Archive for the 'Birds' Category

Spoiled Goldfinches

June 25, 2008 | Birds

The birds in my backyard have become terribly spoiled. Especially it seems, the goldfinches. So much so that yesterday afternoon, when I tried to move the finch feeder to another pole, the little brats staged a revolt. Of sorts.

We have 3 poles for feeders — two double-sided shepherds hooks and one single. The finch feeder, with thistle seed, is on the single hook and just behind I have a large double hook with two regular food feeders. The nectar feeders for the hummingbirds are on a double hook in the corner of the herb garden, sort of catty-corner from the thistle feeder. Here’s a picture of the yard from earlier this spring; I’ve noted where the different feeders are located.

When I got the second hummer feeder yesterday, I switched the finch feeder to the same pole as the first hummingbird feeder and put the new nectar feeder on the single pole.

The finches said no to that plan. They perched on top of the large double hook pole and made absolutely no attempt to locate the finch feeder. It was almost like they were staring at me through the window.

So I moved it back, and within moments — almost before I got back in the house –  they were all back chowing down on thistle seed.

My husband’s response when I told him the story? “So your birds are as spoiled as your dogs”

Technorati Tags: birds

Hummingbird

June 18, 2008 | Birds

Three shots, in sequence, of the female ruby-throated hummingbird who has become a regular at our feeder over the past two days. My picture of the male is a bit too fuzzy.

A few more pictures from today.

The red bellied woodpecker.

A trio of goldfinch.

The female cardinal.

I also saw a female purple finch and the above noted male ruby-throated hummer but did not get good pictures.

More on Flickr.

Technorati Tags: birds, hummingbird, cardinal, goldfinch,   woodpecker

From my back window

May 21, 2008 | Birds, Spring

Finally caught the male cardinal posing.

Perhaps this is the reason we haven’t seen any hummingbirds yet?

Tweet tweet

May 8, 2008 | Birds

No, for once I am NOT talking about Twitter. Since I got my new telephoto lens (and refilled the bird feeders), I have been obsessed with the bird activity in the backyard.

Yes, I am most definitely a backyard birder. I have a bird book and binoculars. And the new camera lens. But I don’t venture much past my yard.

But in addition to the usual cardinals, chickadees, robins and blue jays, here’s what I’ve seen in my yard just over the past few days:

Mallards

Goldfinch

Tufted Titmouse

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

A woodpecker that I am still trying to ID I think this may be a female Red Bellied Woodpecker

Some sparrows with yellow heads, also still trying to id. We think these are Chipping Sparrows

Technorati Tags: birds, birding

Goldfinches in the Backyard

May 7, 2008 | Birds, Spring

I filled the bird feeders last night and today have seen a pair of goldfinches, chickadees, some sort of sparrow, a woodpecker and a pair of tufted titmouse. And of course the usual blue jays and robins. Managed to get some decent pictures of the finches.

A little blurry but I like it anyway.