Been away for a while...

We apologize for not posting in the last few months. We will try to get a little better about posting regularly. Here are a few photos from the last few months with more to come soon. None of these are in particular order. Take care and good birding!

A Steller's Jay waiting for a handful of peanuts

                                         

A Song Sparrow taking a quick bath

A Bushtit getting ready to take off after grabbing
 some suet

Townsend's and Black-Throated Gray Warblers

3 Warblers bathing at one time! Orange-Crowned,
Black-Throated Gray and Townsend's!

Same 3 little guys

3 Black-Throated Gray Warblers at the same time!
This was a yard record for us. Normally, we
 only get one at a time.

This Orange-Crowned Warbler flew in through
 the garage, then through the kitchen and into the living
 room. He landed on a plant near the ceiling.
It took us a while to get him to fly back out.
This was 2 days after a
Steller's Jay did the same thing.

7 Band-Tailed Pigeons in our backyard. They
are frequent visitors to our yard.

This Band-Tailed Pigeon obviously thought he was a
House Finch. He kept trying, though.

A Wilson's Warbler on one of our hikes

A Hermit Warbler on the same hike

White-Crowned Sparrow on top of Saddle Mt

Evening Grosbeaks fighting over some seed. We think
 that is a House Sparrow in front of them

An Orange-Crowned Warbler in the yard
(not in the living room)

Evening Grosbeaks gathered for some dinner

A female Western Tanager grabbing some suet

Here she is again

We don't think the Evening Grosbeaks liked sharing,
 but no body seemed to want to speak up

A Band-Tailed Pigeon in flight

Evening Grosbeaks waiting for the bird bath

Another Evening Grosbeak

Evening Grosbeaks on the right and a solitary
 Black-Headed Grosbeak to the far left

A female Evening Grosbeak

One of our resident Anna's Hummingbirds in our
 front yard

It really likes the maple tree in the front of the house

Another Anna's eating from the Fringecup

A beautiful male Robin

A Yellow-Rumped warbler pretending to be a
 hummingbird

Yellow-Rumped Warbler grabbing some suet

Every spring we get Anna's Hummingbirds grabbing
bits of dryer lint for their nesting material

Flora and Fauna Nature Company

Let me first preface this post with this: We were not paid, nor are we getting anything from the Flora and Fauna Nature Company for writing about them. They have always been good to us and so, a few days ago when we were buying some seed, I asked the owner if I could post about his store on our blog. He said sure. I just wanted to get that out of the way! And, now more than ever, I think we need to be supporting local businesses.

For a long time, Michelle and I went to 5 or 6 different bird stores for food, feeders and supplies. Trying to find the cheapest supplies that we could. Then, last year, this little gem opened up right down the street from us and so, of course, we had to stop in. They are located at 10055 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220. Their phone number is 503-252-BIRD (2473) and they are open Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm and Sunday from 11am-5pm. It's easy to find and well worth the trip!



It's called the Flora and Fauna Nature Company. Don Holman is the owner and shop keeper. He is one of the most friendly people you will ever meet and his customer service is impeccable! We is extremely knowledgeable about all things bird and his little store has quite an array of supplies and goodies.

There are 2 reasons that we go there and nowhere else now. One, because of Don. He impressed us right away and continues to do so every time we see him. Reason two is that he has got about the best seed prices in the Portland Metro area! believe me, we have been all over the place. Going to one store to buy suet and another for black-oil and yet another for nyjer. Don beats them all!



He also has a Value Seed Reward Program. Every time you purchase 10 bags of the same seed, he will give you the 11th one free. That goes for any of the seed he sells. For instance, we purchase 50# bags of nyjer seed. I think we are on our 5th one. By 5 more (which we will do by late summer) and we will get a 50# bag free. So, not only is the seed less expensive than other stores, 69.99 for a 50# bag of nyjer (as of 02/09/09) but then when you factor in the free bag, it makes it even cheaper. Like I said, that goes for any of the seed he sells. He has a large selection of your typical seeds but then he also has quite a few specialty blends. They keep track of the Seed Program in their computer so you don't have to carry a card with you.

Also, you get coupons in the mail, ranging from $5 off your purchase to 20% off any item (we have used that 20% for nyjer and a WingScapes Bird Cam). And, they've started offering free delivery for orders over $50 (for any delivery in the Portland-Metro area).

They have everything you could want, and if they don't, Don will try to order it for you. They have everything from seed to feeders and birdbaths to books. Please stop by and give a local business owner your business! Thanks to all and see you soon!