We have a ton of other photos that we will post tomorrow of birds that we have identified.
But, we need your help with these IDs. Here are the strange photos from today.
Leucistic Canada Goose? This goose was in a flock of 50+ Canada Goose. Traffic wouldn't allow us to stop in the middle of the road for too long!! Darn non birders.
What kind of Sparrow is this?
Hybrid Wigeon?
We have been watching the Flicker box with great interest! There have at least 3 different Flickers checking it out. This Flicker, a hybrid (see the red on the nape of the neck?), actually did a little excavating. He pulled out quite a few of the wood chips and spent some time drumming on the box itself. How cool would it be to have a Flicker family?!?!?!?
The Townsend's Warbler is still very active in the yard. There are 3 or 4 of them and they spend most of the day here.
I guess the squirrels gotta eat, too.
Bushtits! There have been some huge flocks (60-80) in the yard lately.
Last year we built our first Northern Flicker box. Almost immediately, we had a Flicker move in and start excavating (we had packed it with wood chips). Unfortunately, the Starlings soon moved in and the Flicker finally gave the box up. We were extremely disappointed to say the least.
Well this last year, we learned a few things and built a new Flicker box a few days ago. The first one we built had no deterrent for Starlings. They could just fly right up and hop in the box. So this year, after some studying and reading up a little, we changed things a bit. First, we sloped the front of the box inward, so that the entrance is on an incline. Secondly, we put a small shield of plastic above the opening. Both of these additions are supposed to work as Starling deterrents.
So now, we sit and wait (not so patiently) for a Flicker to move on in and start the nesting process. Fingers are crossed, lucky coin is in my pocket and our shoelaces are tied twice on the left side. I don't know what more we can do.
Take care!!
Here is the Flicker and Flicker box from last year. A pretty basic and straightforward design. But nonetheless, he moved in quickly. It was actually an intergrade that moved in.
Here is the new box with the "Starling Proof" additions. We shall see.
This new box is about 10" taller and 10" deeper. It still ha s a 7"x7" floor, but the box itself is quite a bit larger.
Hello to all! Sorry for the infrequent posts, but we have been so busy with our other blog that the time just slips away. No more excuses though! I vow to post at least 3 times a week! Yep, you heard it here first. 3 times a week. I expect you all to hold me to it, too!
Anyway, the Varied Thrush showed up today! That is the latest in the year that we have seen him in the yard. Exciting stuff! Other than the Thrush we have seen; Warblers abound, Finches a plenty (House, American, Lesser and Siskin), Junco-Mania and a Robin-Go-Round. It's been a great time to be a birder! Here are some photos for your entertainment (hopefully).
The male Varied Thrush hanging out with some unsavory characters!
Such a gorgeous bird and such an unexpected visitor near the end of February.
The Spotted Towhee was hanging out all day long. Another rare occurrence. Usually, he comes in the yard for an hour our two in the morning and the evening, but not in the middle of the day.
Towhee looking pretty photogenic on the fence.
Then, the Towhee hopped up in the Curly Willow for some even better pics.
A well camouflaged Golden-Crowned Sparrow.
Hello everybody!
Here's hoping that you had a great weekend and, to those of you that participated in the GBBC, the best GBBC yet!
Here are a few of the photos we took over the weekend. We have been absolutely swamped since last Friday. Between counting for the GBBC and about a dozen other projects that we have going, it's been crazy!
Anyway, here are the photos. Hope you enjoy!
KATU came back this year and is doing another story on the Great Backyard Bird Count. Carlos Faura was the reporter and, like last year, Karen Munday from Portland Audubon Society was here to make sure we didn't say anything stupid (just kidding, Karen).
The report runs tonight during the 6pm newscast. They were here for 2 hours but the segment is only 1 minute 20 seconds.
Hopefully, this will garner a few new participants in the GBBC and maybe even hook a new birder or two! We will post a link to the story after it airs tonight.
Karen Munday being interviewed in our backyard. The camerawoman Patricia was a Godsend! She was like a director on a movie set. She knew exactly what and how to do it.
Patricia putting the mic on me. Not that anything that comes out of my mouth is usually worth hearing!
Today is the day!! I wish everyone the best of luck and let's have the best count ever!! Let's go Portland!!
If you haven't checked out the Great Backyard Bird Count, there is still plenty of time! Just visit this link Great Backyard Birds Count and have a look. It's fun, easy and completely free!
