2021, 03:45:28 AM
This little one was a successful rescue attempt from the past summer. I heard her calling for her mother one day in my backyard, so I kept an eye out for her all afternoon. When it started to get dark and she was still in the same spot, I knew she wouldn't escape the nighttime predators. I took her in and fed her using an eyedropper and a pair of stamp tongs, going to bed hoping she'd survive the night. The next morning, she was still calling away, so I put her back where I found her where (hopefully) she had a family reunion. It's hard to identify a bird so small, but my guess was she was a baby robin.
That was very kind of you to try and help, but I suspect that the little one probably didn't make it. My guess is that it either fell out of its nest or the nest was knocked out of the tree or wherever it was built. I did find this online which might be of help to you if this ever happens again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YfOYI0AXFvU
You might also want to check out this website for help (and jot down the link somewhere if you need to find it again): https://www.mass.gov/service-details/find-a-wildlife-rehabilitator
Best wishes,
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 18, 2021, 06:08:46 AM
Gurn,
I don't know, the head/neck is too blurry to be able (for me anyway) to try and figure it out. I do think though that it's most likely tearing up and eating something that it caught.
Yes, I was able to zoom in pretty closely, it's a rodent of some sort, possibly a wood rat. That's the belly facing us. Pretty sure it's an owl though, probably stopping for a snack on the way home for the day! :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 18, 2021, 06:50:27 AM
Yes, I was able to zoom in pretty closely, it's a rodent of some sort, possibly a wood rat. That's the belly facing us. Pretty sure it's an owl though, probably stopping for a snack on the way home for the day! :)
8)
When I was visiting my parents at Thanksgiving in a local park I saw a rodent of unusual size... I was actually shocked by how big and how fast it was. It is called a Nutria.
Quote from: DavidW on February 18, 2021, 07:02:37 AM
When I was visiting my parents at Thanksgiving in a local park I saw a rodent of unusual size... I was actually shocked by how big and how fast it was. It is called a Nutria.
Yeah, nutrias are a South American invasive species that was brought here to raise for fur, but they escaped into the wild (from Louisiana, I think) and have spread all over the South. They do a lot of damage burrowing along creek and pond banks. I would help the owl catch them if I needed to. :D They are about the size of a big opossum, so yeah, I can see being impressed!!
8)
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56189600
Rare bird: 'Half-male, half-female' cardinal snapped in Pennsylvania
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1708F/production/_117215349_cardinal5.jpg)
Quote from: T. D. on February 24, 2021, 05:30:16 PM
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-56189600
Rare bird: 'Half-male, half-female' cardinal snapped in Pennsylvania
(https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/cpsprodpb/1708F/production/_117215349_cardinal5.jpg)
Cool! About 10-15 years ago, we had an albino Cardinal living in the area. I saw him 3-4 times, he was very impressive looking. Never saw anything like that though! :o
8)
Interesting! I had never heard of that before in birds.
Gurn,
Cornell has a Feeder Watch Program, but it sounds like this would be a different kind of program than what you are looking for? https://feederwatch.org
Here's a link to ebird: https://ebird.org/home
By the way, my friend is no longer feeding the birds due to too many rodents alas.
You might also want to visit the Texas Audubon Society. They also talk about eBird there. Reminds me that I want to visit more of my local Audubon sites. Had a fun time last winter going for a hike with a friend around one. We had an unusually warm day. The area was still covered with some snow and ice (forest type of area); he brought some hiking poles which came in handy in some areas that were slippery. Quite pretty there and we were by ourselves for 99.99% of the time too! :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 25, 2021, 05:10:18 AM
Interesting! I had never heard of that before in birds.
Gurn,
Cornell has a Feeder Watch Program, but it sounds like this would be a different kind of program than what you are looking for? https://feederwatch.org
Here's a link to ebird: https://ebird.org/home
By the way, my friend is no longer feeding the birds due to too many rodents alas.
You might also want to visit the Texas Audubon Society. They also talk about eBird there. Reminds me that I want to visit more of my local Audubon sites. Had a fun time last winter going for a hike with a friend around one. We had an unusually warm day. The area was still covered with some snow and ice (forest type of area); he brought some hiking poles which came in handy in some areas that were slippery. Quite pretty there and we were by ourselves for 99.99% of the time too! :)
PD,
I downloaded eBird the day we talked about it, and looked through all the info on their website. I haven't had time to get any data entered yet, been busy with the aftermath of the blizzard. By bad luck, at the same time, I discovered that the National Bird Count took place 3 days earlier! We are members of the National Audubon Society, but I never thought about the state one. Good idea, I'll look into that.
Hiking around a wilderness area is a great thing to do. In truth, for me it means walking up to the pond. 🤠. I rarely have a regret over the years of effort spent acquiring this place, if I was a really serious birder, rather than a casual observer, I would be in Hog Heaven! 😃
😎
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 25, 2021, 05:10:18 AM
By the way, my friend is no longer feeding the birds due to too many rodents alas.
That's a concern, especially these days. With fewer restaurants operating, the rodents don't have as many discarded food sources to go to. I've moved all my feeders far from the house for that reason.
We now also have a visiting coyote, which I just recently learned will eat bird seed. The fact coyotes feast on rodents I guess is a plus, but it doesn't outweigh my concern for our cats and dogs.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 25, 2021, 07:45:52 AM
That's a concern, especially these days. With fewer restaurants operating, the rodents don't have as many discarded food sources to go to. I've moved all my feeders far from the house for that reason.
We now also have a visiting coyote, which I just recently learned will eat bird seed. The fact coyotes feast on rodents I guess is a plus, but it doesn't outweigh my concern for our cats and dogs.
Coyotes eating bird seed?! Who woulda thunk it? ??? Good for a shiny coat I guess!
Irons,
Have you tried using the dried meal worms yet? I did a quick bit of googling. I guess that part of the trick is in getting the birds to notice it and also give it a go. One person even recommended soaking some of them to make them more appealing. Or that one could mix it in with other bird food? What has been your experience? Note: the prices that I saw seemed pretty high, but as I haven't bought bird seed before, I don't know how much that can go per pound.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 26, 2021, 09:18:36 AM
Coyotes eating bird seed?! Who woulda thunk it? ??? Good for a shiny coat I guess!
Irons,
Have you tried using the dried meal worms yet? I did a quick bit of googling. I guess that part of the trick is in getting the birds to notice it and also give it a go. One person even recommended soaking some of them to make them more appealing. Or that one could mix it in with other bird food? What has been your experience? Note: the prices that I saw seemed pretty high, but as I haven't bought bird seed before, I don't know how much that can go per pound.
PD
I feed the birds here with dried mealworms - I don't usually rehydrate them and they still get eaten gleefully! They work out about £10\kg (roughly the same price in USD I guess). They weigh next to nothing so it's pretty good value but bird seed, a high quality one with sunflower seeds etc, is only £2/kg.
I guess I'm just a sucker for the birds - I have no kids so I just spoil the local wildlife rotten. 0:)
Quote from: Benji on February 26, 2021, 02:46:20 PM
I feed the birds here with dried mealworms - I don't usually rehydrate them and they still get eaten gleefully! They work out about £10\kg (roughly the same price in USD I guess). They weigh next to nothing so it's pretty good value but bird seed, a high quality one with sunflower seeds etc, is only £2/kg.
I guess I'm just a sucker for the birds - I have no kids so I just spoil the local wildlife rotten. 0:)
Lucky birds! :)
PD
Note - I just found this about meal worms. Seems that you could be feeding other animals too--including some that you would rather not:
"As is common in the natural food chain, mealworms have natural enemies. These enemies of the mealworm include mice, rats, cockroaches, frogs, spiders, and snakes. Mealworms are excelant fishing bait and food for captive reptiles, chickens, fish, and birds." From this website: https://opticbird.com/what-birds-eat-mealworms/
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 26, 2021, 09:18:36 AM
Coyotes eating bird seed?! Who woulda thunk it? ??? Good for a shiny coat I guess!
Irons,
Have you tried using the dried meal worms yet? I did a quick bit of googling. I guess that part of the trick is in getting the birds to notice it and also give it a go. One person even recommended soaking some of them to make them more appealing. Or that one could mix it in with other bird food? What has been your experience? Note: the prices that I saw seemed pretty high, but as I haven't bought bird seed before, I don't know how much that can go per pound.
PD
I do not prepare them, PD. The birds like them straight. The only problem was Mr Magpie who managed to keep airborne in a stationary position and knock the birdfeeder with his beak to scatter the mealworms on the ground below - quite a sight! I soon put a stop to this by moving the feeder closer to the trunk of tree. Cost depends where you buy them. Mealworms are expensive in garden centres, as is everything else. We buy a large bag for little cost at a chain here in the UK, Home Bargains.
Quote from: Irons on March 01, 2021, 12:07:25 AM
I do not prepare them, PD. The birds like them straight. The only problem was Mr Magpie who managed to keep airborne in a stationary position and knock the birdfeeder with his beak to scatter the mealworms on the ground below - quite a sight! I soon put a stop to this by moving the feeder closer to the trunk of tree. Cost depends where you buy them. Mealworms are expensive in garden centres, as is everything else. We buy a large bag for little cost at a chain here in the UK, Home Bargains.
Nice! Well, at least squirrels don't seem to like them...and hedgehogs consider them to be a real treat!
PD
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on February 24, 2021, 07:32:23 PM
Cool! About 10-15 years ago, we had an albino Cardinal living in the area. I saw him 3-4 times, he was very impressive looking. Never saw anything like that though! :o
8)
I have also seen an albino cardinal - at my parents' house in upstate NY. If it were a true albino, distinct from a leucistic (pinkish) one, it wouldn't have had a long shelf (er, branch) life - melanin is required for good eyesight.
Saw my first red-tailed hawk yesterday. Most impressive.
My favorite bird is the brown thrasher. Love the feverish thrashing about, the incredibly incompetent flying - a laugh riot at times! - , and their belligerence (one of few birds that will attack humans if provoked).
Quote from: Stürmisch Bewegt on March 02, 2021, 04:59:56 AM
Saw my first red-tailed hawk yesterday. Most impressive.
My favorite bird is the brown thrasher. Love the feverish thrashing about, the incredibly incompetent flying - a laugh riot at times! - , and their belligerence (one of few birds that will attack humans if provoked).
Delighted to read that you saw a red-tailed hawk! One of my favorite birds. I often see them where I live (now that I'm looking for them). An acquaintance recently shared a photo of a leucistic RTH with me. You can see it here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79774811@N00/50982939208/sizes/k/
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 02, 2021, 05:19:16 AM
Delighted to read that you saw a red-tailed hawk! One of my favorite birds. I often see them where I live (now that I'm looking for them). An acquaintance recently shared a photo of a leucistic RTH with me. You can see it here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/79774811@N00/50982939208/sizes/k/
PD
That's a very beautiful bird, for sure.
Definitely an extra suet day for the backyard visitors.
Quote from: Szykneij on March 02, 2021, 05:48:14 AM
Definitely an extra suet day for the backyard visitors.
Indeed, winter appears to not be over yet.
We got 2.1" of rain yesterday. The Mob had emptied their feeder and it was just raining too hard to go out and mess with it. I finally did in the late afternoon, and before I even got back in the house, it was overrun. In another couple of weeks, I won't be able to give away seed, but right now..!!! :o
8)
Had a special visitor at the feeder this morning:
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allaboutbirds.org%2Fguide%2Fassets%2Fog%2F75714071-1200px.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
We haven't had a purple finch here since 2002, even though they are said to be inhabitants of the area. I hope it sticks around for a while, and maybe brings some friends! :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 06, 2021, 09:10:41 AM
Had a special visitor at the feeder this morning:
We haven't had a purple finch here since 2002, even though they are said to be inhabitants of the area. I hope it sticks around for a while, and maybe brings some friends! :)
8)
It's hard to differentiate between purple finches and house finches, but I'm pretty sure the flocks that visit my feeders are house finches. They're the most common birds at my thistle feeders, followed by goldfinches and chickadees.
Quote from: Szykneij on March 06, 2021, 10:01:52 AM
It's hard to differentiate between purple finches and house finches, but I'm pretty sure the flocks that visit my feeders are house finches. They're the most common birds at my thistle feeders, followed by goldfinches and chickadees.
Not so hard when you see them together. Actually, they look more like cardinals from some angles, like head-on from the front. My wife was looking at it when I came in, and she said it was some weird-looking cardinal. The it turned sideways and it was more obvious! :D
All of our goldfinches have flown north for the summer. We had a potful of them until ~2 weeks ago, the males were just starting to color up. Then one day they were completely gone. :(
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 06, 2021, 09:10:41 AM
Had a special visitor at the feeder this morning:
(https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.allaboutbirds.org%2Fguide%2Fassets%2Fog%2F75714071-1200px.jpg&f=1&nofb=1)
We haven't had a purple finch here since 2002, even though they are said to be inhabitants of the area. I hope it sticks around for a while, and maybe brings some friends! :)
8)
Oh sweet! :) My neighbor said that she has seen purple finches at her feeders, but I haven't seen them. I went for a walk with a friend today, and we saw three red-tailed hawks (or has he says, could be the same hawk three times, but I don't think so! ;D ). Funnily enough, I went inside after some errands together to get some soup for him to take home. I happened to see a RTH fly over or around my house (was working at the sink and happened to catch it for several seconds flying low). I quickly went outside to see if I could still see it (delayed a bit as I was in the middle of washing my hands) and couldn't find it again. Then when I went outside to give him some food to take home with him, he mentioned that I had just missed seeing one fly by; I explained to him what had happened. Cool that we both were able to see it! 8) :) And a lovely walk by a local river today too...good for the body, mind and soul....particularly these days.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 06, 2021, 01:53:22 PM
Oh sweet! :) My neighbor said that she has seen purple finches at her feeders, but I haven't seen them. I went for a walk with a friend today, and we saw three red-tailed hawks (or has he says, could be the same hawk three times, but I don't think so! ;D ). Funnily enough, I went inside after some errands together to get some soup for him to take home. I happened to see a RTH fly over or around my house (was working at the sink and happened to catch it for several seconds flying low). I quickly went outside to see if I could still see it (delayed a bit as I was in the middle of washing my hands) and couldn't find it again. Then when I went outside to give him some food to take home with him, he mentioned that I had just missed seeing one fly by; I explained to him what had happened. Cool that we both were able to see it! 8) :) And a lovely walk by a local river today too...good for the body, mind and soul....particularly these days.
PD
Nice! I was just out in the yard hitting golf balls (well, to be fair, the 'yard' is ~5 acres), and a pair of RTH's that seem to be nesting in the pine forest adjacent came flying out and yelling at me, that neat shriek they make. They circled around for a while, seemingly mocking my efforts to hit one solidly, then back into the woods. I need to find their nest without disturbing them. :)
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 06, 2021, 02:17:59 PM
Nice! I was just out in the yard hitting golf balls (well, to be fair, the 'yard' is ~5 acres), and a pair of RTH's that seem to be nesting in the pine forest adjacent came flying out and yelling at me, that neat shriek they make. They circled around for a while, seemingly mocking my efforts to hit one solidly, then back into the woods. I need to find their nest without disturbing them. :)
8)
Hi Gurn.
You mean their war cry? :) Click on the top one of the calls buttons here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/sounds It sounds like they were concerned about the 'activity' going on around them and felt threatened by an intruder (alas, you). Hopefully, you weren't inadvertently hitting your golf balls towards were they were nesting? Remember (or if you didn't already know this), RTH's can see 8X better at a distance than we mere mortals. This is due to the many photoreceptors in their retina: up to 1,000,000 per square mm for hawks vs. only 200,000 for humans. A normal human has 20/20 vision (when standing 20 feet away from something, you see it as if you're standing 20 feet away). Hawks have 20/2 vision. They see something 20 feet away as if they were seeing it 2 feet away.
So, I suspect (just my thoughts here) that this also translates into what can be perceived as a 'nearby threat' gets a different meaning to them. Plus, if they are in the midst of laying eggs (or already have), they are going to be hyper-vigilant of protecting their nest (= the nursery).
Fun fact: they can also see UV light. :)
Best wishes (and good luck with your golf),
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2021, 04:50:58 AM
Hi Gurn.
You mean their war cry? :) Click on the top one of the calls buttons here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-tailed_Hawk/sounds It sounds like they were concerned about the 'activity' going on around them and felt threatened by an intruder (alas, you). Hopefully, you weren't inadvertently hitting your golf balls towards were they were nesting? Remember (or if you didn't already know this), RTH's can see 8X better at a distance than we mere mortals. This is due to the many photoreceptors in their retina: up to 1,000,000 per square mm for hawks vs. only 200,000 for humans. A normal human has 20/20 vision (when standing 20 feet away from something, you see it as if you're standing 20 feet away). Hawks have 20/2 vision. They see something 20 feet away as if they were seeing it 2 feet away.
So, I suspect (just my thoughts here) that this also translates into what can be perceived as a 'nearby threat' gets a different meaning to them. Plus, if they are in the midst of laying eggs (or already have), they are going to be hyper-vigilant of protecting their nest (= the nursery).
Fun fact: they can also see UV light. :)
Best wishes (and good luck with your golf),
PD
:) Naw, they are nesting well back in the woods. I don't doubt they were irked that I was there, but that can't be helped, it is right along the main longitudinal highway on the property, people gotta go where they gotta go.
I didn't know they can see UV light, that's very interesting. I wonder what value it adds to their lifestyle. Maybe it makes prey animals glow a bit... ???
My golf is beyond help, I'm afraid. I used to play regularly and achieved the status of not embarrassing myself in front of strangers, but now I rarely get the opportunity to play, and I actually embarrass myself in front of myself... :D
8)
PS - The Purple Finch was back this morning, that was nice to see. :)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 07, 2021, 08:47:44 AM
:) Naw, they are nesting well back in the woods. I don't doubt they were irked that I was there, but that can't be helped, it is right along the main longitudinal highway on the property, people gotta go where they gotta go.
I didn't know they can see UV light, that's very interesting. I wonder what value it adds to their lifestyle. Maybe it makes prey animals glow a bit... ???
My golf is beyond help, I'm afraid. I used to play regularly and achieved the status of not embarrassing myself in front of strangers, but now I rarely get the opportunity to play, and I actually embarrass myself in front of myself... :D
8)
PS - The Purple Finch was back this morning, that was nice to see. :)
Glad that your finch came back. :) Trying to remember what all I read. It was through a link on a Cornell site. When/if I find it again, I'll let you know.
Speaking of RTHs, I heard some war crying whilst in my living room! Went outside, but couldn't see the birds. Wonder whether or not there was a territorial dispute? Or if a hawk was tired of being picked on by a murder of crows? Or....?? Have you heard/read any reports of any RTHs laying eggs in your area yet? I've been following the activity of the pair at Cornell (female = Big Red and is I want to say, now about 15 years old?; male = Arthur and I think about 4 years old. Big Red had a mate for many years named Ezra who, alas, passed away. Big Red then met Arthur.). Several weeks ago, they started making trips to their nest often bring fresh twigs and bark to spiff up things. This past week or so, they've been increasingly busy mating. I suspect that the first egg will be laid within the next couple of weeks? Cornell has two web cams in the nest. Fun to see what happens in there and watching the little ones hatch and grow up. You might get a kick out of watching this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3BunMXFNTg
By the way, the lighter colored one (in the foreground) is Arthur. Big Red is in the distance (She's also the only one banded.).
Question: how do you manage to find all of your golf balls in such a big area?!
PD
Pleased to report that I saw *two hawks go to the nest nearby today. One of them actually went into it too. Hope that there will soon be some eggs laid there. :)
I suspect that it's the same pair that nested there last year though I've never been able to see them well enough to get a sense of their coloring/markings.
I'm on the Cornell Labs Feederwatch list and just got this message. It's not too late to participate. I did last year and enjoyed it, but decided to skip it this time around. Hopefully, the links from the email will work.
Hi Tony,
We've extended the season!
We have some exciting news for all FeederWatch participants: we've extended the counting season through the end of April! Normally FeederWatch ends in early April, but we learned after last year's extension that many people enjoyed counting during the arrival of spring. Please enjoy these few extra weeks of FeederWatch. The last day to start a two-day count will be Thursday, April 29. Remember, you can count on a schedule of your choosing, so if you don't want to count in April that is okay too. Any counts you have made this season are valuable, even if you only counted once.
Things to keep in mind
With this extension into the spring season, you may see colorful birds like orioles, grosbeaks and buntings at your feeders—species that overwinter to the south of most FeederWatch locations. Note that you may be asked to confirm sightings of some of these summertime species because we are still refining our data checking system for April. We appreciate your patience with that. Additionally, springtime weather means bear activity may increase. If there are active bears in your area, please remove feeders for safety, and just count birds attracted to water features or plantings that you maintain within your count site. Finally, if you live in an area where there is currently a Salmonella outbreak, please be sure to follow guidance from local wildlife authorities. If they recommend keeping your feeders down for an extended period of time, you can simply count birds attracted to other features within your count site.
Thank you for FeederWatching!
Emma Greig
Project FeederWatch
Have questions about FeederWatch?
https://feederwatch.org/ (https://feederwatch.org/)
I seems the pandemic has made birds more musical.
https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-pandemic-is-making-birds-more-musical/ar-BB1eyk8E?ocid=msedgdhp (https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/technology/the-pandemic-is-making-birds-more-musical/ar-BB1eyk8E?ocid=msedgdhp)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 07, 2021, 10:31:41 AM
Glad that your finch came back. :) Trying to remember what all I read. It was through a link on a Cornell site. When/if I find it again, I'll let you know.
Speaking of RTHs, I heard some war crying whilst in my living room! Went outside, but couldn't see the birds. Wonder whether or not there was a territorial dispute? Or if a hawk was tired of being picked on by a murder of crows? Or....?? Have you heard/read any reports of any RTHs laying eggs in your area yet? I've been following the activity of the pair at Cornell (female = Big Red and is I want to say, now about 15 years old?; male = Arthur and I think about 4 years old. Big Red had a mate for many years named Ezra who, alas, passed away. Big Red then met Arthur.). Several weeks ago, they started making trips to their nest often bring fresh twigs and bark to spiff up things. This past week or so, they've been increasingly busy mating. I suspect that the first egg will be laid within the next couple of weeks? Cornell has two web cams in the nest. Fun to see what happens in there and watching the little ones hatch and grow up. You might get a kick out of watching this short video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c3BunMXFNTg
By the way, the lighter colored one (in the foreground) is Arthur. Big Red is in the distance (She's also the only one banded.).
Question: how do you manage to find all of your golf balls in such a big area?!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 08, 2021, 09:01:10 AM
Pleased to report that I saw *two hawks go to the nest nearby today. One of them actually went into it too. Hope that there will soon be some eggs laid there. :)
I suspect that it's the same pair that nested there last year though I've never been able to see them well enough to get a sense of their coloring/markings.
No, I haven't heard anything, but I am fairly sure the pair in the woods/field are working at it. I was seeing them together quite often, but now they are almost always separate. I reckon they take turns staying home. We have lots of crows here, I imagine that's not an unusual thing. But I have frequently seen them ganging up on hawks, and one morning they had a big GH Owl penned up in a tree near the driveway, I ended up late for work so I could watch him try to extract himself from his predicament. Not sure why they don't just bull their way out, but they seem to want to tiptoe out the side door, which is difficult with 20 crows on the lookout! :D
Great! Nice opportunity for nest-watching. I agree, I would be almost positive that it is the same pair as previous. Mine don't seem ever to leave, they are here year 'round, only their behavior seems to change. :)
8)
PS - Golf balls. I keep that field mowed as though it was my lawn. I hate walking in deep grass, get covered up in redbug bites, and not to put tooo fine a point on it, this IS snake country! :o
Went out for a couple of really nice walks yesterday. Saw my local hawk couple several times including one that was at quite close range twice (or two once?). I really must start bringing my camera with me (versus phone). Had some beautiful views of them flying next to or over a river, one of them hanging out on top of a lamppost....another time, one of them sitting calmly on a big and 'fluffy' pine tree branch. :)
As I was leaving that area, I happened to notice a big shadow move over me. I looked upwards in the direction that the shadow had moved expecting to see a red-tailed hawk; instead, I saw a bigger bird with dark wings but it had a white head and tail. It was a bald eagle! It circled over me and nearby a few times eventually disappearing into the sunlight. ;D Made my day!
PD
PD, I had a similar experience out mowing my lawn several years ago, when a large shadow passed over me. I thought it might be the grim reaper at first and looked up to greet him but it was a bald eagle - couldn't help but wonder if mine might have momentarily considered if I might be edible, as it then circled a bit... I've always been impressed with their high flying ways: up to 10,000 feet. But that's nuthin' compared to Ruppell's griffon vulture (endangered) which has been spotted flying at 37,000 feet (the same height as a coasting commercial airplane).
I love birds, some birds more than others, admittedly, but I really do not want any of them nesting up in the eaves of our house, which they have taken to doing more so in recent years. I have had real success in encouraging them to find alternative lodgings by placing esp. fragrant soaps at their favorite spots, Irish Spring works well. This is the first spring I've encountered where something has been kicking the soaps outta there and I have had to replace several times.
Quote from: Stürmisch Bewegt on March 16, 2021, 04:42:10 AM
PD, I had a similar experience out mowing my lawn several years ago, when a large shadow passed over me. I thought it might be the grim reaper at first and looked up to greet him but it was a bald eagle - couldn't help but wonder if mine might have momentarily considered if I might be edible, as it then circled a bit... I've always been impressed with their high flying ways: up to 10,000 feet. But that's nuthin' compared to Ruppell's griffon vulture (endangered) which has been spotted flying at 37,000 feet (the same height as a coasting commercial airplane).
I also considered (and joked to someone later) that he/she might be thinking "Meal?". I had joked that they were thinking "Hmm....lots of good meat there, but nah, too much trouble".
Wow, didn't know about a bald eagle's flying capabilities let alone a Ruppell's griffon vulture [Hadn't heard of a RGV before now either]! ???
In any event, it was quite special to see a BE and so close. The only either time that I had seen one (a pair) they were really high up in a pine tree (and looked about an inch big--no binocs then alas).
And glad that you didn't have a heart attack seeing the bald eagle--you wouldn't want to have seen them both on the same day. ;)
PD
Quote from: Stürmisch Bewegt on March 16, 2021, 04:50:28 AM
I love birds, some birds more than others, admittedly, but I really do not want any of them nesting up in the eaves of our house, which they have taken to doing more so in recent years. I have had real success in encouraging them to find alternative lodgings by placing esp. fragrant soaps at their favorite spots, Irish Spring works well. This is the first spring I've encountered where something has been kicking the soaps outta there and I have had to replace several times.
Wonder whether or not the "kicker" might in fact be a squirrel?
PD
Just read this sad story on the BBC's website: "A rare songbird has become so threatened that it has started to lose its song, say scientists."
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56417544
PD
We vacation in the summer on a protected marsh in Maine. The arrival of a visiting bald eagle is always announced by a din of irate seagulls attempting to drive the eagle away to protect their nests located in the seagrass. These efforts are completely futile, and the eagle usually manages to get its meal.
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 17, 2021, 03:59:27 AM
Just read this sad story on the BBC's website: "A rare songbird has become so threatened that it has started to lose its song, say scientists."
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-56417544
PD
Definitely sad. It's interesting how birds actually learn their songs.
Every spring, while I'm working in my garden, I'm visited by a songbird I have yet to identify. I call him the Beethoven Bird because his call is the first four notes of Beethoven's 5th. I usually answer his major third by whistling the subsequent minor third, hoping that by the end of the summer we can move on to the next phrase. :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 17, 2021, 03:26:25 AM
Wonder whether or not the "kicker" might in fact be a squirrel?
PD
That thought crossed my mind as well,
PD, but though I've seen plenty of squirrel up on the roof, have never seen them where the birds feel compelled to nest. Possible, but unlikely, methinks. A little tricky for them to negotiate those spots. Might be doves, I hear them around there a lot, though they don't nest there. Speaking of squirrels on the roof: years ago, I chased a baby squirrel about the backyard. It quickly ran up a maple tree but in its fright went too far out on a spindly branch and was bending it up and down some eight or nine feet off the ground. Afraid to jump and not being able to turn around and go back, it let out a plaintive cry and his parents
zoomed (no exaggeration) across the roof (they must have been in the front yard). One of them scurried up the maple out to the youngster and on the downward lunge gently pushed him off onto the ground and they both ran like the devil away from Mr. Stranger Danger. Whenever I hear people talk about animals being mindless mechanisms - many do - I think of that occurrence and know otherwise.
Quote from: Szykneij on March 17, 2021, 04:08:48 AM
Definitely sad. It's interesting how birds actually learn their songs.
Every spring, while I'm working in my garden, I'm visited by a songbird I have yet to identify. I call him the Beethoven Bird because his call is the first four notes of Beethoven's 5th. I usually answer his major third by whistling the subsequent minor third, hoping that by the end of the summer we can move on to the next phrase. :)
:laugh: What are the three main colors? How long is their tail in relationship to their body? How would you describe what they look like? Any particular markings?
Have you tried taking a picture of them with your cell phone and using the Merlin app?
PD
Quote from: Stürmisch Bewegt on March 18, 2021, 03:48:52 PM
That thought crossed my mind as well, PD, but though I've seen plenty of squirrel up on the roof, have never seen them where the birds feel compelled to nest. Possible, but unlikely, methinks. A little tricky for them to negotiate those spots. Might be doves, I hear them around there a lot, though they don't nest there. Speaking of squirrels on the roof: years ago, I chased a baby squirrel about the backyard. It quickly ran up a maple tree but in its fright went too far out on a spindly branch and was bending it up and down some eight or nine feet off the ground. Afraid to jump and not being able to turn around and go back, it let out a plaintive cry and his parents zoomed (no exaggeration) across the roof (they must have been in the front yard). One of them scurried up the maple out to the youngster and on the downward lunge gently pushed him off onto the ground and they both ran like the devil away from Mr. Stranger Danger. Whenever I hear people talk about animals being mindless mechanisms - many do - I think of that occurrence and know otherwise.
Oh, no! May I ask why you were chasing it? Way to go parent squirrels!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on March 20, 2021, 09:17:53 AM
:laugh: What are the three main colors? How long is their tail in relationship to their body? How would you describe what they look like? Any particular markings?
Have you tried taking a picture of them with your cell phone and using the Merlin app?
PD
The problem is that when it's singing, it's way up in the trees out of sight. I'm guessing it's one of the song sparrows that come down to feed on insects, but until I actually see it in song, I don't know for sure. I've listened to the calls all of the possibilities on line, but I can't find anything that matches.
Quote from: Szykneij on March 20, 2021, 09:27:48 AM
The problem is that when it's singing, it's way up in the trees out of sight. I'm guessing it's one of the song sparrows that come down to feed on insects, but until I actually see it in song, I don't know for sure. I've listened to the calls all of the possibilities on line, but I can't find anything that matches.
Drat! Elusive little birdie for sure! ;)
Just back from a nice long walk by a river. First thing off, saw a red-tailed hawk in flight..happily sailing along on the drafts on a sunny day. :) A bit later, spotted two turkey vultures flying way high up. Saw another group (or same) but three this time, much closer to the ground. Beautiful day to be outside. Checked my local neighborhood on return and heard and saw what I believe to be a hairy woodpecker back on its same tree still digging out its nest. I hadn't seen it for a while and was hoping that it hadn't been frightened away by either myself sharing with neighbors about the nest and yakking too loudly and disturbing it or by someone or something else. :( All seems to be good now though thankfully.
PD
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on March 06, 2021, 11:53:29 AM
Not so hard when you see them together. Actually, they look more like cardinals from some angles, like head-on from the front. My wife was looking at it when I came in, and she said it was some weird-looking cardinal. The it turned sideways and it was more obvious! :D
Gurn, what do you think? Purple finches or house finches? I'm going with house.
Tony,
It looks like a house finch to me. On the Cornell website, you can compare different birds side by side to compare what they look like (really handy). See here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Finch/species-compare/63736771
PD
p.s. Read somewhere that the house finches are basically driving out the purple finches. :-(
Picture from last year later in the season. Brighter plumage.
Quote from: Szykneij on March 26, 2021, 04:49:45 AM
Picture from last year later in the season. Brighter plumage.
Neat!
Keep checking in on Big Red and Arthur (RTHs at Cornell)...BR is certainly taking her time this year in laying her first egg. Historically (info on their website), the latest date recorded of her laying her first egg was on March 28th. Today's the 26th and it's very windy on the campus today and is forecast for continued strong winds today. Hope that she can hang in there for another day before laying it!
PD
And Big Red has laid her third egg this morning in Ithaca, NY. True to form, she laid it in horrible weather (It snowed overnight)...mid-morning today local time. No April Fools Day joke. :) What a trooper!
PD
Bird Photographer of the Year 2021 finalists. Some absolutely stunning photos plus the stories of how they were taken. :)
https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-56654460
PD
Some very fine photos there, thank you. The one with that little yellow duck is very cinematic :)
Quote from: MusicTurner on April 09, 2021, 04:35:18 AM
Some very fine photos there, thank you. The one with that little yellow duck is very cinematic :)
I wonder who won the battle in the fox vs. the sea eagle?
The one of the shag bird chick forcing its head down its parent's throat cracked me up and I would imagine might have been a bit alarming to the mom!
And, yes, it must have been amusing to see the little duckling following the fly around determined to get it! :)
I particularly also loved the photo of the mute swans courting too.
PD
Went for a combo of a walk/birding over the weekend. Saw my first red-bellied woodpecker along with a number of either hairy and/or downys. :) Glad that my friend brought his binoculars; mine aren't nearly as good!
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-bellied_Woodpecker
PD
Hard not to be checking in on the bird nest cams this time of year. Fun to see the eggs hatch and the little ones being fed. Though I must admit, hard to watch the osprey cams. Those chicks can be quite nasty 'bopping' on their siblings--sometimes leading to their death. :(
Love looking at the barred owl chicks with their cute little flat faces. ;D https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 23, 2021, 08:29:02 AM
Hard not to be checking in on the bird nest cams this time of year. Fun to see the eggs hatch and the little ones being fed. Though I must admit, hard to watch the osprey cams. Those chicks can be quite nasty 'bopping' on their siblings--sometimes leading to their death. :(
Love looking at the barred owl chicks with their cute little flat faces. ;D https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/barred-owls/
PD
It's a great website. Thanks for the discovery !
From Europe, I already used to watch these webcams every day: https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams (https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams)
...
For me, the hardest thing to see is when raptors prey on the nests of smaller birds ... That's really terrible :(
Quote from: mabuse on April 23, 2021, 12:32:37 PM
It's a great website. Thanks for the discovery !
From Europe, I already used to watch these webcams every day: https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams (https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams)
...
For me, the hardest thing to see is when raptors prey on the nests of smaller birds ... That's really terrible :(
Oh, good! I'm glad that you are enjoying it. Someone told me about an app that Cornell created for smart phones which I downloaded (It's free by the way). It's called Merlin and I really like it! It helps me to identify birds and to learn more about them. They have ID packages for much of the world. Here's a link to it: https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/download/
Thank you for your link. I'll happily explore the nest cams a bit later today. :) And, yes, it's hard to see birds go after and destroy other birds' eggs (or even take their chicks for food!). Mother Nature doesn't follow Disney guidelines that's for sure!
PD
:)
On the same website, there is also currently a webcam into the nest of a little 'great tit' :
https://www.fr.vivara.be/webcams-en-direct/mesange-charbonniere (https://www.fr.vivara.be/webcams-en-direct/mesange-charbonniere)
It is particularly charming...
Nesting, here, is much faster than with large birds.
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/great-10.jpg)
Quote from: mabuse on April 25, 2021, 04:08:52 PM
:)
On the same website, there is also currently a webcam into the nest of a little 'great tit' :
https://www.fr.vivara.be/webcams-en-direct/mesange-charbonniere (https://www.fr.vivara.be/webcams-en-direct/mesange-charbonniere)
It is particularly charming...
Nesting, here, is much faster than with large birds.
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/great-10.jpg)
Sweet! :)
PD
Fascinating story about a red-tailed hawk chick being raised by eagles (in western Canada):
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bald-eagles-raise-red-tailed-hawk-1.4151033
As an aside, I've also been following a hawk cam at Syracuse University. One of the three eggs started to hatch this morning! At around 4 something. Surprised to see at one point that Sue (the female hawk parent) actually ate a tiny bit of the shell (where it had been pipped) and then gently picked it up and set it back down (using the hole to pick it up). Hadn't seen anything like that before. Otto is the name of the male hawk.
The cameras were set up due to a kind donation of a lovely woman when her husband passed away 16 days after being diagnosed with leukemia. They were/are both avid birders. You can view the cams here: https://thecollege.syr.edu/alumni/nest-cam/
She (Anne Marie Higgins) has a Facebook page in which she provides updates. :) https://www.facebook.com/pg/redtailedhawktales/about/?ref=page_internal
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 27, 2021, 08:42:44 AM
Fascinating story about a red-tailed hawk chick being raised by eagles (in western Canada):
https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/bald-eagles-raise-red-tailed-hawk-1.4151033
That is a very impressive document :o
The maternal instincts of some animals can really be very strong...
In the news or on the Internet, we often find testimonials about this kind of interspecies relationship :
https://www.livescience.com/59097-interspecies-animal-moms-photos.html
https://www.straight.com/blogra/708856/when-animals-dont-attack-adopt-unexpected-interspecies-parenting
(I enjoyed the story of the male sheep adopting the baby elephant who lost his mother :laugh: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnXYiSY99yw )
Quote from: mabuse on April 27, 2021, 03:34:41 PM
That is a very impressive document :o
The maternal instincts of some animals can really be very strong...
In the news or on the Internet, we often find testimonials about this kind of interspecies relationship :
https://www.livescience.com/59097-interspecies-animal-moms-photos.html
https://www.straight.com/blogra/708856/when-animals-dont-attack-adopt-unexpected-interspecies-parenting
(I enjoyed the story of the male sheep adopting the baby elephant who lost his mother :laugh: : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnXYiSY99yw )
Thanks for those links! I had seen two of them before: the one with the cat mothering the ducklings and also the one of Pippin (? that big black dog) looking after the faun. :)
By the way, the first red-tailed hawk chick pipped its way out of the shell (at Syracuse University) yesterday around 7 p.m.
PD
EDIT: Just saw three different kinds of woodpeckers (alas not live) within a period of about 5 minutes on the Cornell Feeder cam: a hairy (male), a red-bellied woodpecker (male) and the huge and striking pileated woodpecker (also a male). 8)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 28, 2021, 09:23:18 AM
By the way, the first red-tailed hawk chick pipped its way out of the shell (at Syracuse University) yesterday around 7 p.m.
https://thecollege.syr.edu/alumni/nest-cam/ (https://thecollege.syr.edu/alumni/nest-cam/)
Good !
The image is of very high quality.
(I don't wanna watch the squirrel get skinned :-[ )
Quote from: mabuse on April 28, 2021, 02:33:00 PM
https://thecollege.syr.edu/alumni/nest-cam/ (https://thecollege.syr.edu/alumni/nest-cam/)
Good !
The image is of very high quality.
(I don't wanna watch the squirrel get skinned :-[ )
Yes, these days people often volunteer to be moderators and can zoom in and out, etc. on the nest or the birds too. :)
You have to develop somewhat of a "thick skin" when watching raptors feed/hunt. It's what they do though. They have to eat too. And imagine how much more of a problem we'd have with an over-population of squirrels, chipmunks, voles, etc., if it weren't for raptors?
Best wishes,
PD
Probably I am indeed too sensitive... 0:)
But you are of course right that you should not blame them for hunting other animals !
Moreover, personally, I appreciate very much that at night the owls come around my house to hunt mice.
For that, I think they are really the best >:D
Quote from: mabuse on April 29, 2021, 05:27:51 AM
Probably I am indeed too sensitive... 0:)
But you are of course right that you should not blame them for hunting other animals !
Moreover, personally, I appreciate very much that at night the owls come around my house to hunt mice.
For that, I think they are really the best >:D
Oh, neat that you have owls in your area? What kind of owl(s) do you have that visit you? :)
PD
I do not know very well because at night it is difficult to see them...
But on the other hand, I can hear them screaming from the top of the trees.
I personally appreciate their presence very much :)
...
About the tit:
There are 6 eggs !
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur20.png)
Quote from: mabuse on April 29, 2021, 06:11:35 AM
I do not know very well because at night it is difficult to see them...
But on the other hand, I can hear them screaming from the top of the trees.
I personally appreciate their presence very much :)
...
About the tit:
There are 6 eggs !
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur20.png)
Eggcelent! :)
I just took a look at the Merlin app that I use and see that they have bird packs for Europe (I just typed that in their search engine). I don't know where you live, but they have one for Scandinavia, one for the Iberian peninsula, one titled Western which covers "Birds of western Europe from France to Germany and also one for Britain and Ireland. If you have a smart phone, you could download the one for your area (if you live in Europe that is)...again, they are free. They also have various recordings of common bird sounds by species. You could listen to some of the sounds that the various owls make to help you figure out who (pun intended) is making it? :) For the heck of it, I downloaded their birds of western Europe one (currently downloading it). I should also download the ones for Scandinavia and Britain and Ireland (since we have a lot of people from the UK and Ireland here. One other cool thing that you can do with it is take a photo of a bird and ID it that way...or go through a series of questions which helps the app to narrow down which bird you are likely seeing.
Hawk chick No. 2 came out of its shell yesterday at SU. One egg left to go!
No chicks yet at the Cornell nest (Big Red did lay hers later than SU's Sue though). Sometimes some of the birders who follow the Cornell hawks will drive up to Syracuse University to check out the hawks there and also to catch up with Anne Marie; it's about an hour's drive apparently.
There are also some nearby ospreys (a bit away from the hawks' nest but still on the Cornell campus). It's been fun checking in on them too. Unlike the red-tailed hawks, the ospreys migrate (and not together as a pair). Hard to tell when they return to their nest areas who is with whom. From what I understand, they're a lot more 'loosie-goosie' about finding a mate and they also will try to poach each other's nests (and sometimes mates!). The red-tailed hawks, conversely, mate for life; Big Red (the female) only took up with Arthur after her mate Ezra died. They also live on the campus year-round.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 29, 2021, 06:59:01 AM
Eggcelent! :)
I just took a look at the Merlin app that I use and see that they have bird packs for Europe (I just typed that in their search engine). I don't know where you live, but they have one for Scandinavia, one for the Iberian peninsula, one titled Western which covers "Birds of western Europe from France to Germany and also one for Britain and Ireland. If you have a smart phone, you could download the one for your area (if you live in Europe that is)...again, they are free. They also have various recordings of common bird sounds by species. You could listen to some of the sounds that the various owls make to help you figure out who (pun intended) is making it? :) For the heck of it, I downloaded their birds of western Europe one (currently downloading it). I should also download the ones for Scandinavia and Britain and Ireland (since we have a lot of people from the UK and Ireland here. One other cool thing that you can do with it is take a photo of a bird and ID it that way...or go through a series of questions which helps the app to narrow down which bird you are likely seeing.
Thank you very much for the information !
Even though I am not a great smartphone user, I take good note of this "Merlin" application and will try to come to it :)
From my research, I think it's some "tawny owls" that come to visit me at night.
It is also the most common species of owl by my home in France :
(https://www.jura.ch/Htdocs/Images/Pictures/10471.jpg?puid=2aae31be-ea30-40a2-b04a-aee74646c035)
Quote from: mabuse on May 02, 2021, 08:00:33 AM
Thank you very much for the information !
Even though I am not a great smartphone user, I take good note of this "Merlin" application and will try to come to it :)
From my research, I think it's some "tawny owls" that come to visit me at night.
It is also the most common species of owl by my home in France :
(https://www.jura.ch/Htdocs/Images/Pictures/10471.jpg?puid=2aae31be-ea30-40a2-b04a-aee74646c035)
Oh neat! I did check on my app and typed in France in terms of location and one of the ones that came up was indeed a tawny owl (though they did list it as rare--at least for this time of year. I do realize, however that France is a large country with varying geography and climates.). They have a song and a call on there in terms of audio ID info. I did also see a number of uploads to youtube if this helps.
Checked in on Big Red this morning and noticed that he first egg is cracked open and she has a chick! :) Egg number 2 has a few pip holes in it too.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 03, 2021, 05:09:59 AMI did also see a number of uploads to youtube if this helps.
I have used YouTube which offers a lot of choice, indeed :)
In the past, bird watchers had to look for recordings in stores with beautiful sleeves !
https://www.discogs.com/fr/search/?limit=250&q=ornithology&type=all&style_exact=Field+Recording&page=1 (https://www.discogs.com/fr/search/?limit=250&q=ornithology&type=all&style_exact=Field+Recording&page=1)
(https://img.discogs.com/VDgKOpVtZ8cbBToMJBIFMl2xHPk=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7359759-1439905511-6143.jpeg.jpg)
Quote from: mabuse on April 29, 2021, 06:11:35 AM
About the tit:
There are 6 eggs !
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur20.png)
Here they are, so smalls :-*
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur21.png)
Quote from: mabuse on May 03, 2021, 08:34:44 AM
Here they are, so smalls :-*
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur21.png)
I just checked in on them; all six of the eggs have hatched. I suspect that they all heard mom or dad nearby as several times they stuck all of their little beaks up with mouths open! A couple of minutes later, someone flew into the nest to check on them. A shame that there isn't any audio. Actually, it's there but very faint. Or perhaps they're just trying to make it known that they are hungry?
Quote from: mabuse on May 03, 2021, 07:31:47 AM
I have used YouTube which offers a lot of choice, indeed :)
In the past, bird watchers had to look for recordings in stores with beautiful sleeves !
https://www.discogs.com/fr/search/?limit=250&q=ornithology&type=all&style_exact=Field+Recording&page=1 (https://www.discogs.com/fr/search/?limit=250&q=ornithology&type=all&style_exact=Field+Recording&page=1)
(https://img.discogs.com/VDgKOpVtZ8cbBToMJBIFMl2xHPk=/fit-in/600x594/filters:strip_icc():format(jpeg):mode_rgb():quality(90)/discogs-images/R-7359759-1439905511-6143.jpeg.jpg)
I have a friend who used to listen to cassettes in her car while on long trips. :)
PD
Some of my neighbors are bragging about having seen a spate of rose-breasted grosbeaks. I'm jealous, to be sure, but my wife and I spotted a coupla house sparrows mating in our strawberry and vanilla French hydrangeas this morning. "Are they having sex?," she asked. Yup, that's what it is alright. It's over quick and there wasn't time to get my camera. But you do get to see their trysting place (not in bloom yet, of course).
We could almost smell their scent ... ;D
...
Rose-breasted grosbeaks look great, indeed :)
(https://www.birdsandblooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rosebreastedgrosbeak_kirk-hatzmann.jpg?w=1200)
Quote from: mabuse on May 05, 2021, 04:00:42 PM
We could almost smell their scent ... ;D
...
Rose-breasted grosbeaks look great, indeed :)
(https://www.birdsandblooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rosebreastedgrosbeak_kirk-hatzmann.jpg?w=1200)
Beautiful! Amazing how different the female looks from the male.
Quote from: mabuse on May 05, 2021, 04:00:42 PM
We could almost smell their scent ... ;D
...
Rose-breasted grosbeaks look great, indeed :)
(https://www.birdsandblooms.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rosebreastedgrosbeak_kirk-hatzmann.jpg?w=1200)
Thanks to you,
mabuse, I get to see two of them after all :laugh:
Across the Atlantic, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks reminds me of the Great Spotted Woodpecker to which I am very attached :
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Forge_pic_%C3%A9peiche.jpg/440px-Forge_pic_%C3%A9peiche.jpg)
About ten years ago a male had dug his nest into a dead tree at the bottom of my garden.
It took him 2 or 3 weeks and to see him doing it was amazing... It was a real artist at work.
(Some people tell me to clean up that rotten old tree... I never will ! )
Quote from: mabuse on May 06, 2021, 09:17:40 AM
Across the Atlantic, the Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks reminds me of the Great Spotted Woodpecker to which I am very attached :
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Forge_pic_%C3%A9peiche.jpg/440px-Forge_pic_%C3%A9peiche.jpg)
About ten years ago a male had dug his nest into a dead tree at the bottom of my garden.
It took him 2 or 3 weeks and to see him doing it was amazing... It was a real artist at work.
(Some people tell me to clean up that rotten old tree... I never will ! )
A very pretty bird! I love woodpeckers too. :) The only thing that could be of possible concern to me (if I were you): is there a goodly chance of the tree falling down and doing damage to a neighbor's house or mine? Or possibly fall into the road and hitting a car, etc.?
PD
Of course, that would be a problem in this case.
Fortunately, the tree (a cherry tree) was not that big... And it is falling apart little by little over time.
And after the woodpecker left, other small birds also enjoyed the place :)
Quote from: mabuse on May 06, 2021, 10:40:56 AM
Of course, that would be a problem in this case.
Fortunately, the tree (a cherry tree) was not that big... And it is falling apart little by little over time.
And after the woodpecker left, other small birds also enjoyed the place :)
Glad that everybody is enjoying it! :-) By the way, I like your avatar; who created it?
The person who funded the webcams at SU spoke to a bird expert about the third and unhatched hawk egg. Looking at the stats, they've concluded that the egg is unviable and won't hatch. There are, so far anyway, two healthy-looking chicks in the nest for mom and dad to look after though. :) Meanwhile Big Red and Arthur are happily looking after their own brood. Nest area is a bit gruesome looking with the bodies of all kinds of animals strewn in a circle around the nest! Every so often they do a bit of nest-cleaning (removing some of the bits). The life of a raptor. :-X
Locally, two days ago I did manage to catch a quick glimpse of one of my RTHs and heard another one chwirking away to his/her partner. Glad to know that they are o.k. Have yet to hear any of the babies. Fingers crossed for them.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 08, 2021, 12:05:30 PM
By the way, I like your avatar; who created it?
These are two "Shadoks" on my avatar :)
"
Les Shadoks" was an animated series broadcast on television in France from the 60s and which has remained quite noturious.
It was told of the very crazy adventures of these particularly silly birds ...
I found an episode on YT with English subtitles that maybe can give an idea of what it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y91GPXsVD3c (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y91GPXsVD3c)
...
On the allaboutbirds.org website, I much appreciate to watch the Northern Royal Albatross from New Zealand :
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/royal-albatross/
The panorama is magnificent !
These days, the two baby eagle owls are quite irresistible... :-*
https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams/eagle-owl-webcam (https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams/eagle-owl-webcam)
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur22.png)
Quote from: mabuse on May 11, 2021, 07:53:35 AM
These days, the two baby eagle owls are quite irresistible... :-*
https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams/eagle-owl-webcam (https://www.birdfood.co.uk/webcams/eagle-owl-webcam)
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/captur22.png)
Drat! Where did they go? Are they just out of view or did they fledge and aren't coming back?
And yes, the cam view in New Zealand is beautiful! Would love to visit it someday.
The two darlings are back!
Maybe they were hidden ...
Or maybe they went to the vet to be checked and banded.
...
The baby albatross doesn't seem bothered by big storms at all :o
Seeing him, I feel very comfortable at home well sheltered.
Quote from: mabuse on May 13, 2021, 10:27:47 AM
The two darlings are back!
Maybe they were hidden ...
Or maybe they went to the vet to be checked and banded.
...
The baby albatross doesn't seem bothered by big storms at all :o
Seeing him, I feel very comfortable at home well sheltered.
Oh, yeah! They're back! :) In terms of banding, at least in the US, birds aren't banded unless they are part of a study. For example the red-tailed hawk chicks of BR and Arthur will not be banded. For what its worth, also BR is the only one banded; her new mate Arthur isn't.
PD
Oh, a fun story here: https://www.bbc.com/news/av/world-australia-55836596
Hope that you enjoy it!
PD
8)
(https://www.lambiek.net/catalog/img/1029--60054-800-r5k.jpg)
Quote from: mabuse on May 15, 2021, 12:06:17 PM
8)
(https://www.lambiek.net/catalog/img/1029--60054-800-r5k.jpg)
So, "Duck" isn't the first duck to have ever surfed before? :)
PD
Surely not ! ;D
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/641dc110.jpg)
Checked in on some of the birds on that Dutch site that you introduced me to Mabuse. Was able to see the arrival of either mom or dad peregrine falcon (which stayed with the two chicks for a short amount of time), the great titmouse and a couple of the owls. One thing that I wish that that website would do would be to provide some more info about the birds and the nests....like how long they've had the nests there, info about the inhabitants, etc.
PD
Indeed, it is disappointing.
On the French website, there is yet a small presentation of each bird which is well done:
https://www.fr.vivara.be/webcams-en-direct
Past years, there was also regular news that was given on Facebook to tell what was happening in each nest... But there is hardly anything this year.
...
The other day, I saw a rabbit who was strolling beside the little albatross ... A strange encounter!
Just found out about this. Hundreds of birds have died in DC area including West Virginia, Maryland and Virginia. Apparently the condition has been reported as far west as Ohio too (but is currently concentrated in the DC area).
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/mysterious-ailment-blinding-and-killing-birds-washington-dc-area-180978002/?utm_source=smithsoniandaily&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20210616-daily-responsive&spMailingID=45156678&spUserID=NzQwNDU1NTI4MDIS1&spJobID=2024365233&spReportId=MjAyNDM2NTIzMwS2
Other bird species have since been effected by it too: https://www.npr.org/local/305/2021/06/16/1007154493/blue-jays-grackles-other-birds-dying-from-mysterious-ailment?utm_source=facebook.com&utm_term=nprnews&utm_campaign=npr&utm_medium=social
They don't know what is causing it but are currently suggesting for people who live in the effected areas to take down and disinfect their bird feeders and bird baths and not to put them up (as food is currently plentiful) again.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 18, 2021, 05:25:00 AM
Checked in on some of the birds on that Dutch site that you introduced me to Mabuse. Was able to see the arrival of either mom or dad peregrine falcon (which stayed with the two chicks for a short amount of time), the great titmouse and a couple of the owls. One thing that I wish that that website would do would be to provide some more info about the birds and the nests....like how long they've had the nests there, info about the inhabitants, etc.
PD
I just found the original site that produces these webcams ... There is a lot of information by them:
https://www.vogelbescherming.nl/beleefdelente
Everything is in Dutch but with Google Translate it works quite well :)
Quote from: mabuse on June 18, 2021, 05:02:29 AM
I just found the original site that produces these webcams ... There is a lot of information by them:
https://www.vogelbescherming.nl/beleefdelente
Everything is in Dutch but with Google Translate it works quite well :)
Thanks! :)
Still waiting for the red-tailed hawks at Cornell to fledge. They're due to any minute! Been rather windy there lately; not good for a young bird trying to figure out how to fly, so best to stay tight at the nest for now.
PD
Latest: Those chicks are
still in the nest (or on the platform holding the nest) though they are going onto the "fledge ledge" more often (a small piece of flat metal that sticks out from the rest of the platform. Also, at least one of them K1 has been hopping repeatedly off and on a metal cross/support piece which is at an awkward angle (for them). They support the metal handrail on the light platform. Wonder if they might be waiting for the first day of summer (almost here!)? :-\
K1 (the first born red-tailed hawk at Cornell University in New York) did an amazing fledge from its nest today. K2 (the second born) had been experiencing health issues lately and as it wasn't healing, they decided to carefully remove the young hawk from the nest to treat it (to make a long story short....feel free to ask if you like). K3, the youngest, surprisingly wasn't upset by folks removing its sibling from the nest and is still there even though (from what I understand) it is old enough to fledge. Here's a short video of K1 fledging:
Edit: Oh wait! This is new! It's of K2 being captured to help it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O5rBUpz-4
Edit: Here's a link to K1 fledging.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O5rBUpz-4
PD
Well done, K1 !
...
By removing a baby from the nest, I would have been especially worried about the reaction of the parents... It is better not to be caught in the act ???
Quote from: mabuse on June 22, 2021, 03:25:21 PM
Well done, K1 !
...
By removing a baby from the nest, I would have been especially worried about the reaction of the parents... It is better not to be caught in the act ???
Yes! I believe they said that Big Red was watching from the top of a pole within eyesight of the nest? K1 was thankfully gone before they went up there and K3 didn't panic and leave (though they weren't too worried about that as he's old enough to fly now).
Looking at the video again, K3 was trying to do his best at Big Hawk stuff--war crying and opening up his wings while they were quickly but gently picking up K2 to bring her to a rehabilitation place (including putting a hood over her to help her calm down). Surprised at how quickly they were able to get her and glad that she didn't try and fight them. Must have still been rather upsetting to both K2 and K3. And wondering what all is going through the heads of BR and Arthur. I suspect that BR in particular knew that something was wrong with K2 (She has been patiently feeding her all along unlike Arthur, who as far as we can see, hasn't been feeding the chicks directly).
K1 did fly back to the nest around dinnertime yesterday and was rewarded with a prey drop from Dad.
I suspect that K3 will fledge today, but we'll see it when we see it!
Awaiting updates on K2's health and progress.
Some sad news heard over the radio yesterday: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/22/1008986922/a-single-drone-has-harmed-a-generation-of-wildlife
Some more detail here: https://www.audubon.org/news/a-drone-crash-caused-thousands-elegant-terns-abandon-their-nests
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on June 22, 2021, 01:07:11 PM
K1 (the first born red-tailed hawk at Cornell University in New York) did an amazing fledge from its nest today. K2 (the second born) had been experiencing health issues lately and as it wasn't healing, they decided to carefully remove the young hawk from the nest to treat it (to make a long story short....feel free to ask if you like). K3, the youngest, surprisingly wasn't upset by folks removing its sibling from the nest and is still there even though (from what I understand) it is old enough to fledge. Here's a short video of K1 fledging:
Edit: Oh wait! This is new! It's of K2 being captured to help it!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O5rBUpz-4
Edit: Here's a link to K1 fledging.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=12O5rBUpz-4
PD
Bit like diving off the highest springboard at the local swimming pool for the first time! ???
K3 (the baby--probably a boy but can't know for certain without either doing a DNA test or seeing it laying an egg. From what I understand, however, the females are normally larger than the males--by about 30%)....well, he fledged yesterday. It was a very rough one to watch though as he ended up flying into a big brick building! It was hard to see as the camera could only follow so closely. Thankfully, he managed to slow up a bit as his feet hit the building (according to a later report)...nothing to grab onto so he quickly slid/fell/fluttered? toward the ground..couldn't see how he landed or what he fell onto so it was a rather heart-in-your-throat moment. We weren't certain whether he was dead or alive or injured for a while. Thankfully, some local birders were contacted and they managed to find him and everything appeared to be o.k. with him. :) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NoNgRlHsZxU
Quote from: Irons on June 24, 2021, 06:25:30 AM
Bit like diving off the highest springboard at the local swimming pool for the first time! ???
Just saw your posting whilst slowly typing here. Yes! The towers are at least 70 feet high. You can see K3 fledge above. Those big tilted boxes on the left are lights which are angled down towards one of the athletic fields at the university.
By the way, his older sibling K1 had just left the nest (for only her second time) a few minutes earlier and landed in one of the large trees that you see. Her landing this time was a bit more awkward; you could see her hanging upside down for a bit trying to right herself!
PD
Thanks for the report, PD :)
K3's "crash" against the brick wall is indeed impressive... It's reassuring to know he or she is doing well.
Quote from: mabuse on June 24, 2021, 01:31:36 PM
Thanks for the report, PD :)
K3's "crash" against the brick wall is indeed impressive... It's reassuring to know he or she is doing well.
That is what I thought. Then put it down to my eyes deceiving me. 8)
Quote from: mabuse on June 24, 2021, 01:31:36 PM
Thanks for the report, PD :)
K3's "crash" against the brick wall is indeed impressive... It's reassuring to know he or she is doing well.
Quote from: Irons on June 24, 2021, 11:44:12 PM
That is what I thought. Then put it down to my eyes deceiving me. 8)
Pleased to see that K3 managed to get back to the nest. K1 is definitely the stronger flier of the two for the time being. No update on K2 who is still at the wildlife rehab center. From what I understand (from a vet who also is a falconer and who is one of the mods on the Cornell hawk cams and chatters group), if K2 is away from her parents for longer than a week, a falconer will have to help her with fledging.
Kids! ;)
PD
Some sad news to report: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/an-update-on-red-tailed-hawk-chick-k2s-condition/
PD
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/kb7xkv10.jpg)
(https://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/expressifs/yeux/alaloupe.gif) ?!
Quote from: mabuse on June 30, 2021, 03:56:39 PM
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/kb7xkv10.jpg)
(https://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/expressifs/yeux/alaloupe.gif) ?!
:laugh: I suspect that that is one happy bird (with all of that fruit to choose from)? :)
The red-tailed hawks K1 and K3 are still doing well--busy working on their hunting and survival skills. Latest: hunting bark. :D
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on July 01, 2021, 03:22:51 AM
:laugh: I suspect that that is one happy bird (with all of that fruit to choose from)? :)
:)
This is a Rosy-faced lovebird... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosy-faced_lovebird
I read they like to live in cacti !
(https://i.pinimg.com/originals/a6/ba/04/a6ba04fb7138c8a0eaecc20d7fdd057c.jpg)
There is a virus affecting the U.S. mid-Atlantic states that has resulted in significant songbird deaths. It hasn't gotten as far north as where I am, but local authorities and agencies have recommended shutting down bird feeders and bird baths. (It's hard to get the little ones to wear masks and eliminating bird feeders would help with avian social distancing.) This isn't something I'm keen on doing because working in the yard or reading a book outside surrounded by all kinds of birds and their distinctive sounds is one of my favorite summer pleasures. There is another factor, though, that resulted in my cutting back on the number of feeders I fill -- pigeons!
I have nothing against pigeons. As a matter of fact, I find them to be among the most interesting of birds. As clumsy as they might appear on land, they are graceful flyers capable of attaining some significant velocities. They also have a variety of coloration that lets you readily identify and recognize individuals, something that isn't as easy to do with other groups of birds. Unfortunately, for the first time in a very many years, pigeons have been visiting my property in huge numbers and when 30 or more at a time start roosting on neighboring roofs, it isn't a good thing. No one has complained (yet), but I've eliminated the feeders that tended to result in seeds scattered on the ground while keeping the thistle and suet feeders going. This has helped somewhat, and while there are still pigeon visitors, my backyard doesn't look like the set of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
I'm not sure what caused this sudden rock dove invasion, but I suspect the fact I haven't heard or seen any hawks lately might have something to do with it.
Quote from: Szykneij on August 06, 2021, 01:25:21 PM
I'm not sure what caused this sudden rock dove invasion, but I suspect the fact I haven't heard or seen any hawks lately might have something to do with it.
In the absence of hawks, I'm sure a few cats would be happy to help you !
Personally, I have a bit of the same problem with turtledoves, which can become very intrusive over time and their cooing can be quite annoying... ::)
A photo that I like... :D
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/the_mi10.jpg)
« The Miami Zoo put 30 flamingos in the bathroom during hurricane Andrew, to ride out the storm. 1992 »
Quote from: mabuse on October 07, 2021, 11:28:52 AM
A photo that I like... :D
« The Miami Zoo put 30 flamingos in the bathroom during hurricane Andrew, to ride out the storm. 1992 »
Awesome picture! It looks like they're fascinated by the mirror.
Quote from: Szykneij on August 06, 2021, 01:25:21 PM
-- pigeons!
I have nothing against pigeons. As a matter of fact, I find them to be among the most interesting of birds. As clumsy as they might appear on land, they are graceful flyers capable of attaining some significant velocities. They also have a variety of coloration that lets you readily identify and recognize individuals, something that isn't as easy to do with other groups of birds. Unfortunately, for the first time in a very many years, pigeons have been visiting my property in huge numbers and when 30 or more at a time start roosting on neighboring roofs, it isn't a good thing. No one has complained (yet), but I've eliminated the feeders that tended to result in seeds scattered on the ground while keeping the thistle and suet feeders going. This has helped somewhat, and while there are still pigeon visitors, my backyard doesn't look like the set of an Alfred Hitchcock movie.
Pigeons. Or as Woody Allen calls them, "rats with wings". When I was Food Safety Director for a large animal feed manufacturer, keeping the pigeons away was a major struggle! >:( :(
8)
Quote from: Gurn Blanston on October 07, 2021, 11:42:00 AM
Pigeons. Or as Woody Allen calls them, "rats with wings". When I was Food Safety Director for a large animal feed manufacturer, keeping the pigeons away was a major struggle! >:( :(
8)
From what I've read, starlings are also a major headache in that regard.
Last winter, we hung seed bells on our Crab Apple tree out front to watch the local birds come and go.
This winter, my wife had me buy this suction cup bird feeder (pictured) to affix to the front window so the girls could really watch the birds up close.
They seem to be enjoying it so far. :)
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on December 19, 2021, 09:20:46 AM
Last winter, we hung seed bells on our Crab Apple tree out front to watch the local birds come and go.
This winter, my wife had me buy this suction cup bird feeder (pictured) to affix to the front window so the girls could really watch the birds up close.
They seem to be enjoying it so far. :)
VS
Oh, nice! A win-win for everybody then. :) Are the suction cups working well?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 19, 2021, 10:34:09 AM
Oh, nice! A win-win for everybody then. :) Are the suction cups working well?
PD
So far, so good. Of course, it hasn't been very wet yet, so we will see how the season works.
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on December 19, 2021, 10:51:34 AM
So far, so good. Of course, it hasn't been very wet yet, so we will see how the season works.
VS
What room do you have it attached to? Would be fun to attach one to a kitchen window...as I'm in there a lot. One possible setback here: we have a ton of squirrels around here. I suspect that they would try to get into it.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 19, 2021, 11:49:19 AM
What room do you have it attached to? Would be fun to attach one to a kitchen window...as I'm in there a lot. One possible setback here: we have a ton of squirrels around here. I suspect that they would try to get into it.
PD
Currently, it resides at our main living area, where we spend the most amount of our time. When the spring and summer seasons come round, I may move it to the kitchen window. It creates a bit of a mess for being at the front of the house.
Yes, on the Amazon product page, reviewers mention this doesn't keep squirrels out, but that aspect doesn't seem to have blighted their reviews. Instead there are a ton of amusing customer pictures of rascal squirrels (and many birds of course).
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Hangout-Weatherproof-Feeders-Watching/dp/B00YSU3WG2 (https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Hangout-Weatherproof-Feeders-Watching/dp/B00YSU3WG2)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 19, 2021, 03:13:44 PM
Yes, on the Amazon product page, reviewers mention this doesn't keep squirrels out, but that aspect doesn't seem to have blighted their reviews. Instead their are a ton of amusing customer pictures of rascal squirrels (and many birds of course).
I've found that squirrels are amazingly resourceful and will manage to figure out how to access even supposedly squirrel-proof feeders. My solution is to put feeders on one side of the property that are easy for them to get at, away from the feeders specifically for the birds. The squirrels will take the path of least resistance (and they need to eat, too, anyway.) Also, they don't seem to have any interest in Nyjer seed, so thistle feeders are good options if squirrels are a concern.
It reminds me of this drawing by Gary Larson :laugh:
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/eb4sfh10.jpg)
Quote from: VonStupp on December 19, 2021, 03:13:44 PM
Currently, it resides at our main living area, where we spend the most amount of our time. When the spring and summer seasons come round, I may move it to the kitchen window. It creates a bit of a mess for being at the front of the house.
Yes, on the Amazon product page, reviewers mention this doesn't keep squirrels out, but that aspect doesn't seem to have blighted their reviews. Instead there are a ton of amusing customer pictures of rascal squirrels (and many birds of course).
https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Hangout-Weatherproof-Feeders-Watching/dp/B00YSU3WG2 (https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Hangout-Weatherproof-Feeders-Watching/dp/B00YSU3WG2)
Well, please keep us updated. :) And good luck! By the way, I love the second photo on the website--of a little girl and a cat next to her watching the feeder! :D
Quote from: Szykneij on December 19, 2021, 04:16:03 PM
I've found that squirrels are amazingly resourceful and will manage to figure out how to access even supposedly squirrel-proof feeders. My solution is to put feeders on one side of the property that are easy for them to get at, away from the feeders specifically for the birds. The squirrels will take the path of least resistance (and they need to eat, too, anyway.) Also, they don't seem to have any interest in niger seed, so thistle feeders are good options if squirrels are a concern.
Yes, they are clever and stubborn little creatures Tony. I've seen on numerous occasions squirrels either getting into or stuffing their faces on the seeds that fall onto the ground.
Quote from: mabuse on December 19, 2021, 04:28:13 PM
It reminds me of this drawing by Gary Larson :laugh:
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/eb4sfh10.jpg)
Very funny! ;D
PD
By my home, in France, red squirrels don't proliferate so much and they are often quite fearful...
I always try to give them something to eat (walnuts, sunflower seeds...) but it is birds that come to loot their feeder... >:(
Here is one that I coaxed three years ago... ;D
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/20190611.jpg)
Quote from: mabuse on December 20, 2021, 10:30:46 AM
By my home, in France, red squirrels don't proliferate so much and they are often quite fearful...
I always try to give them something to eat (walnuts, sunflower seeds...) but it is birds that come to loot their feeder... >:(
Here is one that I coaxed three years ago... ;D
(https://i79.servimg.com/u/f79/19/91/80/91/20190611.jpg)
I believe that I remember reading that their numbers have dwindled to the point that they have become much less common (perhaps not endangered though?? Not certain.). Grey squirrels are dominant here. Fat and happy!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 20, 2021, 11:20:29 AM
I believe that I remember reading that their numbers have dwindled to the point that they have become much less common (perhaps not endangered though?? Not certain.). Grey squirrels are dominant here. Fat and happy!
PD
... Huge in numbers with much bushier tails!
Quote from: Szykneij on December 20, 2021, 12:21:28 PM
... Huge in numbers with much bushier tails!
Confused here...which ones are you referring to in your neck of the woods?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 20, 2021, 12:26:09 PM
Confused here...which ones are you referring to in your neck of the woods?
PD
Gray squirrels around here, and lots of them.
Research tells me that it's not unusual for Robins to overwinter in my area, but I was caught off guard this morning to find at least ten of them foraging in the backyard. The Massachusetts Audobon website says:
Most birds that regularly winter in New England are well suited to withstand cold temperatures. In the fall, many birds grow additional feathers for insulation. To keep warm while roosting, birds fluff their feathers. Because of the way their feathers are layered, this behavior traps pockets of warm air next to the skin.
During winter days, many birds feed almost continually, storing up fat that they burn off at night to keep warm. There isn't much one can feed robins in the winter. They're very adept at finding their preferred food and rarely visit feeding stations.
During severe weather, robins may eat raisins, berries, or pieces of apples placed on the ground.
I've left the pokeweed and other plants that have died back standing so the birds have seed and berry options other than my feeders. I also have have snowberry and winterberry bushes that the mockingbirds seem to be enjoying. I'll have to look into having berries and raisins on hand for those days of snowfall ahead.
Quote from: Szykneij on December 22, 2021, 05:49:16 AM
Research tells me that it's not unusual for Robins to overwinter in my area, but I was caught off guard this morning to find at least ten of them foraging in the backyard. The Massachusetts Audobon website says:
Most birds that regularly winter in New England are well suited to withstand cold temperatures. In the fall, many birds grow additional feathers for insulation. To keep warm while roosting, birds fluff their feathers. Because of the way their feathers are layered, this behavior traps pockets of warm air next to the skin.
During winter days, many birds feed almost continually, storing up fat that they burn off at night to keep warm. There isn't much one can feed robins in the winter. They're very adept at finding their preferred food and rarely visit feeding stations.
During severe weather, robins may eat raisins, berries, or pieces of apples placed on the ground.
I've left the pokeweed and other plants that have died back standing so the birds have seed and berry options other than my feeders. I also have have snowberry and winterberry bushes that the mockingbirds seem to be enjoying. I'll have to look into having berries and raisins on hand for those days of snowfall ahead.
Interesting information Tony. Thank you for sharing it!
I had fun yesterday making a "nest" for a fake bird decoration that I have. It's a red bird with red and black tail feathers..the body is approximately 5 inches long. It has some wires next to its feet, but it doesn't stay well on my Christmas tree. Last year, with the cooperation of my *neighbors, I cut off some short and thin branches (mostly yew) and used some wire to hold them together. With some finagling, I managed to get the bird to sit upright in the nest. He/she is on one of my mantlepieces. :)
*I was given a special dispensation to create a nest for said bird ad infinitum. ;D
PD
Robin being a nuisance. :D
https://youtu.be/mkR1Nkvyrvg
Start at 1.52.
Quote from: Irons on December 23, 2021, 07:23:48 AM
Robin being a nuisance. :D
https://youtu.be/mkR1Nkvyrvg
Start at 1.52.
:laugh: ;D A very friendly little bird! Certainly not shy! Love how he feeds it some worms. :)
PD
Quote from: Irons on December 23, 2021, 07:23:48 AM
Robin being a nuisance. :D
https://youtu.be/mkR1Nkvyrvg
Start at 1.52.
That is one cool little bird!
I found the leaf mold part interesting. I think it's more of a British thing because I really wasn't aware of it until fairly recently and it's not something I think is taken advantage of here like it should be.
I've always mulched the dead leaves on my lawn and open areas to let them return into the soil. (The leaves along the borders and edge areas I leave alone until the spring after all of the native bees and other pollinators have emerged.) But now I collect a lot of the mulched leaves and have filled two barrels with them to use as leaf mold for my garden. Makes more sense than bagging them up like others do to be collected by the city on specified days.
Quote from: Szykneij on December 23, 2021, 01:06:08 PM
That is one cool little bird!
I found the leaf mold part interesting. I think it's more of a British thing because I really wasn't aware of it until fairly recently and it's not something I think is taken advantage of here like it should be.
I've always mulched the dead leaves on my lawn and open areas to let them return into the soil. (The leaves along the borders and edge areas I leave alone until the spring after all of the native bees and other pollinators have emerged.) But now I collect a lot of the mulched leaves and have filled two barrels with them to use as leaf mold for my garden. Makes more sense than bagging them up like others do to be collected by the city on specified days.
The earthworms certainly love them! Sometimes I'll make a big pile of them and then use my lawnmower with the mulching blade on them to help them break down quicker (takes up less room too).
Had a wonderful treat tonight. Woke up to the sound of one (guessing probably two) barred owl hooting outside my window! So tempted to go outside to see if I could see it, but it's so cold outside! Boy, he/she/they were very noisy tonight! I suspect that they were busy calling and replying to each other. :)
In any event, what a treat!
PD
Quote from: Szykneij on December 23, 2021, 01:06:08 PM
That is one cool little bird!
I found the leaf mold part interesting. I think it's more of a British thing because I really wasn't aware of it until fairly recently and it's not something I think is taken advantage of here like it should be.
I've always mulched the dead leaves on my lawn and open areas to let them return into the soil. (The leaves along the borders and edge areas I leave alone until the spring after all of the native bees and other pollinators have emerged.) But now I collect a lot of the mulched leaves and have filled two barrels with them to use as leaf mold for my garden. Makes more sense than bagging them up like others do to be collected by the city on specified days.
The chap in the video trawls the streets for fallen leaves and fills twenty odd builders bags of them.
I don't go that far! Just filling one builders bag a season - though I must admit, making sure no one looking, I did scoop some up from a pavement last week. ::) It is surprising how far they compost down to leaf mould. Starting with a huge amount, a year later less then a quarter. Lovely sweet smelling stuff though.
He also picks up compost dumped at the roadside by cannabis growers. Growing cannabis must be a thriving industry in the West Midlands.
Quote from: Irons on December 24, 2021, 01:46:56 AM
The chap in the video trawls the streets for fallen leaves and fills twenty odd builders bags of them.
I don't go that far! Just filling one builders bag a season - though I must admit, making sure no one looking, I did scoop some up from a pavement last week. ::) It is surprising how far they compost down to leaf mould. Starting with a huge amount, a year later less then a quarter. Lovely sweet smelling stuff though.
He also picks up compost dumped at the roadside by cannabis growers. Growing cannabis must be a thriving industry in the West Midlands.
He certainly seems to enjoy his gardening and provides a nice series of videos.
Question: When you refer to your "allotment", do you mean what we usually call here a community garden plot -- a section of town land set aside for residents to use for planting? Or is it land that you personally own?
(Merry Christmas Eve!)
Quote from: Szykneij on December 24, 2021, 02:43:09 AM
He certainly seems to enjoy his gardening and provides a nice series of videos.
Question: When you refer to your "allotment", do you mean what we usually call here a community garden plot -- a section of town land set aside for residents to use for planting? Or is it land that you personally own?
(Merry Christmas Eve!)
Nearly there, so I wish you a Merry Christmas day!
Allotments came about during WWII. The slogan "Dig for Victory" really meant - grow your own vegetables otherwise with the German blockade we may lose the war due to starvation!
A large area of Council land where individual sections are leased on a yearly basis to the general public. Demand is high, our particular site has a waiting list of 32 at the present time. We have a committee with a site manager and treasurer. Also a "Hut" which is open on Sundays selling anything connected with gardening although we are prohibited to sell produce. Non-profit making all monies go to the upkeeping of the site which covers 6.5 acres with 90 allotments.
Quote from: Irons on December 24, 2021, 01:51:23 PM
Nearly there, so I wish you a Merry Christmas day!
Allotments came about during WWII. The slogan "Dig for Victory" really meant - grow your own vegetables otherwise with the German blockade we may lose the war due to starvation!
A large area of Council land where individual sections are leased on a yearly basis to the general public. Demand is high, our particular site has a waiting list of 32 at the present time. We have a committee with a site manager and treasurer. Also a "Hut" which is open on Sundays selling anything connected with gardening although we are prohibited to sell produce. Non-profit making all monies go to the upkeeping of the site which covers 6.5 acres with 90 allotments.
Interesting. Thanks for that! In my area, some cities and towns have what are called community gardens where city land is set aside, but not to the extent and organization of what you have. During the World Wars, the U.S. did encourage "Victory Gardens" to aid with the food supply and build morale, and one of our more popular public televison programs is titled "The Victory Garden".
Quote from: Szykneij on December 25, 2021, 02:31:47 AM
Interesting. Thanks for that! In my area, some cities and towns have what are called community gardens where city land is set aside, but not to the extent and organization of what you have. During the World Wars, the U.S. did encourage "Victory Gardens" to aid with the food supply and build morale, and one of our more popular public televison programs is titled "The Victory Garden".
I don't believe that my town charges anything for a plot--haven't looked into it in ages. They are popular though. :)
Soundly slept last night. No idea whether or not "my" owls came back. Yesterday, I dropped by my neighbors' house and found out that they too had heard the birds--though they had thought that they were dogs and were further away. ;D I did my best impressions of what I had heard and she agreed that that was what they had heard. I'm learning!
And a warm Merry, Merry to you!
PD
Woke up this morning to a 2-degree outside temperature (-17 C) with a wind chill way below zero. I made sure the feeders were full and put out extra suet.
Quote from: Szykneij on January 15, 2022, 07:10:20 AM
Woke up this morning to a 2-degree outside temperature (-17 C) with a wind chill way below zero. I made sure the feeders were full and put out extra suet.
Your birds certainly are lucky! :)
PD
Watching some of the bird cam of a great horned owl (in Savannah, Georgia). I received a notice from Cornell that the cam is now streaming and that there is an egg in the nest. As I was up fairly early today, I went to check it out. Went from a sleeping owl on top of the egg to it's now turning the egg and was faced towards the camera for a short bit. Sadly, it's now facing away. In any event, it's fun to check them out. And what a huge nest!
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/great-horned-owls/
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 23, 2022, 02:50:12 AM
Watching some of the bird cam of a great horned owl (in Savannah, Georgia). I received a notice from Cornell that the cam is now streaming and that there is an egg in the nest. As I was up fairly early today, I went to check it out. Went from a sleeping owl on top of the egg to it's now turning the egg and was faced towards the camera for a short bit. Sadly, it's now facing away. In any event, it's fun to check them out. And what a huge nest!
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/great-horned-owls/
PD
The owl looks very comfortable and content.
Quote from: Szykneij on January 23, 2022, 04:10:04 AM
The owl looks very comfortable and content.
Yes, s/he does. :) I was surprised to see it sleeping on its side earlier (at least that is what it looked like to me).
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 23, 2022, 08:05:26 AM
Yes, s/he does. :) I was surprised to see it sleeping on its side earlier (at least that is what it looked like to me).
PD
It's nice that they have 3 different camera angles. I also enjoyed checking out some of the other camera sites that were listed.
Quote from: Szykneij on January 23, 2022, 08:36:50 AM
It's nice that they have 3 different camera angles. I also enjoyed checking out some of the other camera sites that were listed.
Yes, and they even have volunteers who help to man them so you can often see closeups or the surrounding area, etc.
Glad that you are enjoying them. I particularly enjoy watching the Cornell Feeder cam one (one time I saw three different varieties of woodpeckers there at the same time--including a huge pileated one!) and the red-tailed hawk cams. Cornell has mods and camera operators who monitor those from when it's getting close to egg laying time to when the last chicks fledge and stop returning to the nest. The same pair of hawks have nested at one or the other of two places at Cornell for many years [Though Big Red had to find a new mate after sadly her long-term mate Ezra passed away]. They also have several chat sessions a week, so people can ask questions and learn about RTHs and raptors in general too.
I like how with the feeder cam one, they have a bunch of common local birds who visit the feeders listed below with photos. It's handy for identifying what you are seeing and if you click on them, you can learn more about the various species. :)
PD
I just returned from house-sitting in Maine. This guy was a daily visitor.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 03, 2022, 10:27:58 AM
I just returned from house-sitting in Maine. This guy was a daily visitor.
Cool! 8) Lucky you!
PD
Quote from: Szykneij on February 03, 2022, 10:27:58 AM
I just returned from house-sitting in Maine. This guy was a daily visitor.
And I think I have cracked it with a daily visit from a robin!
Quote from: Irons on February 04, 2022, 01:05:49 AM
And I think I have cracked it with a daily visit from a robin!
Robins are fun to watch too. It always makes me smile when I see them on the sidewalk with me approaching them from behind (as in walking back home). They go running ahead at the last moment, then pause, repeat several times, and then eventually scurry off onto someones lawn or into their garden. ;D
Was very happy to see some red-tailed hawks flying together two days in a row. There were actually three of them which I have seldom seen 'til now. Not certain whether one of them was a juvie trying to visit with mom and dad or an intruder into the couple's territory. The last time, other than one scree, they were all circling in big loops and didn't seem to be dive-bombing/attacking whichever one was the "intruder".
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 04, 2022, 02:53:22 AM
Robins are fun to watch too. It always makes me smile when I see them on the sidewalk with me approaching them from behind (as in walking back home). They go running ahead at the last moment, then pause, repeat several times, and then eventually scurry with onto someones lawn or into their garden. ;D
They're smart, too. In the summertime, when they see me pick up the garden hose, they perch nearby knowing the water will be bringing some worms to the surface.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 04, 2022, 06:58:18 AM
They're smart, too. In the summertime, when they see me pick up the garden hose, they perch nearby knowing the water will be bringing some worms to the surface.
;D
PD
Some excellent news: Big Red (the female RTH at Cornell) has returned to her familiar nesting site and has laid two eggs!
I hadn't checked out the Cornell hawk cams lately and alas, missed seeing her and her partner Arthur prepping the nest for their latest brood. First egg was laid on March 30th. In the past, if I'm recalling correctly, they have been every three days. You can watch the birds live (they have two nest cameras). Just type in Cornell and hawk cams and you'll easily find them.
Amazed also to find out that Big Red is now 20 years old! Where did the time go?
PD
There are a few hawks that like to fly around near my house. A couple of times on my morning walk I'll see them on the ground and realize how HUGE they really are.
I think I've made a new buddy. Somehow, this guy wandered into my man-cave office (i.e. garage) last night and worked his way into an inaccesible corner. I finally got him out this morning and sent him on his way, but he keeps coming back. He doesn't seem injured, but can't fly. I'm not up on my pigeon knowledge and am wondering if he's a juvenile. He seems a little smaller than most of the others around the bird feeder, but has all of the adult markings. I'm keeping him in the toolshed tonight to stay safe from nocturnal predators and will send him on his way again tomorrow, but I'm concerned about the hawk that comes around ocassionally. Pigeons are its favorite target and this guy would be easy pickings.
Quote from: DavidW on April 02, 2023, 02:57:27 PMThere are a few hawks that like to fly around near my house. A couple of times on my morning walk I'll see them on the ground and realize how HUGE they really are.
Are they red-tailed or some other variety?
Quote from: Szykneij on April 02, 2023, 03:24:37 PMI think I've made a new buddy. Somehow, this guy wandered into my man-cave office (i.e. garage) last night and worked his way into an inaccesible corner. I finally got him out this morning and sent him on his way, but he keeps coming back. He doesn't seem injured, but can't fly. I'm not up on my pigeon knowledge and am wondering if he's a juvenile. He seems a little smaller than most of the others around the bird feeder, but has all of the adult markings. I'm keeping him in the toolshed tonight to stay safe from nocturnal predators and will send him on his way again tomorrow, but I'm concerned about the hawk that comes around ocassionally. Pigeons are its favorite target and this guy would be easy pickings.
You could try contacting a local birding group or a wildlife rehabilitation organization and ask them for some advice.
PD
It is really nice to see how the bald eagle population has rebounded tremendously over the last 25-30 years. We now seem them frequently and routinely in Manitoba.
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 03, 2023, 03:19:32 AMYou could try contacting a local birding group or a wildlife rehabilitation organization and ask them for some advice.
PD
Unfortunately, my experience trying that around here has not been good. Last summer, I needed advice for some rescued baby squirrels that lost their mother and was never able to get any assistance. In this case, the pigeon seems healthy and happy to go about its business, so I'll just keep an eye out for predators. If it wants to spend the night in my toolshed, that's fine with me. Hopefully, it will eventually find its wings.
Starting to see our official Canadian embassadors of spring.....Canada Geese, returning here in Manitoba.
Another sign of spring for me will be once the dark eyed juncos return in bunches into our yard for a week or two, but that hasn't happened yet. :)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 03, 2023, 04:02:38 AMStarting to see our official Canadian embassadors of spring.....Canada Geese, returning here in Manitoba.
Another sign of spring for me will be once the dark eyed juncos return in bunches into our yard for a week or two, but that hasn't happened yet. :)
That's because the juncos are still here in my back yard! They seem to be sticking around later in the spring than usual. Are they later than usual in getting back up there?
Interesting about the Canada geese. Here in New England, they have become year-round residents and can cause problems where they gather in large numbers with their droppings. I didn't realize there are those that still migrate.
Quote from: Szykneij on April 03, 2023, 04:18:10 AMThat's because the juncos are still here in my back yard! They seem to be sticking around later in the spring than usual. Are they later than usual in getting back up there?
Interesting about the Canada geese. Here in New England, they have become year-round residents and can cause problems where they gather in large numbers with their droppings. I didn't realize there are those that still migrate.
We are experiencing a late spring here. March was consistently colder than usual, with not a lot of thaw. So perhaps that is why your juncos are lingering. :D
Oh yes, a lot of Canada Geese migrate, and most of the Manitoba ones do. You won't see them in the winter time here, that's for sure!
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 03, 2023, 04:25:08 AMWe are experiencing a late spring here. March was consistently colder than usual, with not a lot of thaw. So perhaps that is why your juncos are lingering. :D
Oh yes, a lot of Canada Geese migrate, and most of the Manitoba ones do. You won't see them in the winter time here, that's for sure!
I saw one straggler (Canada Goose) here yesterday; last month there were tons of them flying through. Noisy critters to say the least! :)
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 03, 2023, 03:19:32 AMAre they red-tailed or some other variety?
I looked it up from an identification site just now... turns out that they are not hawks. They are black vultures. What do they know that I don't when I'm reading outside and they are circling overhead?? :o
Quote from: DavidW on April 03, 2023, 08:29:42 AMI looked it up from an identification site just now... turns out that they are not hawks. They are black vultures. What do they know that I don't when I'm reading outside and they are circling overhead?? :o
I haven't seen black vultures before in my neck of the woods (though apparently they have been extending their territory northwards). I wouldn't panic though if I were you. From the Cornell website:
"Food
Carrion Black Vultures feed almost exclusively on carrion, locating it by soaring high in the skies on thermals. From this vantage they can spot carcasses and also keep an eye on Turkey Vultures—which have a more developed sense of smell—and follow them toward food. Black Vultures often gather in numbers at carcasses and then displace Turkey Vultures from the food. Their carrion diet includes feral hogs, poultry, cattle, donkeys, raccoons, coyotes, opossums, striped skunks, and armadillos. Sometimes Black Vultures wade into shallow water to feed on floating carrion, or to catch small fish. They occasionally kill skunks, opossums, night-herons, leatherback turtle hatchlings, and livestock, including young pigs, lambs, and calves. They also often investigate dumpsters and landfills to pick at human discards."
I'll often see turkey vultures though. Take a looksie here (in the compare section): https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black_Vulture/id
I'm slowly getting better at identifying birds (normally, alas, minus binocs). One of the things that jumps out quickly when seeing tuvus from underneath, is the distinctive black kind of T-shape with the white feathers--and (if close enough) you can also see their red head. They also have kind of a wobbly flight with upturned wing tips--and are pretty darn big too.
PD
p.s. By the way, Cornell has a free birder's app called Merlin. You can load various packages on it (like for the area where you live or if you're traveling). It can be quite helpful identifying birds in your area (various ways including taking a photo and telling the app where and when you saw the bird, etc.).
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 03, 2023, 04:25:08 AMWe are experiencing a late spring here. March was consistently colder than usual, with not a lot of thaw. So perhaps that is why your juncos are lingering. :D
Oh yes, a lot of Canada Geese migrate, and most of the Manitoba ones do. You won't see them in the winter time here, that's for sure!
While out walking my dogs today, I passed these Canada Geese who didn't look like they were in a hurry to go anywhere.
Then, when I got home, my trail cam caught this Junco in flight. Beautiful birds if you can get close enough for a good look.
Geese.jpg
Junco.jpg
Yes, the juncos are beautiful and more varied in colour than one might first think. Different shades.
Another sign here of late spring is that there are still sightings of the ever majestic snowy owls. Normally, they are gone back further north by now.
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 03, 2023, 03:19:49 PMYes, the juncos are beautiful and more varied in colour than one might first think. Different shades.
Another sign here of late spring is that there are still sightings of the ever majestic snowy owls. Normally, they are gone back further north by now.
Would love to see a snowy owl.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 03, 2023, 04:43:09 PMWould love to see a snowy owl.
PD
They are so magnificent! Such beauty. Pratically invisible in a field of snow. During the winter, a drive on rural roads can produce a sighting here. They will often be perched on telephone/hydro poles.
A couple of weeks ago, I saw a male hairy woodpecker pecking out a nest in an old dead tree along a trail that I like to hike. Today, I was on that same path and was happy to see it outside that same hole. Perhaps doing some fine tuning/interior design? :)
I did find the answer to one question that occurred to me earlier: do hairy woodpeckers add any sort of soft materials to their nesting holes...and no was the answer....though some of the wood chips left from the excavation apparently make a bed of sorts.
Ooh! Just read that apparently they make the nests less than two weeks before egg laying begins. Drat! I wish that I had jotted down exactly when I saw him making the nest. Will have to keep an eye and an ear out for the chicks (I think in about 2 weeks time).
PD
For the third night in a row, my pigeon friend has waddled into the toolshed attached to my office to pass the night in safety. (She must feel secure with the Louisville slugger at hand.) I've decided she's a female based on the actions of some of the other pigeons when she's out and about. Although there are no visible injuries, it's clear she is unable to fly. I'll wait a few more days to see if it's something that fixes itself. If not, I know someone who works for a veterinarian who cares for birds.
Pidgy.jpg
Look who came to visit my classroom.
IMG-0981r.jpg
Quote from: Szykneij on April 04, 2023, 03:06:37 PMFor the third night in a row, my pigeon friend has waddled into the toolshed attached to my office to pass the night in safety. (She must feel secure with the Louisville slugger at hand.) I've decided she's a female based on the actions of some of the other pigeons when she's out and about. Although there are no visible injuries, it's clear she is unable to fly. I'll wait a few more days to see if it's something that fixes itself. If not, I know someone who works for a veterinarian who cares for birds.
Pidgy.jpg
That's sweet of you to offer her free lodging. :)
PD
Quote from: DavidW on April 04, 2023, 06:08:45 PMLook who came to visit my classroom.
Did he have a late pass? :)
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on April 05, 2023, 03:49:47 AMThat's sweet of you to offer her free lodging. :)
PD
No problem. She doesn't eat much or take up too much space. :)
The trick is getting the dogs to leave her alone.
Quote from: Szykneij on April 05, 2023, 05:10:07 AMDid he have a late pass? :)
No problem. She doesn't eat much or take up too much space. :)
The trick is getting the dogs to leave her alone.
;D I suspect that he was searching for the art department--to model.
So, the dogs are temporarily banned from her new home?
PD
According to many people on a Manitoba birding Facebook page I follow there have been several dark eyed junco sightings. A good sign of spring on its way! :)
Quote from: OrchestralNut on April 09, 2023, 05:43:25 AMAccording to many people on a Manitoba birding Facebook page I follow there have been several dark eyed junco sightings. A good sign of spring on its way! :)
Yay! :)
Went for a nice long walk with a friend by a river this morning. Saw some great things whilst out including a red-tailed hawk flying right overhead of us; it circled approximately 3 times or so right overhead of us then eventually flew away. Earlier in the morning we saw what we think might have been a great horned owl (alas my friend couldn't get his binoculars out quickly enough). It was flying towards some trees. It was massive and blocky in shape.
Great way to start the day. :)
PD
Had a very pleasant surprise this past Tuesday. I was leaving my house when all of a sudden to the side of me and out of the corner of my eye, I saw a bunch of birds leaving in a flurry. Apparently, they had been having a grand ole time using my bird bath. I sat down and was quiet and still for a bit, and they ended up coming back. Saw several black capped chickadees, a few song sparrows, and a couple of robins. Unfortunately, when the robins show up, the smaller birds flew away. They did keep coming back though to drink and bathe. Hadn't ever seen so many birds using it before! Thinking of maybe seeing if I could set up some kind of wildlife cam so that I could enjoy watching them from within my house...that or maybe set up a second bird bath somewhere that I could watch it through a window? In any event, nice to see that they were making good use of it. I had wondered over the years whether anything other than the wasps were making use of it.
PD
Delighted to see that Big Red's (the female red-tailed hawk at Cornell) first two eggs have hatched--the second one hatching early, early this morning. Watched her for a while feeding M1 (the first-hatched). What a good mother she is! And her faithful partner Arthur is such a good provider (bringing all of them various things to eat) as well as doing brooding duty (when Big Red lets him!). Hopefully the third egg will hatch in the next couple of days.
PD
The three red-tailed hawk chicks at Cornell are all doing well (knock-on-wood). They have been *flapping their wings and hopping all around the nest--including on top of the light boxes (which are angled down towards the athletic field. How the heck do they manage to stay on top of those things: they are metal and facing downward?!). Fledge or fludge day is any time now. I believe that the eldest one, M1 is 46 days old today (almost typed years!). Average fledge is something like 47.something-or-other days.
* a combo known as "flappercising"
PD
Delighted to announce that M1 had a successful (and powerful!) fledge this morning. If anyone wants to see it, it was at 6:00 (EST/Cornell Cam1 time). Just type in Cornell hawk and cam.
PD
We have had this guy for about a year now. The girls love him and have taught him to say a few things.
I liked Gus immediately due to his mischievous, curious look in his eyes. I included a picture of him playing hide and seek with me before we got him. He now flies all over the house; rules the roost, as they say
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on September 16, 2023, 12:21:21 PMWe have had this guy for about a year now. The girls love him and have taught him to say a few things.
I liked Gus immediately due to his mischievous, curious look in his eyes. I included a picture of him playing hide and seek with me before we got him. He now flies all over the house; rules the roost, as they say
VS
Sweet! ;D
PD
Quote from: VonStupp on September 16, 2023, 12:21:21 PMWe have had this guy for about a year now. The girls love him and have taught him to say a few things.
I liked Gus immediately due to his mischievous, curious look in his eyes. I included a picture of him playing hide and seek with me before we got him. He now flies all over the house; rules the roost, as they say
VS
You might appreciate this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGsN7jzp5DE
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on September 17, 2023, 02:51:09 PMYou might appreciate this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGsN7jzp5DE
PD
Adorable. :) I hope, god-willing, my mother will live many more years; but I know when she passes, I will inherit her cat. I wasn't sure how that would fly between bird and cat.
VS
Quote from: VonStupp on September 17, 2023, 03:23:50 PMAdorable. :) I hope, god-willing, my mother will live many more years; but I know when she passes, I will inherit her cat. I wasn't sure how that would fly between bird and cat.
VS
Hopefully, she will live much longer and that if kitty is still alive when she passes, that all will go well between the two. It's amazing how much and how often animals of different species become friends. :)
PD
Had really cool experience today. A friend and I did an errand together (mid-afternoon) and then went for a short walk along a local pond/river. Alas, didn't see many birds there but the weather was particularly nice for this time of year, so we enjoyed it. Then went out to do a tiny bit of grocery shopping and came back to my house late afternoon. Unloaded groceries and said our goodbyes. Friend was just about starting to get back into his vehicle when we both heard a loud squawk (I was by the front door and went to go outside at the same time as he called me to come back out.). Thought that it might be a red-tailed hawk at first. Went down the stairs and looked up at where he had pointed: it was a bald eagle sitting high up in a tree of mine (an adult). It just hung out on one of the branches, sitting in the sunshine looking around. We watched it for about 10 minutes and then saw it fly away. It was huge! Beautiful and striking bird.
Bald eagles are second in size in terms of birds in the US. The only larger bird is the California Condor.
I feel honored that it chose to sit--for even a short while--in one of my trees.
PD
One of the magpies was making the most of the sun just now.
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 01, 2023, 06:27:50 AMOne of the magpies was making the most of the sun just now.
Cool! I've never seen a magpie before. Wonder if we have them in my area? And, nope!
Their coloring is lovely.
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 01, 2023, 06:36:44 AMTheir coloring is lovely.
I'll keep an eye open for any magpie feathers, they have blue and green in as well as black and white.
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 01, 2023, 08:25:55 AMI'll keep an eye open for any magpie feathers, they have blue and green in as well as black and white.
I love this website--very helpful in identifying birds. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eurasian_Magpie/
It's run by Cornell University.
PD
Quote from: VonStupp on September 16, 2023, 12:21:21 PMWe have had this guy for about a year now. The girls love him and have taught him to say a few things.
I liked Gus immediately due to his mischievous, curious look in his eyes. I included a picture of him playing hide and seek with me before we got him. He now flies all over the house; rules the roost, as they say
VS
How's Gus doing these days?
PD
Of course, observing these is dicey ...
Quote from: Scion7 on December 01, 2023, 09:17:48 AMOf course, observing these is dicey ...
What on earth are those?!
By the way, I read an article saying that they are trying to genetically engineer a comeback for the dodo (and possibly two other birds). Here's one article about that: https://www.cnn.com/2023/01/31/world/dodo-bring-back-from-extinction-colossal-scn/index.html
PD
A pair of the gigantic Dromornis stirtoni – one of the biggest birds of all time – wanders the landscape of the Australian Miocene with their attractively patterned chicks. Despite appearances, Dromornis and its kin – the dromornithids or mihirungs – are not closely related to other, similarly-shaped birds from the fossil record (like the gastornithids and phorusrhacids). They are instead allied to anseriforms – the wildfowl. This affinity would surely have affected some aspects of their life appearance.
Vegetarians, but at 12-14 feet tall, quite daunting. Many vegetarians are quite dangerous - rhinos, elephants, bull-type cows ... I wouldn't relish coming into their perceived-threat radius, if they were still around. (pushes Florestan out of the blind into their midst ...)
Quote from: Scion7 on December 01, 2023, 09:34:08 AMA pair of the gigantic Dromornis stirtoni – one of the biggest birds of all time – wanders the landscape of the Australian Miocene with their attractively patterned chicks. Despite appearances, Dromornis and its kin – the dromornithids or mihirungs – are not closely related to other, similarly-shaped birds from the fossil record (like the gastornithids and phorusrhacids). They are instead allied to anseriforms – the wildfowl. This affinity would surely have affected some aspects of their life appearance.
Vegetarians, but at 12-14 feet tall, quite daunting. Many vegetarians are quite dangerous - rhinos, elephants, bull-type cows ... I wouldn't relish coming into their perceived-threat radius, if they were still around.
Hey, if they're trying to bring back the dodo....well?
PD
A Swan on a Lake
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 01, 2023, 09:11:05 AMHow's Gus doing these days?
PD
Gus is good. As a green-cheek conure, he needs a lot of attention. Life and the holidays means he doesn't get out as much as I (and 'he') would like.
Since fall/winter allergies and illnesses come and go, he has imitated my cough and my daughters' sneezes. Too smart for his own good!
VS
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 02, 2023, 06:29:53 AMA Swan on a Lake
Looks like he/she is sitting on some ice--though I do see some sort of path behind it?
Quote from: VonStupp on December 03, 2023, 09:12:26 AMGus is good. As a green-cheek conure, he needs a lot of attention. Life and the holidays means he doesn't get out as much as I (and 'he') would like.
Since fall/winter allergies and illnesses come and go, he has imitated my cough and my daughters' sneezes. Too smart for his own good!
VS
lol Well, I'm glad that at least he is healthy!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 03, 2023, 01:08:43 PMLooks like he/she is sitting on some ice--though I do see some sort of path behind it?
Yes, it was only thin soft ice and the swan flew off a few minutes later.
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 02, 2023, 06:29:53 AMA Swan on a Lake
My conception of swans being serene and graceful creatures changed drastically one snowy night when I tried to rescue one from traffic in the middle of a parkway. Out of the water, they have the proportions of geese with the same hissing dispositions (very much like icebergs, with the bulk of their mass under the water.)
This is the best picture I could get of what I believe to be a Cooper's Hawk that sometimes menaces my bird feeders.
IMG_E9311.JPG
Yes, swans and dogs don't mix well. Good photo of the hawk in action!
Quote from: Szykneij on December 04, 2023, 06:01:32 AMMy conception of swans being serene and graceful creatures changed drastically one snowy night when I tried to rescue one from traffic in the middle of a parkway. Out of the water, they have the proportions of geese with the same hissing dispositions (very much like icebergs, with the bulk of their mass under the water.)
This is the best picture I could get of what I believe to be a Cooper's Hawk that sometimes menaces my bird feeders.
IMG_E9311.JPG
Cool! I know that it can be hard at times to watch nature in action, but remember that a hawk has to eat too. ;)
Hope that you didn't get pecked by the swan? Nice of you to give it a helping hand! :)
PD
While I was chatting with a friend on the phone, I saw a red-tailed hawk fly towards and land on a branch in my neighbor's back yard. Watched it for about half an hour. It was a juvie (didn't have its red tail yet). It was looking around (intently) at their yard. At the end, it spotted something and flew off. I couldn't see it well there due to terracing, but did see its wing appear (spread wide) at one point and then it flew off out of view. I did see it clutching something--a chippie I believe. Good job little juvie!
PD
Corvids in need - crow and jackdaws.
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 12, 2023, 11:45:13 PMCorvids in need - crow and jackdaws.
In need? Problems with food resources?
I haven't seen a jackdaw before. Lots of crows in my area.
PD
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 13, 2023, 09:03:10 AMIn need of cake ;) .
Sorry, but I don't know what you are referring to. :( Why cake?
PD
Oh it's just that we were sat outside a cafe yesterday with all these birds getting nearer and nearer to get the crumbs. One of the jackdaws very nearly ate out of my wife's hand.
Quote from: steve ridgway on December 13, 2023, 09:14:15 AMOh it's just that we were sat outside a cafe yesterday with all these birds getting nearer and nearer to get the crumbs. One of the jackdaws very nearly ate out of my wife's hand.
lol :) Hopefully they are also eating some healthier food?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on December 13, 2023, 09:33:19 AMHopefully they are also eating some healthier food?
It was in a large country estate so plenty of natural food around.
Some birds on the river today. From searching the web I think the first pair, which were diving under the surface, were Goosander, and the second pair, which were very nervous and kept flying off, were Eurasian Teal.
Pigeons in the garden today.
Quote from: steve ridgway on January 16, 2024, 04:28:26 AMPigeons in the garden today.
Very pretty! This one is common in our country--often seen in cities in large numbers. https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Rock_Pigeon/
I used to confuse them with mourning doves which I often see in my neck of the woods. Their call is very distinctive.
A few days ago, I went out to take a walk and could hear a red-tailed hawk nearby. It was somewhere high up in a pine tree I think. It was playing hide and seek with me. As soon as I turned away (giving up on seeing it), it would make one of its call again. That happened about three times 'til I eventually gave up!
PD
p.s. Do you have any feeders up in your yard (if you have one--sorry, not certain whether you live in a house or in an apartment)?
Oh yes, we have rock pigeons but I believe these were the domestic pigeons descended from those. The next door neighbours have feeders so the smaller birds go there and we look after the larger ones.
Quote from: steve ridgway on January 16, 2024, 05:30:12 AMOh yes, we have rock pigeons but I believe these were the domestic pigeons descended from those. The next door neighbours have feeders so the smaller birds go there and we look after the larger ones.
Interesting to read (on Cornell's website) that apparently rock pigeons were introduced to North America from Europe in the early 1600's.
PD
LOL according to the Journal of the Experimental Analysis of Behavior (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1334394/)
Pigeons' discrimination of paintings by Monet and Picasso
Abstract
Pigeons successfully learned to discriminate color slides of paintings by Monet and Picasso. Following this training, they discriminated novel paintings by Monet and Picasso that had never been presented during the discrimination training. Furthermore, they showed generalization from Monet's to Cezanne's and Renoir's paintings or from Picasso's to Braque's and Matisse's paintings. These results suggest that pigeons' behavior can be controlled by complex visual stimuli in ways that suggest categorization. Upside-down images of Monet's paintings disrupted the discrimination, whereas inverted images of Picasso's did not. This result may indicate that the pigeons' behavior was controlled by objects depicted in impressionists' paintings but was not controlled by objects in cubists' paintings.
Snapped this Rose-ringed Parakeet after feeding the crows on our walk this morning.
Quote from: steve ridgway on January 19, 2024, 07:34:06 AMSnapped this Rose-ringed Parakeet after feeding the crows on our walk this morning.
Pretty cool! Strange to see it though so far north though!
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on January 19, 2024, 09:00:15 AMPretty cool! Strange to see it though so far north though!
PD
We only started seeing the parakeets here a few years ago but they've been increasing in numbers and spreading further. They're quite easy to spot due to the noise :D .
Came upon a Blue Heron while walking the pups this morning.
thumbnail (1).jpg
Quote from: Szykneij on February 06, 2024, 09:38:41 AMCame upon a Blue Heron while walking the pups this morning.
thumbnail (1).jpg
Excellent! About how far away were you from it and what did you use to take the photo?
PD
p.s. I've given up trying to take photos of birds (I have an old iPhone). :(
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 06, 2024, 11:41:48 AMExcellent! About how far away were you from it and what did you use to take the photo?
PD
p.s. I've given up trying to take photos of birds (I have an old iPhone). :(
I used my iphone and was reasonably close, but up a river bank. Luckily, my dogs were quiet so the heron didn't feel threatened.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 06, 2024, 12:12:49 PMI used my iphone and was reasonably close, but up a river bank. Luckily, my dogs were quiet so the heron didn't feel threatened.
Which iPhone version do you have (if I might ask)?
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on February 06, 2024, 12:34:30 PMWhich iPhone version do you have (if I might ask)?
PD
My phone is old, too. It's the iphone XR, which I think came out right before the iphone 11.
Quote from: Szykneij on February 06, 2024, 04:43:56 PMMy phone is old, too. It's the iphone XR, which I think came out right before the iphone 11.
lol Oh, the joys of technology (pros and cons plus moolah)!
PD
This story made me laugh/cry:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BT8P65u1Nvk
[Can't post the video here.]
PD
Been checking in on the red-tailed hawks at Cornell. Big Red laid four eggs this year; alas, only two out of the four eggs hatched. Hadn't seen that one happen before. Perhaps it might be due in part to her getting up there in years? She's now about 21 years old.
Happily, though, the two chicks (the "N's" as this round are known) are doing well (knock on wood).
PD
I just saw a beautiful green woodpecker (picus viridis) in the back garden but before I could get a phone to try a picture it flew away. They are not that rare but not that common either.
I recently grabbed the Merlin app for my phone and it really works well. I was taking a walk yesterday morning and recorded like 30 seconds and it identified four different birds. It is free with no BS run by Cornell. If you're curious give it a shot.
It sounds like most of you way ahead of the learning curve from where I am though! :laugh:
Quote from: Jo498 on May 28, 2024, 03:48:09 AMI just saw a beautiful green woodpecker (picus viridis) in the back garden but before I could get a phone to try a picture it flew away. They are not that rare but not that common either.
Oooh! What a cool-looking bird! Hopefully, it will visit your garden more often. :)
Quote from: DavidW on May 28, 2024, 07:23:18 AMI recently grabbed the Merlin app for my phone and it really works well. I was taking a walk yesterday morning and recorded like 30 seconds and it identified four different birds. It is free with no BS run by Cornell. If you're curious give it a shot.
It sounds like most of you way ahead of the learning curve from where I am though! :laugh:
That's one of the reasons why I keep on yapping on about Cornell! ;D ;) I've had the Merlin app for I'm not sure how many years now--and still use it (slow learner re bird calls and IDing them, but I'm getting a bit better). :) My phone is fairly old and so I can't upgrade it and thereby be able to use some of the newer features. The Cornell folks (cornellbirds@cornell.edu) very kindly (and swiftly) replied to an email that I sent them a few years ago (with photos) asking as to what I had seen in my area. One of the features of that app is that you can download packages of different areas (say that you are on vacation) and want to know what birds are common in that area and narrow down what you are most likely seeing/hearing.
Their website is also very handy: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/
Plus, they host various bird cams...the pond one is particularly cool (especially in the morning and it's on campus. They fill up the bird feeders there every morning) and the red tailed hawk nest cams (including live chat with mods, if you're interested to do so, so that you can learn about the birds).
PD
Quote from: Pohjolas Daughter on May 28, 2024, 08:45:28 AMOooh! What a cool-looking bird! Hopefully, it will visit your garden more often. :)
I have seen ones before and even got pictures but they didn't turn out that well because they are green and camouflaged quite well despite the red head.
They are not exactly rare although the "great spotted woodpecker" is more common. Apparently the green ones rarely "knock" at trees to get insects from the bark but mostly eat ants from the ground or anthills.
As for bird calls I went on a birdcall walk 20 years ago but I don't remember anything.
Yesterday or on sunday there was a cuckoo or more than one really going crazy and cuckooing all the time while I walked through the fields, still pretty close to the village.
(There's a superstition/saying here that if one has money in the pocket on hearing the cuckoo's call for the first time in a year one will never lack money for the rest of the year ;) But it wasn't the first one that spring and I didn't have money on me.)
Quote from: Jo498 on May 28, 2024, 09:19:06 AMI have seen ones before and even got pictures but they didn't turn out that well because they are green and camouflaged quite well despite the red head.
They are not exactly rare although the "great spotted woodpecker" is more common. Apparently the green ones rarely "knock" at trees to get insects from the bark but mostly eat ants from the ground or anthills.
As for bird calls I went on a birdcall walk 20 years ago but I don't remember anything.
Yesterday or on sunday there was a cuckoo or more than one really going crazy and cuckooing all the time while I walked through the fields, still pretty close to the village.
(There's a superstition/saying here that if one has money in the pocket on hearing the cuckoo's call for the first time in a year one will never lack money for the rest of the year ;) But it wasn't the first one that spring and I didn't have money on me.)
If I'm not out every day walking around (and listening), there are certain calls that I can get confused ("Which bird? Is it this or that?").
And, I bet that you had at least a 10 cent coin in your pocket when you heard the first cuckoo of the year. ;)
PD
I realized that I hadn't checked up lately on this year's latest red-tailed hawk chicks at Cornell. Big Red and Arthur had had two hawk chicks this year (four eggs laid but two of them didn't hatch). Sadly, I found out today that N1 had died (They think due to some illness). That was around the 4th or 5th of August. Then I found out that the other hawk chick (N2) had earlier flown into one of the glass windows at Cornell (This was in late July.)! :'(
First time since I've started following BR's and Arthur's yearly families that none of the chicks made it through their first year. Note: It's harder to follow them once wintertime comes around--and we can only do that due to the kindness and dedication of some very special birders who regularly try and locate the adults (and keep an eye out for any juvies in the area too).
PD
I just got back from a few weeks in Maine. While there, I came across a good number of seabirds and was wishing I had something better than my cell phone to capture some pictures. Luckily, I was able to buy an old, but functional, Kodak digital camera at a flea market to take these shots of a blue heron and egret.
Egret
Some good news! Big Red and her partner Arthur (the red-tailed hawks at Cornell) have had three chicks this year. She laid three eggs and the third one hatched today. :) They're the "O's" [O1 is the first born, etc.]. You can watch a live cam (two different views too). Just type in something along the lines of Cornell and hawk cam. Keeping my fingers crossed for the little ones.
K
Oh, no! O3 apparently died later in the day that it hatched. Not certain why:
"https://www.allaboutbirds.org/cams/sad-news-red-tailed-hawk-chick-dies-shortly-after-hatching/
K
Enjoying watching the two O's mature; they are very close to fledging. It's awesome to see them flapercizing and hopping around. Wish that I had wings.
K
Woohoo! O2 just fledged! :)
K