Scruffy ones can be confusing, which adds to the fun of identification!

3-26-25 American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches are pretty recognizable now.

3-26-25 Brown Creeper with larvae food

A Brown Creeper found a hidden bit of larval food on an oak branch.

3-17-25 Northern Mockingbird #29 at the bubbler

4-6-25 Northern Mockingbird

A pair of Northern Mockingbirds have become quite at home in our yard this year, a first. They're frequently at the window feeders on colder mornings.

3-21-25 White-throated Sparrow

Two of those scruffy characters right now are White-throated Sparrows.

3-22-25 Eastern Phoebe

The male Eastern Phoebe still calls in the mornings, claiming the pair's territory while the female is on the nest. 

3-29-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3-29-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 3-29-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker #2

Two male Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were in the woodland one day, chasing each other through the trees.

3-31-25 Chipping Sparrow

4-1-25 Chipping Sparrow

Chipping Sparrows arrived on 3-29-25 and were around for several days. 
 

3-31-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler

One Yellow-rumped Warbler is being seen daily, usually going after a bit of suet in between the woodpeckers.

4-1-25 Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals are singing a lot now in their beautiful ruby red plumage.

  4-6-25 Hairy Woodpecker with spider

We watched a Hairy Woodpecker for quite a while at lunch one day. It was focused on finding food in the "soft landings". This is the layer of habitat that is so crucial for insects to complete their life cycles. It is the forest floor, comprised of fallen leaves, twigs, and native plants such as Virginia Bluebells (upper left), Smooth Hydrangea (upper right), and  the slender stalks of Solomon's Seal (foreground). The bird probed with its long bill and found ants, small larvae and finally, a fat spider. Yay for soft landings!

4-6-25 White-breasted Nuthatch 4-6-25 White-breasted Nuthatch 4-6-25 White-breasted Nuthatch

We had a storm that went on for about four days with nearly 6" of rainfall. This White-breasted Nuthatch was the first bird to jump in for a bath the very next morning. Wonder where it had been hiding out of the rain?? It looked so excited about getting a bath!!

4-7-25 Hermit Thrush FOY #51 4-7-25 Hermit Thrush FOY #51

Some days, I just get really lucky being in the right place at the right time. That has happened twice this week, first when I walked to the window in time to see this Hermit Thrush stop by for a bath about 6:30 p.m. on 4-7-25. 

4-9-25 Louisiana Waterthrush 4-9-25 Louisiana Waterthrush 4-9-25 Louisiana Waterthrush 4-9-25 Louisiana Waterthrush 4-9-25 Louisiana Waterthrush

And the second time was yesterday morning, when I checked one last time before leaving the room. Louisiana Waterthrush! This is not a bird I see every year, and I was thrilled! It is a warbler, very similar to the Northern Waterthrush which usually arrives a bit later. The Louisiana prefers moving water, finding tiny little larvae in the algae on the rocks. This bird was all over the bubbler area, finding lots to eat. In the third photo, a little green tidbit can be seen at the end of its bill.  It also usually has a pure white throat and bubblegum pink legs, bobbing its body in a slow, swaying motion. Its bill is a bit larger than the Northern's and it can take larger food. They do vary a bit, but here's a comparison photo:

4-9-25 Both Waterthrushes

For more information on both of these species, check out this link:  Louisiana Waterthrush

And, this one:  Northern Waterthrush

Yes, these two can be easily confused, they're very similar warblers.

3-31-25 Virginia bluebells (Mertensia Virginia)

The Virginia Bluebells and other native plants survived all the rain and then a hard freeze.

Native plants are indeed hardy!

March came in like a lion, windy and cold.

Winds were 60 mph on March 5th, strong enough to blow an insect into the eye of a bluebird!

3-5-25 Eastern Bluebirds, female with insect on its eye 3-5-25 Eastern Bluebirds, female with insect on its eye 3-5-25 Eastern Bluebirds, female with insect on its eye 3-5-25 Eastern Bluebird female with insect on its head

The female Eastern Bluebird managed to brush it out and it moved to the top of its head!

3-14-25 Eastern Bluebird

The Eurasian Tree Sparrows took over the nest box and started building their nest in earnest, but since they are not native birds, I cleaned it all out and left the door open for a day. The next morning, the bluebirds were back! They've managed to drive away the sparrows so far. Fingers crossed. Last year, they had 3 broods.

3-2-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler at suet 3-3-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler

3-14-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are seen daily, often feeding on suet, stopping by the bubbler or fly-catching in the woods. Soon, other migrants will be joining them.

3-12-25 Blue Jay 3-12-25 Blue Jay

Resident birds like these Blue Jays are sprucing up and pairing up for breeding. 

3-10-25 Purple FInch

Migration has officially begun. Another Purple Finch spent the day here on March 10, feeding heavily before moving on.

3-11-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female 3-11-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female with insect

A young female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker spent time feeding on insects on trees and near the ground in the leaf litter. The temperatures have warmed up and that increases insect activity, making this essential food easier for the birds to find.

3-13-25 Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica) Celandine Poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum)

3-13-25 Roundleaf Ragwort (Packera obobvata)

Just this week, native plants like Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginica), Celandine Poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum) and Roundleaf Ragwort (Packera obovata) have emerged from the leafy mulch. 

3-11-25 Tufted Titmouse and Chickadee

If chickadees and titmice are thriving in your yard, there is a much higher chance of migratory birds coming in to check out their activity. 

So, keep your eyes and ears open for new sights and sounds!
 

BirdCast is online again as of March 1st. The highest number of migrants so far was on Tuesday night, March 11, 2025. The very next day, "our" pair of Eastern Phoebes were heard and seen here. The female got right to work on the nest under the gazebo. 

3-12-25 Eastern Phoebe 3-14-25 Swampy thicket with cypress knees, leafy matter and food sources

Our wetland area, or swampy thicket is where the female spends time gathering moist leaves, algae and moss to build the nest. 

3-14-25 Eastern Phoebe on cypress knee

Here, the bird is perched on a cypress knee, a bit higher perch to find insects for food and particular fibers to bind the nest together.

3-15-25 Eastern Phoebe gathering nest material

3-15-25 Eastern Phoebe nest, day 3

The little bird has been busy again today, adding material to the nest on day #3. Last night's squall line of storm cells with heavy rain, hail and 70 mph winds spawned tornadoes. It was a rough night, but we were glad the birds found shelter and survived. 

Spring officially begins on Thursday, March 20, 2025.

Now, are you ready for spring warblers? 

Here is my gallery to help you prepare.

You can view each labeled image as you wish, or put it on slide show mode and let it run.

Spring Warbler Species at Shady Oaks

As of today, we've gained an hour and 46 minutes of daylight. 

Next weekend, we Spring Forward! 

1-31-25 E. Gray Squirrel with wound and chopped tail

This squirrel is easily identified by the wound on its back and its chopped off tail. This male has a mate and their nest is in the cypress. 

3-17-20 E. Gray Squirrel with wound

This photo was taken on 3-17-2020. What a tough survivor! Winter takes a toll on wildlife and our weather of late has certainly been challenging.

1-30-25 Purple Finch female 2-1-25 House Finch left, Purple Finch right, both females 2-1-25 Purple Finch female in Blackhaw

A female Purple Finch was around on several days. The second photo has a female House Finch on the left side of the feeder for an easy comparison. It's smaller, stripier, and lacks the bold brown and white head pattern of the Purple Finch.

  2-1-25 Northern Mockingbird in Roughleaf Dogwood 2-1-25 Northern Mockingbird in Roughleaf Dogwood

2-2-25 Northern Mockingbird 2-2-25 Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird finally allowed a few photos. It looks for fruit in winter, but most has been eaten off any shrubs. Suet and bark butter bits were eaten by the bird, but not the grapes and raisins I had put out.

2-1-25 American Robin eating raisins

An American Robin hoarded the fruit!

  2-10-25 House Finches 2-12-25 House Finch with American Goldfinches

House Finches and American Goldfinches came in droves when it started to snow again on 2-12-25. They eagerly took the sunflower hearts I'd scattered on the deck.

2-11-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2-12-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2-12-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers found larvae in the leaves and bark butter on the small hybrid oak. They will eat snow in winter, but birds often prefer the water at the bubbler which is kept at 40 degrees by the de-icer in the pond. (seen in photo below)

2-12-25 Brown Creeper

A Brown Creeper followed the Yellow-rumped and searched in the aerial roots of Virginia creeper, where bark butter is sometimes left by larger birds. These two smaller birds have finer bills that can reach in between the roots for the leftovers.

2-3-25 Brush Pile with evergreens

Brush piles such as this provide some cover for juncos and sparrows when inclement weather comes in.

  2-20-25 Bubbler in snow 2-20-25 Pond in snow

These scenes were captured by our Bubbler Cam and Gazebo Cam on the morning of 2-20-2025. Temperatures had bottomed out at 2 degrees Fahrenheit. We had flown the coop for a family project. Thankfully, our neighbors, Bob and Suzanne provided mealworms for the bluebirds! 

2-26-25 Eastern Bluebird nest box is up!

On our return, we put up the nesting box for the Eastern Bluebirds. It didn't even take two hours before a pair claimed it!

2-26-25 Eastern Bluebird female claims the box 2-26-25 Eastern Bluebird defends the box against Eurasian Tree Sparrows

"Don't even think about it!"

2-26-25 Eastern Bluebird pair at the box 2-26-25 Eastern Bluebird

The pair still is defending the box as their own against the Eurasian Tree Sparrows today. Last year, eggs were laid the last week of March. We shall be watching for signs of nest building! 

Our Haikubox just alerted me to the call of an Eastern Phoebe, another sure sign of spring. I went out to look and listen, but could not confirm it. Last year, our first phoebe arrived on 2/29/24.

Spring is nigh!

In it are White-tailed deer, birds at the east feeding station, an Eastern Bluebird that flies to

the feeder and even an Eastern cottontail rabbit looking for food. This storm kept us very busy 

refilling feeders and checking on the water features. 

1-16-25 Garden in snow

A view of the garden on 1-16-25.
 

1-18-25 Hairy Woodpecker 1-18-25 Red-bellied Woodpecker

Suet feeders have been visited by Hairy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers every day. Now, it's easy to see how the Red-bellied got its name!

1-18-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female 1-18-25 White-breasted Nuthatch

The immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is often seen at the sap wells in the sugar maple (Acer saccharum). White-breasted Nuthatches, chickadees, and the other woodpeckers come in for sap, too. However, the sapsucker can be territorial and chases them off. Food is a precious commodity in winter.

1-18-25 Cooper's hawk immature

This young Cooper's Hawk was looking for an easy meal one day but took a rest on the railing instead.

1-18-25 Rusty Blackbird

1-19-25 Rusty Blackbird

Rusty Blackbirds have been back, foraging through the leaves even in the bubbler for any insect prey.

  1-19-25 Song Sparrow singing

You've probably noticed. Birdsong! Yes, this Song Sparrow and other birds are tuning up already for spring. As of this morning, we've gained 43 minutes of daylight since the Winter Solstice.

1-19-25 Eastern Bluebird female 1-21-25 Eastern Bluebird

1-24-25 Mourning Dove, Eastern Bluebirds and House Finch

Eastern Bluebirds have been very active at our feeders and water features! They often have trouble surviving snow cover and bitterly cold temperatures like we've had. But just a few days ago, insects were actively flying and I watched bluebirds, titmice and other species catching them for food. We'd much rather see the birds finding natural food! A Mourning Dove and House Finch joined the bluebirds at the heated bird bath.

1-20-25 Immature Red-tailed Hawk

A young Red-tailed Hawk has also been cruising through the woodland, at times just perching to rest. 

  1-21-25 Dark-eyed Junco with sand from stone

Before the storm, we had a day warm enough to reinforce the bubbler basin. The sandstone rock behind the small bubbler rock had been slowly breaking down, so we took it out and put it under the hydrangeas. The Dark-eyed Juncos and White-throated Sparrows have been seen taking grains of sand from it every day. Grit helps their digestion. Think of it as another form of recycling!

1-27-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler at sap well on Sugar Maple 1-22-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler   1-27-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler at the pond

This Yellow-rumped Warbler was after some of that delicious sugar maple sap and slipped in when the sapsucker was absent. It has a love of bathing and was seen in the bubbler and at the icy stream bed to drink.

1-27-25 Dark-eyed Junco foraging in leaves and snow

As the snow began to melt away, birds like this Dark-eyed Junco looked for seeds and insects.

1-26-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female

That immature female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker stops in to drink at the bubbler after getting some suet from the feeder. 

1-29-25 Purple Finch female -1 of 2 1-29-25 Purple Finch female -1 of 2

On Wednesday, 1-29-25 two female Purple Finches were back at the west feeding station. One was seen again yesterday. 

  1-29-25 Northern Flicker bullied by European Starling 1-29-25 Northern Flicker bullied by European Starling

Now, one would think that an European Starling wouldn't have the guts to pick on a larger Northern Flicker, but it jumped right on its back to evict it from the basin! Those starlings are just plain stinkers sometimes! 

We're looking forward to a break from the cold as the rest of the ice mounds melt away. Birds are moving about now, so keep a lookout. I saw four Rock Pigeons a few days ago, heard Canada Geese fly over and we've had a Northern Mockingbird showing up at the window feeders. So, that brings our total for January to 41 species. It has been a busy month. 

Stay safe and well, it's still winter.

The new year began with a few days to prepare for the storm.

Now, after ten days of icy snow cover, we're all ready for some warmth!

We've gained 16 minutes of daylight since the Winter Solstice.

1-14-25 E. Gray Squirrel resting in snow 1-1-25 Northern Cardinal 1-1-25 Eastern Bluebird 1-2-25 Brown Creeper on Sugar Maple

Northern Cardinals and Eastern Bluebirds seemed to bathe leisurely on New Year's Day.  Later, the Brown Creeper searched for insects on the sugar maple (Acer saccharum).

1-2-25 American Goldfinch 1-2-25 Hairy Woodpecker female

1-4-25 Downy Woodpecker female

American Goldfinches, Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers found seed and bark butter to fill up on ahead of the storm.

1-1-25 Dark-eyed Junco 1-4-25 Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Junco numbers started to creep up. We've seen the slate-colored, but in 2022 some of the Oregon subspecies came in. There are reports this subspecies is being seen again this winter.

2-25-22 Dark-eyed Junco Oregon subspecies

Read more about this species and its variations:

 Dark-eyed Juncos

1-5-25 Rusty Blackbird 1-5-25 Rusty Blackbird pair

A pair of Rusty Blackbirds showed up and foraged for seed under the Cliff Goldenrod (Solidago drummondii).

1-5-25 Red-bellied Woodpecker female spars with European Starling

A female Red-bellied Woodpecker sparred with this European Starling for feeding rights on the suet. 

1-5-25 Northern Cardinal rests in Climbing Hydrangea

Birds find shelter in plants and protected places out of the wind. A Northern Cardinal tucks in during the storm on a climbing Hydrangea next to a south-facing stone wall. 

1-5-25 Northern Flicker taking cover under White Oak branch

A Northern Flicker shelters under the collar of a white oak branch, out of the icy mixture of sleet that came first. The European Starling doesn't cling in the same way, so it fluffs up and holds on.

1-6-25 Song Sparrow in cover of Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle

This Song Sparrow has been staying in the shelter of the Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) on the arbor. I happened to see it come out and rest. Energy must be rationed on these bitterly cold days! 

1-13-25 Mourning Doves in cover of Buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis)
Mourning Doves find cover in Buttonbush (Cephalantus occidentalis). Its twiggy branches help give some protection from hawks. 

1-5-25 Eastern Bluebird 1-5-25 Blue Jay

Eastern Bluebirds and Blue Jays often come in to drink.

1-7-25 Fox Sparrow 1-7-25 Fox Sparrow

A Fox Sparrow has been present since 1-6-25, and it was seen again today. I don't document these every year.

1-7-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female 1-7-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature female

For the first time that I recall, an immature female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker started coming to the suet feeder. It's a daily routine now.

1-8-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker
1-4-25 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

This male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came looking for some protein in this bark butter.
 

1-10-25 Northern Flicker spars with European Starling

European Starlings are real pests at the feeders and this Northern Flicker had to work harder for its food, just like the Red-bellied Woodpecker did.

  1-10-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler 1-14-25 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Both female and male Yellow-rumped Warblers have been documented in this first two weeks of the year.

1-7-25 Northern Cardinal

There is nothing quite like a male Northern Cardinal in the snow on a sunny winter day! 
 

1-11-25 Eastern Bluebirds

Eastern Bluebirds really count on supplemental foods when deep snow covers the ground. We estimated that we had 14-15" total, the most in a long time. 

1-10-25 Golden-crowned Kinglet

A bedraggled Golden-crowned Kinglet came to the bubbler on 1-10-25. It seemed happy to bathe! More photos are in the new gallery. 

1-14-25 Purple Finch
1-14-25 Purple Finch 1-15-25 Purple Finch female

1-15-25 Purple Finch female

Both male and female Purple Finches have been here this week. What beauties! They are sometimes a challenge to tell from the House Finches. In the following photos, the Purple Finches are on the right.

House Finch on left, Purple Finch on right House Finch. female on left, Purple Finch female on right

Purple Finches are a bit larger with a brown cheek patch, less striped and the female has a white eyebrow. Keep watching for them!

1-14-25 White-tailed Deer

A family group of five white-tailed deer scampered through the woodland on Tuesday, disturbed by the recycling truck. 

1-6-25 Feathers from Mourning Dove taken by Cooper's Hawk

Everybody's gotta eat! These feathers were left when a Cooper's Hawk took a Mourning Dove. We saw the hawk as it carried the dove away. All the birds will either freeze or dash to cover when a Blue Jay calls the alarm.

1-15-25 Sharp-shinned Hawk

That happened today when this Sharp-shinned Hawk flew in to scan briefly for prey. It was not successful getting a bird while I watched. Maybe this hawk will hit the jackpot with a few pesky starlings.

We are setting a new record pace with 38 species so far! 

Here is the link to the gallery to see all the photos:

Birds through January 15, 2025 

...and in with the new! 

On this last day of 2024, here are some highlights!

Many individual Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers were in our yard last winter. Males have the red throat.

1-16-24 Four E. Bluebirds 2-20-24 Eastern Bluebird pair checks nest box

3-29-24 Eastern Bluebird eggs

4-28-24 Eastern Bluebird fledgling

Eastern Bluebirds were present all through the year and raised three broods with five young in each.

3-2-24 Eastern Phoebe

3-28-24 Eastern Phoebe with alpaca fibers
 

5-11-24 Eastern Phoebes

Eastern Phoebes returned late in February and raised two broods. The young were fed cicadas when they were at their peak! 

5-13-24 Cicadas on Smooth Hydrangea

Periodical cicadas were everywhere on the plants for about six weeks. These insects were a feast for many birds and mammals.

3-28-24 Carolina Chickadee

5-4-24 Adult tempts chick with caterpillar food 5-4-24 Chickadee fledgling has flown to a perch and is fed
Chickadees (Carolina x Black-capped) had at least one successful nesting, and fed the young fat, juicy caterpillars.

1-1-24 Pine Siskins

1-29-24 Pine Siskin Composite with Green Morph

3-25-24 Pine Siskin, green morph in Blackhaw Viburnum

Pine Siskins were here last winter and stayed into April. The Green Morph type in the photos is a rare plumage that shows in 1% of males.

Further study needs to be done to understand why this happens.
 

1-21-24 Pileated Woodpecker and Northern Flicker composite

An impressive male Pileated Woodpecker came in to the suet feeder one day.

In this composite photo, it's easy to see the size difference compared to the Northern Flicker.

7-11-24 Brown Thrasher composite photo 7-13-24 Northern Mockingbird composite

When the Rough-leaf Dogwood berries were ripe, both Brown Thrasher and Northern Mockingbird juveniles came in to eat them. 

In these photos, we see adult and young birds.

7-14-24 American Crow and Fish Crow composite

July was a busy month! Fish Crows investigated the bubbler for species #127 there.

The comparison photo shows size and plumage variation between this species and the often seen American Crow.

8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile is brought insect food by adult

Another cool observation was seeing this young Mississippi Kite as it hung out in a nearby yard, begging for food from the adult bird. 

Of course, it was fed a diet of cicadas!
 

In May of 2023, a male Mourning Warbler came to the bubbler for the first time in 17 years.

I have to wonder if this young male seen in August might not be an offspring! 

Twenty-six warbler species were heard and seen this year. 

If you'd like to see those that were photographed, a new page will open here:

2024 Warblers

One last sighting of note was on 12-13-24 when a Bald Eagle,

our national bird, circled over the yard twice for species #115 for the year.

1-22-19 Bald Eagle

Here is an archive photograph of a Bald Eagle from a sighting on 1-22-19.

12-25-24 Bald Eagle nest at Simpson Park

On Christmas Day, we drove to nearby Simpson Park to look for eagles.

It was a dreary day, like today, and we did not see them, 

however we did document the nest in a large sycamore. We'll be back!

Happy New Year to you all!

May you find awe in nature each day of the year.

“...This is the solstice, the still point
of the sun, its cusp and midnight,
the year’s threshold
and unlocking, where the past
lets go of and becomes the future;
the place of caught breath, the door
of a vanished house left ajar...”

― Margaret Atwood, Eating Fire : Selected Poetry, 1965-95

Tasks of the season have kept me occupied.

Thought I'd share this little video of clips from the trail cam and the bubbler cam.

Even in these long nights there is a lot of activity out in our garden! 

Happy Winter Holidays to you all,

however you may gather and celebrate!

Margy and Dan 

and get ready for the first snowfall of the season!

11-30-24 Hairy Woodpecker female

A female Hairy Woodpecker got first dibs on the roasted peanuts.

11-30-24 White-throated Sparrow 11-30-24 Eastern Bluebird

A White-throated Sparrow and Eastern Bluebird drank at the bubbler.

11-30-24 Downy Woodpecker

A Downy Woodpecker found the bark butter on a small white oak. Time to feast before the snow falls!

11-30-24 Rudy!

Rudy returned, ready for all the hungry birds that would come in. 

11-30-24 American Goldfinches
American Goldfinches were at Rudy's table, chowing down scattered sunflower chips.

11-30-24 American Goldfinch eating Cliff Goldenrod seeds (Solidago drummondii) 11-30-24 Four American Goldfinches eating Cliff Goldenrod seeds (Solidago drummondii)

American Goldfinches took turns eating seeds from Cliff Goldenrod (Solidago drummondii). This plant fills the pockets along the driveway wall. It is a top Keystone native perennial, supporting 97 different species of moths and butterflies, as well as other native pollinators such as bees and tiny flies. Cliff Goldenrod also feeds sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos, which take cover in these planting pockets.

11-30-24 Cliff Goldenrod (Solidago drummondii) along the driveway

These photos are from mid-September in different years. It is a beautiful, long-blooming plant and so beneficial to pollinators and birds! 

In this photo, a cucumber beetle and a native masked bee (Hylaeus species) forage for the pollen and nectar of the tiny blooms. These flowers attract a lot of people asking me about them, too! 

12-7-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 12-7-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Back to December! This male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came in to drink at the bubbler. I just happened to see its head pop up! The glare from the low sun was challenging for photos that day. Oh, well, if I'd stepped outside the bird would have flown and we can't have that! Birds come first here.

12-8-24 House Finches and female Eastern Bluebirds 12-8-24 Eastern Bluebird

Water is important to birds all year round. These House Finches and Eastern Bluebirds took advantage of an opportunity to get in.

12-13-24 American Goldfinches and House Finches

This week has felt a lot colder than the thermometer reads, and that means the bird activity is high. American Goldfinches and House Finches are regulars.

12-13-24 Northern Flicker female upsets House Finches

A female Northern Flicker came in and the House Finches took off to give the larger bird some space.

12-13-24 Eastern Bluebird female

A female Eastern Bluebird took a mealworm or two.

12-13-24 Blue Jay

Blue Jays go for bark butter bits and peanuts.

  12-13-24 White-throated Sparrow

This White-throated Sparrow grabbed a safflower seed.

  12-13-24 White-breasted Nuthatch tossing a bark butter bit.

A fussy White-breasted Nuthatch tossed a few before choosing a larger bit of bark butter to cache.

12-13-24 Northern Cardinal female

This female Northern Cardinal nibbled on sunflower chips.

12-13-24 American Robin

The heated bird bath is convenient and popular with the birds. It also gives them a minute to soak up a little warmth with their water. There are usually two American Robins around.

  12-13-24 Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmice are also frequent visitors.

  12-13-24 Northern Cardinal

This is our resident Northern Cardinal, 'Bam-Bam'. This guy is still challenging his reflections on bright days. He owns the place!

12-13-24 Eastern Bluebird female

And the Eastern Bluebirds come in. I never realized how quickly one could fall for them until they started coming around. Too sweet!

12-13-24 Rusty Blackbird with caterpillar from leaves 12-13-24 Rusty Blackbird female 12-13-24 Rusty Blackbird
The first of Fall Rusty Blackbirds have shown up. Yesterday, three were spotted and finally photographed. The first male found several dark caterpillars in the leaves by the garden edge. Later, the female came in with another male and they were near the pond and in the sugar maple (Acer saccharum).

About 12:25 pm yesterday, lucky Friday the 13th, I went out to refill the feeders by the driveway. American Crows were upset and calling, but I wasn't sure why. Then, a large bird came into view from the northeast and circled over me, over our yard, banking left and continuing in a lazy circle again. My jaw dropped and I stood in awe, watching this beautiful adult Bald Eagle! This is not a bird I see every year! And, I had never had one so close and pointedly over our sanctuary before. What a thrill! As it finished the second circuit, it banked to the right and continued on to the east. How lucky to be in the right place at the right time. 

Birds and awe. Sigh... both good for the soul!

Annuals have been removed from their pots and the last bright colors of fall natives are fading.

It really looks like November!

11-9-24 Raindrops on cypress fronds

Bald Cypress fronds guide the raindrops on a brisk morning.

11-17-24 Fuchsia Gartenmeister

11-18-24 Geranium maculatum Cranesbill

Bright coral trumpets of Fuchsia x "Gartenmeister" were still blooming this past week. Scarlet leaves of the native Cranesbill (Geranium maculatum) were on fire in mid-morning sun. 

11-9-24 House Finch, Chickadee, Northern Cardinal

11-92-4 FOS Red-winged Blackbirds 11-92-4 FOS Red-winged Blackbirds

House Finches, Chickadees and Cardinals were soon joined by Red-winged Blackbirds at the feeders, flaring their epaulets.

11-9-24 American Robin, Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings have been dropping in briefly at the bubbler before being chased by robins.

  11-9-24 American Robin 11-11-24 Northern Flicker and American Robin 11-11-24 Northern Flicker and American Robin 11-11-24 Northern Flicker and American Robin

Robins have come in for water despite being chased by the Northern Flicker!

  11-14-24 Red-winged Blackbird and American Robin

And Red-winged Blackbirds had to get in on the action.

  11-10-24 American Goldfinch and Dark-eyed Junco 11-10-24 Carolina Wren 11-10-24 Carolina Wren

In quieter moments, American Goldfinches, Dark-eyed Juncos and Carolina Wrens take a turn.

  11-10-24 Northern Cardinal female 11-11-24 Tufted Titmouse

Crested beauties like the female Northern Cardinal and Tufted Titmouse also bask in late afternoon sun.

11-8-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, immature 11-9-24 Brown Creeper

Clinging birds forage for food in the bark, like the Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and smaller Brown Creeper.

  11-9-24 Eastern Bluebird 11-18-24 American Robin at American Beautyberry 11-18-24 American Robin at Deciduous Holly 11-18-24 American Robin at Deciduous Holly

Thrushes like the Eastern Bluebird and American Robins have been eating the Beautyberries and deciduous holly berries. Getting a berry  can be a tricky balancing act! 

The parade of deer have been captured on our Stealth Cam out by the garden. November is the season of the rut, when bucks are out and about, stamping their hooves and making their presence known to other males. They tangle with each other, and winners breed with the does. Be careful out there!

Mid-November 2024

11-21-24 Cedar Waxwing The candles are lit in our windows each evening to brighten the coming winter nights.

Winter Solstice falls on December 21, 2024. 

As we look forward to time with family and friends,

we remember those who've gone before us and wish you all a...

10-30-24 Fan Clubmoss Maple Sassafras leaves

Fan Clubmoss with Sassafras, American Beech and Sugar Maple Leaves on the trail

Upon our return, the chickadees started fussing immediately, letting the other birds know that the wayward crew had finally shown up! "Where's the grub?" "The bubbler is full of leaves, we can't bathe!" and on they went. We remedied the situation at hand, and chuckled at their insistence.

The birds made us feel good to be back home. As luck would have it, this poem was shared in a newsletter from Haikubox staff the same day. I'll definitely be researching this poet's work for more inspiration.

For the Bird Singing before Dawn

Some people presume to be hopeful
when there is no evidence for hope,
to be happy when there is no cause.
Let me say now, I’m with them.

In deep darkness on a cold twig
in a dangerous world, one first
little fluff lets out a peep, a warble,
a song—and in a little while, behold:

the first glimmer comes, then a glow
filters through the misty trees,
then the bold sun rises, then
everyone starts bustling about.

And that first crazy optimist, can we
forgive her for thinking, dawn by dawn,
“Hey, I made that happen!
And oh, life is so fine.”

Copyright © 2022 by Kim Stafford

Poet Laureate of Oregon 2018-2020

“Many times in my life I’ve been told by serious people that I must be very naïve to be happy, to have hope, to celebrate this little life I’ve been given when, actually, they say, everything is pretty dire. There’s war, poverty, crushing injustice all over—what right do I have to talk back to all that with flimsy little poems about the good?

What can I say? The birds are my teachers, my elders, my guides. Every day before dawn, in silence and darkness, I’m at my desk making poems on the page. And then, before light, I hear the first bird outside begin to sing.”
—Kim Stafford

 

And now, here's the birding update.

10-20-24 Tennessee Warbler

A Tennessee Warbler was seen at the bubbler on 10-20-24, and another was feeding in a black cherry a week later.

10-21-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

This Black-throated Green Warbler stopped by on 10-21-24. 

10-23-24 Red-shouldered Hawk

This Red-shouldered Hawk has been frequenting the woodland, in search of voles and other possible small prey.

  10-19-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-19-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-24-24 Golden-crowned Kinglet 10-24-24 Golden-crowned Kinglet

Both Ruby-crowned and Golden-crowned Kinglets get very excited about the bubbler! 

10-24-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are the warblers we're seeing right now. 

10-24-24 FOS Yellow-bellied Sapsucker immature

The first Yellow-bellied Sapsucker of fall was this immature bird, seen on 10-24-24. It was seen again yesterday morning.

  10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-26-24 Eastern Bluebird 10-27-24 Eastern Bluebird

Eastern Bluebirds are coming by often for water, berries and suet.

10-27-24 Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos round out the late fall picture now.

  11-2-24 Brown Creeper

Brown Creepers are also part of the scene.

11-3-24 Hermit Thrush

This little Hermit Thrush has been at the bubbler at least twice today, between the sprinkles.

We are very grateful for the rain and the birds!

May the birds bring you joy, peace and hope ~ all good for our mental and physical health.

 ​​​​

Mid-October = A Mix of Birds

That means year round residents, southbound migrants and overwintering birds could all be here on any given day.

10-8-24 Brown Creeper 10-9-24 Brown Creeper

Brown Creepers are here for the winter.

10-8-24 Eastern Phoebe

Eastern Phoebes will be moving a bit further south, but this species is a harbinger of spring and returns early. This year, our first one showed up on Leap Day, 2-29-24. 

10-9-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 10-9-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Two Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were seen chasing each other through the gardens on 10-9-24. There still could be a later bird, so I have two feeders filled. After Halloween, there is always a chance of a Rufous Hummingbird or other rarity coming through. 

10-9-24 Swainson's Thrush

Swainson's Thrush spend the winter in the tropics, from central Mexico south. 
 

10-11-24 Hermit Thrush- tail up

10-11-24 Hermit Thrush
 

Hermit Thrush spend the winter in the southern US. Depending on temperatures and snow cover, we may see them here frequently. This is the thrush with the rufous tail, which it cocks, then slowly lowers. 

10-16-24 American Robin 10-16-24 American Robin

American Robins spend the winter here, though there is movement southward of the northern flocks. The first bird found a worm in the leaves by the bubbler rock.

10-14-24 Chipping Sparrow immature

Chipping Sparrow will winter just south of us in some southeastern states. I did have an immature bird here in January-March 2023.

10-11-24 Hairy Woodpecker

Hairy Woodpecker is a resident throughout much of North America, though some northern birds migrate south for the winter. 
 

10-14-24 Red-bellied Woodpecker

Red-bellied Woodpeckers are also resident here in winter. Two were on the sugar maple looking for insects when a different woodpecker heard their chatter and came in to check them out.

  10-14-24 Red-headed Woodpecker immature

10-14-24 Red-headed Woodpecker immature 10-14-24 Red-headed Woodpecker immature

Do you recognize this curious young bird? By January, it will begin to get new red feathers on its head and throat. 

1-20-22 FOY #36 Juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker

Yes, it's a Red-headed Woodpecker. The last photo is a bird that was here on 1-20-22. I had heard one this spring and in early October, so I was thrilled to see it come in. That's the thing, one hears more birds than one sees and opportunities to photograph aren't always there! This uncommon woodpecker is found year round in forest edge habitat throughout Missouri.

10-14-24 Orange-crowned Warbler in Arrowwood Viburnum 10-14-24 Orange-crowned Warbler in Sugar Maple

An Orange-crowned Warbler was foraging near the pond in the Arrowwood Viburnum and Sugar Maple. This dull little warbler rarely shows its orange crown, but one can be seen here:

Orange-crowned Warbler

10-14-24 Yellow-rumped and two Black-throated Green Warblers

A Yellow-rumped Warbler followed two Black-throated Green Warblers to drink at the basin.

  10-14-24 Ruby-crowend Kinglet and Tennessee Warbler

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet popped in to watch the Tennessee Warbler drink at the bubble.

10-17-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

Yesterday, 10-17-24 one Black-throated Green Warbler stopped in to bathe. Later, our Haikubox picked up this call of a bird that is rare to find at this point in the year, a Mourning Warbler. It was not confirmed. You can click on the link and listen to its 'tsip' call. 

Mourning Warbler

10-14-24 FOF Dark-eyed Junco

Last but not least, the first Dark-eyed Juncos were spotted on 10-14-24. The night before, 7,728,000 birds had flown over our county, so that was technically my Big Day for fall. 

Other species have been heard only, like the Great Horned Owl at 3 am. on 10-5-24 and Greater White-fronted Geese that were flying over on 10-12-24. A diminutive Winter Wren and splash-bathing Blue-headed Vireo have been seen on several days. We're still hoping for more birds to arrive such as Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Red-breasted Nuthatch. There's always a chance for other late migrants. We'll keep you posted!

Need one last look at all the October birds?

Begin here:  October Birds

October 

Leaves are changing, beginning to drop and birds have been dropping in!

Here are some of the highlights.

9-23-24 Cooper's hawk with Northern Cardinal

Cooper's Hawks have been making the birds very jittery for weeks, with good reason. It looks like this one took a Northern Cardinal. Everybody's gotta eat!

9-24-24 Rose-breasted Grosbeak female and first fall male

A first fall male and female Rose-breasted Grosbeak pair came to the bubbler on  9-24-24.

9-26-24 Nashville Warbler
Nashville Warblers also arrived the last week of September.
 

9-26-24 Northern Waterthrush

Northern Waterthrush have been regulars through the first of October.

9-29-24 Brown Thrasher

A Brown Thrasher really went for the bubble!

10-3-24 Common Yellowthroat, first fall male

10-3-24 Common Yellowthroat, first fall male

A first fall Common Yellowthroat played hide-and-seek in the Pickerel Weed in the pond while it bathed. It finally came out and perched briefly on Jewelweed for a good look.

10-4-24 Blackburnian Warbler

On 10-4--24, a Blackburnian Warbler was first seen at the pond. Then, it zipped around to the bubbler to bathe.

10-4-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-throated Green Warblers have been the most numerous of the migrants lately.

10-4-24 Tennessee Warbler

Not sure why, but Tennessee Warblers have come in much later than usual for our yard. In 2022, I photographed two in late July, a new record for Missouri. This year? They did not show up until 10-3-24.

10-5-24 American Robin at Winterberry (Ilex verticillata x Red Sprite)

American Robins have been devouring the Winterberries (Ilex verticillata x Red Sprite).  Because of the early rains and good pollination this year, these shrubs have produced more berries than usual.

10-5-24 FOS Brown Creeper

Our first of fall Brown Creeper has arrived!

10-5-24 Bay-breasted, Tennessee and Nashville Warblers with chickadee

There have only been a few times that several warbler species have been at the bubbler together. Here is a Bay-breasted, Tennessee and Nashville jumping in to join a chickadee.

10-6-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

Black-thoated Green Warblers have also enjoyed bathing in the stream bed of the large pond.

  10-6-24 FOS Hermit Thrush

The first of fall Hermit Thrush arrived on 10-6-24 and showed at the bubbler. 

10-6-24 FOS Yellow-rumped Warbler

Another first of fall bird, this Yellow-rumped Warbler found tiny insects yesterday on an American Elm (Ulmus americana).

10-7-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 10-7-24 FOS Golden-crowned Kinglet

Both kinglets have been documented now for fall, the Ruby-crowned and today, the Golden-crowned. 

To all our readers, family and friends,

please stay safe in this hurricane season! 

Sunday, September 22, 2024 at 7:43 a.m. CST

9-22-24 Barred Owl
On this first day of fall, shortly after 8 a.m. Dan spotted this Barred Owl in a small green ash about 15 feet out from the gazebo. It was a very wet bird as we had gratefully gotten nearly 2 inches of rain overnight. It sat in the tree for a few hours, scanning for vole activity. A sure sign of fall is seeing these owls on a gray day. 

9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstart

American Redstarts, female and male, have been seen regularly this month. 

9-7-24 FOS Swainson's Thrush

The first Swainson's Thrush came in on 9-7-24 and stopped in briefly at the bubbler just after sunrise. 

9-7-24 American Redstart

American Redstart female checking me out.

9-12-24 Magnolia Warbler in Smooth Hydrangea

A shy Magnolia Warbler foraged in the smooth hydrangeas. What gives it away? The 'tail dipped in ink', which is diagnostic for this species.

9-14-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-14-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-15-24 American Redstart 9-15-24 American Redstart

Yes, you know these by now. Bay-breasted Warbler and American Redstart.

9-16-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird with deformed mandible 9-16-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird with deformed mandible

What we see in nature is sometimes sad and disturbing. This Ruby-throated Hummingbird had a dislocated lower mandible. So many questions about this bird, and the outcome did not look good as its tongue may dry out, according to my friend and hummingbird bander, Lanny Chambers. I watched the bird for just a few minutes and haven't seen it again, but thought the experience was important to share.

  9-17-24 Magnolia Warbler in Blackhaw

Here's a Magnolia Warbler viewed from the front as it foraged along a branch in a Blackhaw Viburnum. Most warblers have been staying half hidden like this one, and their fall plumage helps them to blend in.

9-17-24 Chickadee and Bay-breasted Warbler 9-17-24 Chickadee and Bay-breasted Warbler 9-17-24 Two Bay-breasted Warblers

This pair of Bay-breasted Warblers were back again, challenged by the chickadee. The male has the richer bay color on its flanks.

  9-17-24 American Redstart

Another American Redstart, or is it the same one coming in again? I scratch my head a lot when it seems the same birds are moving around the neighborhood and returning.

  9-18-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-18-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

The Bay-breasted Warbler is considered uncommon, though they sure do show up here.

9-21-24 Swainson's Thrush 9-21-24 Swainson's Thrush 9-21-24 Swainson's Thrush

On the last day of summer, another Swainson's Thrush came to bathe and sure seemed to enjoy itself. 

9-21-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-21-24 Bay-breasted Warblers- female and male

About 5:00 p.m. that same day, the pair of Bay-breasted Warblers were back again.

  9-22-24 Barred Owl

And on Sunday, the Barred Owl finally turned and perked up as activity picked up in the woodland. It flew to a sugar maple then to a larger green ash for different vantage points before heading to another patch of oaks nearby.

9-22-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

And the first warbler of fall was none other than, you guessed it, a Bay-breasted! Yes, some falls are like this, but there are still large numbers of birds to come. Stay tuned!

Focus is on Migrants!

Slowly but surely, they're trickling in to forage, drink and bathe.

8-27-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler 8-27-24 Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal and Chestnut-sided Warbler

8-30-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler
 

Chestnut-sided Warblers first arrived on 8-27-24. The small size of warblers is best understood when seen near common birds, like the Tufted Titmouse and Northern Cardinal. Most warblers, like the Chestnut-sided, average 4.75"-5.5" in length.

8-28-24 Swallow-tailed Kite-2 by Dan 8-28-24 Swallow-tailed Kite by Dan

Photos by Dan Terpstra

On Wednesday morning, 8-28-24, we drove up to Columbia Bottom Conservation Area, at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. Three Swallow-tailed Kites had been observed there for several days and we wanted to look for them. We did see three, flying with Mississippi Kites. Striking in contrast and the largest of the kites, they are so graceful to watch in flight. The last time we saw this species was on a trip to Costa Rica in 2012. We felt so lucky to see them. A fourth kite was confirmed a few days later. Three have also been seen at Eagle Bluff CA in Boone County.

This species is certainly a rare transient and summer visitant now, though it was a former summer resident statewide. "The disappearance of this species from the state as a breeder and regular migrant coincided with the virtually complete elimination of forest in those regions." From The Status and Distribution of Birds of Missouri by Mark B. Robbins. 

Perhaps this species will have a chance to reclaim some of the breeding range it once had and nest in Missouri again. 

To read more about this bird:  Swallow-tailed Kite

8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler

8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler
8-28-24 First Fall Male Mourning Warbler

8-28-24 Mourning Warbler Composite

We got back home before noon and saw some of the usual suspects here. Then, right about 4:00 pm, a small bird flew into the hydrangeas behind the bubbler from the west. A chipmunk was chasing titmice out of the basin. I continued to watch. I knew that little bird was still hiding. "Inquiring minds need to know!"

So, the chipmunk skittered to the gooseberry patch and the bird popped out and went right to the bubbler! It was a rare first fall male Mourning Warbler. As I studied it, it ticked all the ID boxes for a young Mourning Warbler. Split white eye ring, dark bluish gray hood with black speckling on the breast, yellow under tail coverts. This species has always been a difficult one for me to see here, so I was a happy camper! Was it related to the male that I photographed last year? Did that male pass along the migration map in its genes so the young bird found its way here? It's entirely possible.

8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush 8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush 8-31-24 Northern Waterthrush

A Northern Waterthrush has been around for several days, first checking in on 8-31-24. It walked through the bubbler area and went to the lower wetland where it found tiny larvae to eat. You have to look closely, but one is wrapped around its bill in the first photo.

9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 9-2-24 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher

Flycatchers are often in the woodland, chasing tiny gnats and flies. This Yellow-bellied Flycatcher is another rarity in both spring and fall. This one was here on 9-2-24.

9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 9-3-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

9-4-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

Bay-breasted Warblers are uncommon in spring and fall. Our habitat provides concealment, sheltered places to rest, find food and water. So, we do typically see them in both seasons.

9-4-24 Black-throated Green Warbler 9-4-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

Lovely Black-throated Green Warblers are a bit more common in both seasons, and like old friends, they're always welcome here!

9-4-24 Red-eyed Vireo immature

This is an immature Red-eyed Vireo. Why? Because its eyes are still brown! By spring, they will turn more obviously red in color.

9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstart 9-6-24 American Redstarts

American Redstarts are also warblers. The male is black with orange markings, the gray one is a female. Young males look a lot like the females, but have some black feathers showing and more orangey yellow patches.

9-6-24 Golden-winged Warbler 9-6-24 Golden-winged Warbler

This species was seen in spring, and a female had stopped in briefly last week. Finally, on 9-6-24, this male Golden-winged Warbler was observed in time to document it. 

For many years now, I've tried to see the pattern of when these birds will come down to the water. Each bird has different needs, It may have dropped in at 5 a.m. as it flew over our yard. It needs to rest from its flight, but it's hungry and starts feeding upon caterpillars at first light. So, some will come to the water before 7:00 a.m., or maybe take a quick look and come back later. It's really not possible to predict but there are days when a lot more birds are here which increases the chances! It's a hopeful obsession!

We have had a few nights with very high numbers of birds crossing our county. There are many more birds to come!

 We've lost over 2 hours of daylight and are heading towards the Fall Equinox on September 22, 2024. 

Enjoy the fall weather!

When we heard the last of the Mississippi Kites, it was time to say migration had begun.

BirdCast from the night of 8-16-24

Sure enough, that night showed an impressive number of migrants that crossed over our area! A few were seen the next day as they stopped in to forage for insects, to drink and rest. 

8-17-24 First fall female Summer Tanager 8-17-24 First fall female Summer Tanager 8-17-24 First fall female Summer Tanager

About 10:20 a.m., a first fall female Summer Tanager dropped in at the bubbler, following a few usual suspects.

Here is a composite photo showing both Tanager species with examples of females. The Summer's plumage is typically more of a mustard or ochre tone whereas the Scarlet leans toward greenish yellow. Fall birds require a careful look!

8-17-24 First Fall Northern Parula 8-17-24 First Fall Northern Parula 8-17-24 First Fall Northern Parula 8-17-24 First Fall Northern Parula

A first fall Northern Parula came several times that day to the bubbler area. There is very little chestnut on the breast of this bird so I think it's a female. Time will tell.

8-17-24 Common Gracke immature

A young Common Grackle drank heartily at the bubbler. It had been eating suet just a little while before.

  8-17-24 Downy Woodpecker immature

Young woodpeckers like this Downy are learning to forage for food on their own. This bird is checking the stems of Smooth Hydrangeas (Hydrangea arborescens) for insects.  

8-17-24 Northern Flicker with two immature males 8-17-24 Northern Flicker immature male 8-17-24 Northern Flicker with immature male 8-17-24 Northern Flicker with two immature males 8-17-24 Northern Flicker with immature male 8-17-24 Northern Flicker immature male 8-17-24 Northern Flicker with immature male

This is the first summer that we've put up a suet feeder and it has been popular with all the woodpeckers. This male Northern Flicker has been feeding two young of its own, both males. We've dubbed them, "the Flicker boys." We've watched them for days, they come in around lunchtime for some suet. The method seems to be that the male will show one of the young birds how to get the suet on its own. The other one waits on the railing and the adult fills up with enough for two. They take off to a nearby hickory and the young bird gets some from the adult at that point. 

8-18-24 Northern Flicker with two immature males

The Flickers work closely together in the mornings on foraging lessons by probing the soil with their bills for ants and insect larvae. It's a busy time for birds teaching their young!

BirdCast from the night of 8-17-24

An even larger number of birds crossed over the next night, spurred on by the waxing Super Blue Moon of August, or the full Sturgeon Moon. An alternative August moon name is Flying Up Moon, a Cree term describing the time when young birds are finally ready to take the leap and learn to fly. How appropriate! (Information per The Famers Almanac.) 

About 7:30 a.m. that morning, we saw a Black-and-white Warbler in the Rough-leaf Dogwood next to the deck. A bit later, I checked the dripper bath for activity.
 

8-18-24 Baltimore Oriole at dripper bath 8-18-24 Baltimore Oriole at dripper bath 8-18-24 Baltimore Oriole at dripper bath

A gorgeous Baltimore Oriole was attracted to the dripping water, taking sips before taking a plunge. This bird seemed to thoroughly enjoy its bath. About noon, a Chestnut-sided Warbler was foraging in the Arrowwood Viburnum near the pond. I got great looks, but no photos. There were also a couple flycatchers, a Least and a Yellow-bellied. On Monday, 8/19/24, a very vocal Red-eyed Vireo was heard in the woods. 

Seeing the warblers reminded me to review those confusing Fall Warblers! Here is my gallery with many views of these tiny migratory birds. Enjoy the collection and may it help you identify birds in your own yards or wherever you're bird-watching. The link will open a new page.

Fall Warbler Species!

Birds must put on weight to be ready for their long migratory flights.

8-8-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Salvia Black-and-blue

Salvia 'Black-and-blue' is a perennial that blooms from mid-May into mid-October in our garden. It is one of my favorite non-native plants because it feeds so many Ruby-throated Hummingbirds. Its nectar has about 30% higher sugar content, which the birds and bees love. 

8-8-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Salvia Black-and-blue by perching

This young hummingbird is using a bare stem as a perch to reach the blossom. As it does, pollen is being deposited on its forehead, which the bird will carry to the next blossom.

8-8-24 Two native bees in Salvia Black-and-blue
 

I noticed some tiny bee activity around this bloom while I was waiting for the hummingbirds. Look closely, not just one bee but next to the metallic green bee is an even tinier native bee inside the bloom. Another benefit is revealed!

8-8-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will be moving through with each cool front now through October. They drink nectar and sugar water to fuel their need to catch insect food. I had a question from my friend, Jan Conant who enjoyed the photo with the hummingbird's tongue in the last post. She wondered how do hummingbirds really drink? In 2011, researchers published the results of studying their amazing tongues. This is very specialized behavior!

How the hummingbird's tongue really works

Now, on to a different species of bird entirely. I have been seeing an adult Mississippi Kite soaring over our yard and around the neighborhood. One day, I heard a second bird answering with its "Phee-phew" call, but I only got a glimpse of it. I started checking early in the morning and last Thursday, 8-8-24, I found a juvenile bird perched, obscured in a nearby oak. 

8-8-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile 8-8-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile takes off

I watched it for some time before it decided to glide away and I lost sight of it.

8-9-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile calling, "phee-phew" 8-9-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile with insect from adult

8-10-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile calling, "phee-phew" 8-10-24 Adult Mississippi Kite brings food to juvenile 8-10-24 Adult Mississippi Kite brings food to juvenile

The next two mornings, I was able to observe it calling, preening, stretching its wings and finally an adult called to it and brought in some insect food. Handoffs were very quick! Sometimes, the bird was facing away, "mantling" or hiding its prey. Studying the photos, the insects looked to be large grasshoppers and annual cicadas. 

8-11-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile calling, "phee-phew" 8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile spreads wings 8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile listens for adult

As you can see, the young bird looks very different from the gray and white adult, to help it blend in with the trees for protection.

8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile is brought insect food by adult 8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile is brought insect food by adult 8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile is brought insect food by adult

8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile eating insect from adult 8-12-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile eating insect from adult

As soon as I'd open the front door, I could hear it begging. Back inside, get the camera and try again to capture this feeding behavior. Here is a four minute video with some of the clips. I've slowed down some of the action so we can really see what's happening! 

8-12-24 Mississippi Kites

8-13-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile preening 8-13-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile stretches 8-13-24 Mississippi Kite juvenile calling

It rained most of the day yesterday after I got some initial images. I couldn't find the birds in the afternoon and wondered if they had moved on. But by 8:10 a.m. this morning, the juvenile was back on its open perch, preening, stretching its wings and calling. Didn't hear the adult, but after about 20 minutes, the juvie took off to the east, over and around to another part of the neighborhood. Perhaps it has several perches like this one where the adult will come with food. This bird must practice its flight maneuvers, too.

It won't be too long before these birds begin their journey south. After rearing their chicks, they fly all the way to central South America for the winter! Read all about this fascinating bird:

Mississippi Kite

7-14-24 Northern Mockingbird juvenile 7-14-24 Northern Mockingbird juvenile with berry 7-14-24 Gray Catbird

The juvenile Northern Mockingbird and Gray Catbird have been coming in for the Rough-leaf Dogwood berries. The catbird secretly checked out the bubbler one day, working its way around it.

On Sunday, 7-14-24 three birds dropped in at the Bubbler. Larger than Common Grackles, but a bit smaller than American Crows, I thought they were new species #127 for the Bubbler, and my very knowledgeable birding buddy, Connie Alwood confirmed them for me.  Fish Crows had been calling the previous week, a nasal "ca-ha" or "uh-uh", or a single "cah", not the drawn out "caw, caw" of the American Crow. So, they had been in the neighborhood a while. These birds are very adaptable to human modified environments, even stealing food off of golf carts says my friend, Tina! The Fish Crow has greatly expanded its range in the last few decades, moving up the Mississippi River into its tributaries. Actually, that's not too far from us, "as the crow flies."

7-14-24 Fish Crows, #127 at the Bubbler
7-14-24 Fish Crows, #127 at the Bubbler
7-14-24 American Crow and Fish Crow composite

In this last photo, look carefully, it's not easy to see the difference between these two species. (Scale is approximate.) The Fish Crow is substantially smaller (on average 270-300 g vs. 500 g). Both are similarly proportioned, but the Fish Crow has a more slender bill, smaller  feet, shorter legs. The American Crow shows a longer-legged look with thicker feet. Feathers on the back of the American Crow show a decidedly "ringed" effect in the right light. That's simplifying things, but it gives one an idea of what to look for. It's not always easy to tell them apart even when they're near each other. Begging American Crows can sound somewhat similar to the Fish Crow but do not have the same abrupt ending that Fish Crow calls do. "The only reliable difference between the two is vocal: The Fish Crow sounds like an American Crow with a bad cold." (From Birds of the World)  The joys of bird identification are many!!

7-27-24 Bubbler mid-July #127 Fish Crow, Barred Owl   

The Fish Crow was Bubbler Bird #72 for the year and the young Barred Owl was #73. 

7-19-24 Red-bellied Woodpecker juvenile 7-26-24 Northern Flicker immature female

Another young Red-bellied Woodpecker has been eating some suet and it has an almost ghostly gray appearance right now. It will gradually get in more colored feathers. The little Northern Flicker took its first bath from the safety of the small rock it was clinging to, how brave!

While chatting with my neighbor, Bob, the other day, he noted that I've mentioned seeing hummingbirds. Yes, we do see them all summer. Part of that is due to the native plant nectar that is available. Though I have not found an actual nest in our yard, there's a very good chance of one here. We see males and females all summer. They've been at the bright red Cardinal Flower that has recently started blooming.

7-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) 7-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis) 7-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird at Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

That flash of the red gorget tells us it's a male Ruby-throated Hummingbird.

  7-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird immature at Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)

The striations on the throat of this bird indicate a probable young male. So, young birds are out and about, we're occasionally seeing one chase off another. 

Photo from 8-4-21

I was watering the front porch pots a few days ago when a young bird got right in my face! It was telling me to back off from its new patch of Coral Fuchsia "Gartenmeister". This is an annual flower, but it comes on strong as the native Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens) slows its growth and has fewer blooms. Feed more birds! 

7-25-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 7-25-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Here's a male, on a favorite perch to protect its patch, ready to zoom in and chase off intruders. See its tongue reaching the sugar water? Slurp, Slurp! It's time to get feeders up! Hummingbirds will be on the move soon, heading south.
 

7-23-24 Great Spangled Fritillary

A Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly has been visiting the Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) in the garden, which is home to many insect pollinators right now.

7-26-24 Garden in July 7-26-24 Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida) 7-22-24 Ironweed (Vernonia arkansana)

The garden is at its peak, with drifts of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) and Orange Coneflower (Rudbeckia fulgida). The Ironweed (Vernonia arkansana) is just beginning to open its purple flowers. All attract pollinators including hummers looking for tiny insects or nectar (Ironweed).

Cardinal Flower (Lobelia cardinalis), Spotted Jewelweed (Impatiens capensis) and perennial non-native Black-and-Blue Salvia (Salvia guaranitica x Black-and-Blue) fill in and attract hummingbirds, too. 

We took down the Eastern Bluebird box this morning. The third clutch of birds fledged on 7-23-24. I missed the actual fledging, but around 2:00 p.m. I did see the male calling to the nest box while five speckled fledglings followed to watch from surrounding branches! 

Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature in your yards!

Joe Pye (Eutrochium fistulosum) now stands about 12 feet tall in comparison to our wind sculpture, well above the normal 5-7 feet.

7-6-24 Pollinators at Joe Pye Weed (Eutrochium fistulosum)

Joe Pye with its massive blooms attracts pollinators like crazy. They're always buzzing around and getting into the flower heads. A Blue-gray Gnatcatcher was seen chasing some tiny insects on these flowers.

  7-06-24 Small Carpenter Bee on Purple Coneflower

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is another pollinator favorite. A tiny carpenter bee (Ceratina spp.) visited this bloom. There it is on the upper left side of the cone.

7-08-24 Downy Skullcap (Scutellaria incana)

The pale blue flowers of Downy Skullcap are showy right now. It attracts small bees and hummingbirds, and is deer resistant. It's just out of my usual view, so I'll have to keep an eye out for hummingbirds around it. 

7-06-24 Paw Paw fruit (Asimina triloba) 7-8-24 Hazelnuts (Corylus americana)

Paw Paw (Asimina triloba) and American Filbert or Hazelnut (Corylus americana) are expanding in size every day. Some of the largest paw paw fruit have already been taken, a favorite of opossums and raccoons. 

7-06-24 Elderberries (Sambucus canadensis) 7-12-24 House Finch eating Elderberries

American Elderberries were nearly ripe a week ago, an Eastern Phoebe and House Finches were going after them yesterday. 

7-8-24 Gray Catbird juvenile in Rough-leaf Dogwood for berries 7-8-24 Gray Catbird juvenile in Rough-leaf Dogwood for berries 7-11-24 Gray Catbird in Rough-leaf Dogwood The biggest draw has been the berries of the Rough-leaf Dogwood (Cornus drummondii). A young Gray Catbird has been fed by one of the adults the last few days. Notice the gape on the young bird in the first two photos.

These dogwoods were in the seed bank, so to speak, we didn't plant them. Dogwoods feed 94 species of Lepidoptera or moth and butterfly caterpillars. These caterpillars in turn feed birds during spring and fall migration and during the nesting season. The flowers benefit many pollinators and now the fruit from that pollination is feeding birds. What a great example of a hard-working native plant!

7-11-24 American Robin hidden in Rough-leaf Dogwood 7-11-24 American Robin immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood

American Robins with their speckled young are there throughout the day, sometimes grabbing a berry on the fly.

7-11-24 Eastern Bluebird immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood 7-11-24 Eastern Bluebird immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood

Eastern Bluebirds, also thrushes like their American Robin cousins, love this fruit! The lighter the berry, the riper it is and some will continue to ripen into October.

7-11-24 Brown Thrasher immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood 7-11-24 Brown Thrasher immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood 7-11-24 Brown Thrasher immature in Rough-leaf Dogwood

A young Brown Thrasher came in on its own to feast on the berries. It's a bit tricky balancing on a bobbing branch and grabbing the berries! Like the Gray Catbirds, the Brown Thrashers are known for their secretive, stealthy behavior. It made my day to know that this young bird felt safe and comfortable enough to come out in the open to feed. 

As I checked my photos, I found that this was the first time I had photographed young birds of both of these species. 

7-11-24 Brown Thrasher composite photo

This composite photo shows the plumage differences in the adult and immature birds. This little one has to grow into that tail!

6-28-24 Northern Cardinal immature
7-1-24 Tufted Titmouse immature
7-6-24 Eastern Phoebe immature -2

Young birds are frequently seen at the bubbler, finding their own way around. A Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse and Eastern Phoebe are just a few.

7-12-24 Blue Jay immature 7-12-24 Red-bellied Woodpecker immature

Young Blue Jays and a Red-bellied Woodpecker are learning the ropes, too. Finding water and food is now essential to these young birds. They will soon be completely on their own! They're fun to watch as they scratch their heads and figure things out.

7-13-24 Gray Catbird juvenile Rough-leaf Dogwood berry 7-13-24 Gray Catbird juvenile "catnap"

The immature Gray Catbird was back this morning, grabbing berries on its own steam. It's hard work, and it took a wee "catnap."

7-11-24 Eastern Bluebird at fountain
Dan repaired the copper fountain so it's up and running again. The male Eastern Bluebird had gotten used to the simple bird bath and wasn't so sure about this fountain at first. But, it has gotten comfortable with it again. The bluebirds are busy with their nestlings now, carrying insects often to the nest box.

Stay cool...Oh, wait!

Just finished the blog post when I went downstairs and found this bird in the Rough-leaf Dogwood. It's a juvenile Northern Mockingbird! That makes a third species of young birds that I've not photographed before, and all three are in the Mimidae family, or Mimics.

7-13-24 Northern Mockingbird juvenile 7-13-24 Northern Mockingbird juvenile 7-13-24 Northern Mockingbird juvenile

That's a lot to smile about...

Our  somewhat peaceful surroundings have been full of human noise lately. Street crews, roof installers, lawn crews, driveway sealers, moving vans, ice cream trucks - you name it, they've been here! What amazes me is how the birds and other critters do their best to carry on. 

6-9-24 Eastern Bluebird female 6-23-24 Eastern Bluebird nest 6-23-24 Bald Cypress Taxodium distichum 'Shawnee Brave'

We think the second brood of Eastern Bluebirds fledged on 6/10/24. Roofers were here all day on 6/11/24. The adult pair were soon back watching the box, waiting on housekeeping service! As soon as we confirmed the box was empty, we swapped it out for the clean one on 6/13/24. The female wasted no time building a new nest with cypress needles first, then pine needles from trees across the street. The nest cradled the first egg on 6/19/24.

6-22-24 Eastern Bluebird female to lay egg 6-22-24 Eastern Bluebird female to lay egg 6-23-24 Five Eastern Bluebird eggs

Here is the female on  the morning of 6/23/24 as she goes in to lay the fifth egg. It's wonderful  to see these birds work together to raise their young. Depending on the heat and timing, this third brood should fledge around 7/11/24.

Last week, on 6/20/24, I had been at a friend's house in the morning. When I returned, I went to check the phoebe nest, knowing they would probably fledge that day. Well, the nest was on the ground! I was a bit concerned, but later saw an adult taking food to one of the young. Perhaps the chicks were rambunctious and raring to take off from the edge, toppling the nest.

6-20-24 Eastern Phoebe 6-20-24 Eastern Phoebe fledgling

The chick was definitely a new fledgling! I watched it fly a good 35 feet to another tree.

  6-24-24 Eastern Phoebe immature

An immature bird from the first brood was seen at the dripper bath, then in this hydrangea on 6/24/24.

6-13-24 Common Grackle juvenile with brown eyes
1-5-23 Pair of Common Grackles

Young birds will often come to the bubbler for a drink when it's hot. Common Grackle chicks are a bit smaller than the adults and have brown eyes, as opposed to the yellow eyes of adult birds.

6-16-24 Northern Cardinal juvenile

6-16-24 Northern Cardinal juvenile with adult

Finally, young Northern Cardinals are coming out of cover to be seen. Their bills are still dark, and eventually will turn bright orange.

6-12-24 Northern Flicker 6-12-24 Northern Flicker, exposing yellow feather shafts

One species that loves to make a big splash is the Northern Flicker. The yellow shafts of its tail feathers are easily seen in the second photo. The Western subspecies of Northern Flickers have red shafts. They will hybridize in the area where the two meet. Read more here:  

Northern Flicker

6-17-24 Blue Jay 6-17-24 Blue Jay

This Blue Jay and the flicker have earned their vigorous baths. It's hard work to defend territories and raise chicks in the good old summertime.

  6-24-24 Eastern Bluebirds immature waits at dripper 6-24-24 Eastern Bluebirds at dripper

An immature, speckled Eastern Bluebird from the second brood is still tagging along with the adult male. 

6-22-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

6-18-24 ( Lonicera sempervirens)

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are seen every day, sometimes at the feeders, sometimes at flowers, like the Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). This is a female, though males are seen, too.

  6-24-24 Gray Catbird 6-25-24 Gray Catbird

This Gray Catbird has been heard calling and finally stopped in at the bubbler for #71 for the year. They can be very stealthy, but it's been hot! Birds need fresh, cool water.

6-24-24 Doe in garden at 99.7 degrees

On 6/24/24, the hottest day so far at 99.7 degrees, this doe ventured into the garden to browse. This doe may have just one fawn. There is another doe that has two. On two mornings, I've watched the five of  them leave the swampy thicket after having spent the night bedded down in dry leaves.

  6-27-24 Blue Dasher on Canna

Today, I watched two Blue Dashers chasing each other in the water garden. This one is displaying in an 'obelisk' position. They're usually seen here in July. 

TAKE CARE ~ STAY COOL!

Look for deer, rabbit, coyote, Rusty Blackbirds in snow. Listen for toads singing in April and cicadas in May. 

Watch the fawns, one is  concealed as the doe feeds it. Yearling bucks race to the woods away 

from the noise of a dump truck, unloading gravel for street repairs. The video will open in a new page for you.

February ~ June 2024

On Friday, 6-7-24, American Crows were upset and calling loudly in the woods. I looked from upstairs and saw a raccoon climbing a small oak. Dan was watching downstairs and caught sight of a red fox, leaving the woods. He was unable to get a photo. The last time we recorded a fox was in the fall of 2017, the same time that we first recorded coyotes. Foxes typically move out when coyotes move in. They cannot compete with the larger animal.

Red Fox 10-20-17
Red Fox 10-20-17
 

Red Fox at the Bubbler 10-22-17

5-16-24 E. Cottontail Rabbit 6-8-24 E. Cottontail Rabbit eating Purple Coneflower 6-8-24 E. Cottontail Rabbit eating weeds

We have a bounty of bunnies this year. I've watched them eat numerous native plants such as woolly blue violets, Virginia creeper, Purple Coneflower and even poison ivy. The third photo shows it weeding for me! Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are the first choice on a Red Fox menu. Perhaps that is the lure?

4-27-24 Woodland Vole 5-17-24 E. Chipmunks

Both Woodland Voles and Eastern Chipmunks are often taken by Red-shouldered Hawks and voles by Barred Owls. They are also on the list for the foxes. Small mammals make up an important part of the food web by eating plants and insects, then transferring that energy by becoming food sources for larger predators such as these. It's the circle of life!

5-13-24 Cicada emerging
Cicadas have been a food for many mammal and bird species this spring. The last of them are still heard on warm days as they complete their life cycles. We're now into the sixth week since we saw the first one.

6-4-24 Water Canna (Thalia dealbata) 6-8-24 Water Canna (Thalia dealbata)

6-8-24 Bumble bee on Pickerel (Pontederia cordata)

The tallest plant in our water garden has gone from bud to bloom, Water Canna (Thalia dealbata). Bumble bees are finding nectar at the flowering Pickerel Rush (Pontederia cordata). These are both hardy native plants, and hummingbirds visit them.

6-9-24 Lizard's Tail, Sensitive Fern and River Oats

On the west side of the water garden, Sensitive Fern (Onoclea sensibilis), River Oats (Chasmanthium latifolium) and the white blooms of Lizard's Tail (Saururus cernuus) make a lush grouping with some variegated Solomon's Seal.

6-8-24 Great Spangled Fritillary on Purple Coneflower

Great Spangled Fritillary butterflies are seen often in the garden now. This one is enjoying nectar of Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea).

5-28-24 E. Phoebe immature 5-28-24 E. Phoebe immature

Young Eastern Phoebes chase each other as they explore the woodland learning to forage on their own. They seem to enjoy playing in water!

5-30-24 Tufted Titmouse immature 5-30-24 Tufted Titmouse immature

With some species, it's easy to tell young birds from the adults by the gape, the fleshy hinge at the base of the bill. (Look at the Phoebe again.) This Tufted Titmouse is one of at least four from a clutch.

5-29-24 Downy Woodpecker immature 6-4-24 Harry Woodpecker immature

Immature Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers both have red feathers on top of their heads, which are not always easy to see. Both species will come to suet, and both quickly learn how to find insects in decaying logs or under the bark of stumps.

Eastern Bluebirds will have their second brood fledge any minute now, I can hear the male calling! The female Eastern Phoebe is sitting on a second clutch of eggs. There is always something to listen for, something to observe and learn from here in our Shady Oaks Sanctuary. 

5-6-24 Copper Iris and Sensitive Fern

A month ago, the Copper Iris (Iris fulva) were in peak bloom. 

Sweet moments like this in our gardens and in our lives are treasures!

We were just featured in our hometown newspaper and the response has been amazing!

We've been getting comments on our website, through emails and texts from friends, old and new.

Welcome to new readers of the blog! 
 

A big shout out to Miki McKee Koelsch for really getting what we are all about and conveying it so well in the article,

and to Ursula Ruhl for taking photos of us (who'd rather be behind the camera).  Thank you!

And, a big hug and thank you to our dear friend, Armetta Smitley, who called the Times initially!
 

Here's the link to the Webster-Kirkwood Times, look for this title to read all about it:

Our Garden is for the Birds!

Now...on to the latest spring migrants!

5-16-24 Northern Waterthrush 5-16-24 Northern Waterthrush 5-16-24 Northern Waterthrush

A Northern Waterthrush found some small larvae in the algae to eat in the bubbler on 5-16-24.

  5-18-24 Veery

Overnight, on 5-18-24, over two million birds had flown over according to BirdCast. One that stopped in to refresh itself was this Veery.

5-18-24 Magnolia Warbler

Another migrant was a Magnolia Warbler that just took its sweet ol' time while it bathed.

5-19-24 Tufted Titmouse 5-19-24 Tufted Titmouse 5-19-24 Tufted Titmouse

This little Tufted Titmouse seemed very excited and pleased with itself for finding a caterpillar snack! It celebrated with a big splash.

5-19-24 Brown Thrasher 5-19-24 Brown Thrasher 5-19-24 Brown Thrasher

Sunday, 5-19-24 also brought a Brown Thrasher out of the thicket.

  5-21-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

It was really dark at 7:30 am when this Bay-breasted Warbler needed a bath. Over a million and a half birds again had passed overhead the night before, but we did have a few warblers here the next morning. In fact, two females can be quite challenging to ID.

  5-21-24 Tufted Titmouse and Blackpoll Warbler female

QUIZ bird! That's a Tufted Titmouse in the foreground, but what is the bird in back? Let's see if we can figure it out.

5-22-24 Bay-breasted and Blackpoll Warblers

These two species are favorites of many birders. The males are distinctly different, though nearly the same size. Study the leg color, that is considered a diagnostic detail to help differentiate between the females.

5-22-24 Two Bay=breasted females

These are both female Bay-breasted Warblers. There is variation among them but females have a split buffy eye-ring and usually dark legs and feet.

5-22-24 Two Blackpoll females

Here are two female Blackpoll Warblers, again with some variation, yellowish to whitish breast with dark streaking on the sides. Some have darker streaking on top of head. Note the yellow-orangish legs and feet. 

5-21-24 Tufted Titmouse and Blackpoll Warbler female
5-21-24 Blackpoll Warbler female

So, what do you think the QUIZ bird is? These two are the same species. You've got this! 

5-21-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler 5-21-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler

Two Chestnut-sided Warblers also came in on 5-21-24. The second one is a female, not as strongly marked as the male.

  5-23-24 Canada Warbler female 5-23-24 Canada Warbler female 5-23-24 Canada Warbler female

On Thursday, 5-23-24, it made my day to see this female! It had been a year and a half since I'd photographed the 'necklaced' or Canada Warbler. 

5-25-24 Indian Pink (Spigelia marilandica)
Indian Pinks (Spigelia marilandica) have been attracting the female Ruby-throated Hummingbird. Oops, just missed her!

5-26-24 Water lilies (Nymphaea odorata)

We've been enjoying our lush water garden, especially the water lily leaves which had expanded to huge proportions this week!

5-27-24 Water lilies (Nymphaea odorata) after hail storm

And then, tornado warnings and a hail storm came in on Sunday evening, 5-26-24. Shredded lettuce! We were fortunate that the only damage was torn leaves, and they were everywhere.

As you can see by the charts, migration is winding down. There is still a slight chance for a surprise, so stay tuned!

Cicadas? Oh yes, we still hear and see the cicadas and they will soon complete their life cycle.

They have fed many birds and critters, and the leftovers will be broken down by many insects to return nutrients to the soil.

Migration is at Peak!

Some birds are stopping in to give us a closer look and a listen.

5-2-24 Swainson's Thrush singing 5-12-24 Veery

Swainson's Thrush are here, and singing through the day. Another thrush is this Veery, and it has been around for several days.

5-6-24 Nashville Warblers

Nashville Warblers were bathing together.

  5-9-24 Magnolia Warbler

A Magnolia Warbler foraged in the Blackhaw (Viburnum prunifolium). It was looking for small caterpillars under the leaves. 

5-10-24 Tennessee Warblers

A nice little flock of Tennessee Warblers braved the bubbler together. The females are more yellow overall.

  5-10-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet stopped by and it's a bit on the late side, possibly a female.

  5-10-24 Bay-breasted Warbler 5-10-24 Bay-breasted Warblers 5-10-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

On 5-10-24, there were at least two, maybe more Bay-breasted Warblers. Oh, yes! I watched one devour a cicada on the pin oak in front.

  5-10-24 Black-throated Green Warbler

Finally had a Black-throated Green Warbler check out the bubbler that day, too.

  5-10-24 Baltimore Oriole female

A female Baltimore Oriole was a nice find that day. Its plumage helped it blend so perfectly in the stream bed! 

5-12-24 Magnolia Warbler 5-12-24 Magnolia Warbler

Finally, a Magnolia Warbler came to bathe! As often happens, I was so focused on this bird that I nearly missed the approach of ...

  5-12-24 Blackburnian Warbler 5-12-24 Blackburnian and Magnolia Warblers 5-12-24 Blackburnian Warbler

THE FIRETHROAT! A Blackburnian Warbler, which always takes my breath away!

5-12-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler female 5-12-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler first spring female

First year Chestnut-sided Warblers are coming through. These are both first spring females, but the second one looks like it has barely begun getting new, colorful feathers. This is what they look like in winter in Costa Rica. The change is really dramatic in the males, as you can see below.

5-8-24 Chestnut-sided Warbler  

And now...

5-12-24 Blackpoll Warbler 5-12-24 Blackpoll Warbler

My Haikubox had been picking up the song of the Blackpoll Warbler, and I finally saw this mostly black and white bird. This bird needs to be seen in spring, because their fall migration route typically takes them further east. 

Female Blackpoll Warbler on 10-4-13 documented as 3rd Missouri Fall record

On 10-4-2013, this young female Blackpoll Warbler became the third record for Missouri by coming down to look at the bubbler! This little bird was featured in my very first blog post, and it was the only photo that I managed to get before other birds chased it off.

Now, an update on the nesters.

5-8-24 Eastern Bluebird 5-8-24 Eastern Bluebird female after mating 5-10-24 Eastern Bluebird eggs

Eastern Bluebirds wasted no time getting another brood started! We were going to clean out the old nest only to find the female had begun laying eggs. The bumper crop of insects available may have contributed to their eagerness.

5-11-24 Eastern Phoebes

5-11-24 Eastern Phoebes
5-11-24 Eastern Phoebes 5-13-24 Eastern Phoebe nest, being rebuilt

Eastern Phoebes have been busy feeding their fledglings, too. This little one had eyes bigger than his tummy! I've seen the female collecting more moss and mud from the swampy thicket to reinforce the nest.

The cicadas are in full emergence here, just as they were 13 years ago. What a bounty! They start their scream-like song very early now and it goes on all day. While the chipmunk gorges on them at its table, I'm catching up on things inside and taking a little break.

Happy Migration!

4-25-24 Eastern Bluebird carrying fecal sac out

4-28-24 Eastern Bluebird fledgling

Eastern Bluebirds fledged on 4/28/24.  They've been seen and heard making the rounds of the neighborhood.

4-17-24 House Wren removing chickadee eggs 5-4-24 Adult tempts chick with caterpillar food

Despite the House Wren removing three of the chickadee eggs, at least one chick made it to fledging on 5/4/24. The adult coaxed it out with a treat!

4-28-24 Rose-breasted Grosbeak 4-29-24 Summer Tanager red morph female 5-4-24 Common Yellowthroat

The leaves have grown quickly, concealing the birds. Try your hand at identifying these three! (Answers at the end of the post.)

4-23-24 Indigo Bunting

An Indigo Bunting enjoyed a bath in the bubbler.

  4-25-24 Nashville Warbler with yellow eye ring- hybrid with Orange-crowned? 4-25-24 Nashville Warbler

These are both Nashville Warblers, but the first has a very yellow eye-ring, not the typical bold white. It may just have more pigment, but it's the first one I've seen like it.

4-28-24 Wild Turkey On 4-28-24, a Wild Turkey trotted through the woods.

4-28-24 Northern Waterthrush

A Northern Waterthrush has been around for a week now, foraging in the swampy thicket or garden beds.

4-28-24 Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles have been seen and heard often, and four got in the bubbler on 4-28-24.

5-1-24 Yellow Warbler

A striking Yellow Warbler first showed itself on 5-1-24.

4-29-24 Black-and-white Warbler

This Black-and-white Warbler rested for a bit in this rough-leaf dogwood.

5-4-24 Bay-breasted Warbler

A very good day was 5-4-24 when this beauty came in, a Bay-breasted Warbler.

  5-4-24 Northern Parula

A Northern Parula felt right at home in the basin.

And now, for the quiz answers!

4-25-24 Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

4-29-24 Summer Tanager red morph female

Summer Tanager, red morph female

5-4-24 Common Yellowthroat

Common Yellowthroat, a bird that is often hidden!

Now, to change it up...

5-4-24 First Brood IX Cicada

They're here!!

Brood XIX of the Periodical Cicadas are emerging now. This morning, I watched Swainson's and Gray-cheeked Thrush, a Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe and female Indigo Bunting catching and eating them. What a bounty of food for all the birds and small mammals!  

Copper Iris is now in bloom in the Water Garden.

4-28-24 Migration Map

This map shows that we are into prime migration time! I'll be doing my best to document what is here.

To view all the birds since the last post, open this page:

Birds since 4-22-24

A Celebration of Diversity on Earth Day! 

Let's look at some new arrivals this month in our Shady Oaks Sanctuary.

4-12-24 Purple Finch 4-8-24 Purple Finch female

Purple Finches, both male and female have been in the woodland.

4-14-24 Swamp Sparrow

Swamp Sparrow was found in the swampy thicket, of course.

4-15-24 Hermit Thrush

The Hermit Thrush slowly raises and lowers its rusty tail.

  4-16-24 Northern Parula

Northern Parula is a lovely small warbler.

4-16-24 Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are frequently seen at the bubbler.

  4-16-24 Nashville Warbler

A shy Nashville Warbler was ahead of more to come.

4-16-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers are almost in full breeding colors.

4-18-24 Tennessee Warbler

A Tennessee Warbler is in  much paler hues.

4-18-24 Palm Warbler

A Western Palm Warbler was buddies with the Tennessee Warbler.

4-18-24 Palm Warbler and Tennessee Warbler

4-19-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird female 4-19-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird female 4-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4-21-24 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds finally arrived! The female has been feeding at the Virginia Bluebells and Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle.

The male has bathed in the bubble twice now!

4-14-24 Pine Siskin takeoff

Not new, this Pine Siskin has been here all winter, and will be leaving soon on its way Canada.

4-20-24 Blue-headed Vireo 4-20-24 Blue-headed Vireo

A Blue-headed Vireo has been around for several days and enjoyed splash-bathing.

  4-21-24 Orange-crowned Warbler

An Orange-crowned Warbler slipped in to the bubbler a few times.

4-22-24 Brown Thrasher 4-22-24 Brown Thrasher 4-22-24 Brown Thrasher

Brown Thrashers are finally getting comfortable here again. They're chasing robins out of the bubbler!

4-22-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4-22-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Peek-a-boo! Today, a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker just had to take a dip.

4-16-24 E. Three-toed Box Turtle

The Eastern Three-toed Box Turtle has come out of hibernation, another sign of spring!

4-8-24 Nessus Sphinx moth

A bumble bee mimic, this Nessus Sphinx moth emerged in time to nectar at the Virginia Bluebells.

How was your Earth Day spent? Appreciating nature, I hope!

5-1-20 Blackburnian Warbler
 

Last week for the Warbler Exhibit:  Open for Viewing through Saturday, April 27, 2024!

Check the link for more information.

"Meet the Warblers!"

Nesting is serious business! 

3-22-24 Carolina Chickadee brings moss to the nest box 3-24-24 Carolina Chickadee 3-28-24 Carolina Chickadee
3-30-24 Carolina Chickadee nest with one egg

The Carolina Chickadees have been busy finishing their nest and on 3-30-24 there was one egg cradled deep inside. It's the creamy speckled one just to the left of center. The moss was embellished with soft alpaca fibers that were pulled from the grapevine ball, an idea that I put together for holiday gifts. Chickadees are one species that will use rabbit fur to line their nests, so I thought they might like this. I was very curious to see what other birds might take some. 

3-30-24 Carolina Chickadee drives off pari of Eurasian Tree Sparrows 3-30-24 Carolina Chickadee drives off Eurasian Tree Sparrow Now that egg-laying has begun, the pair must defend their nest. The Eurasian Tree Sparrows can barely stick their heads through the hole, but they harass the smaller birds. We hope the chickadees are successful.

NOTE: I call "our" chickadees "Carolina Chickadees" because they have always sounded and looked to me like that species. It is more complicated than that! A recent discussion on the MOBirds Listserve indicated that neither song nor morphological characteristics are good indicators of whether a chickadee is Black-capped, Carolina or mixed ancestry in the hybrid zone. More information at a later date...

Back to the birds!

3-22-24 Eastern Phoebe with insect 3-27-24 Eastern Phoebe 3-28-24 Eastern Phoebe with alpaca fibers 3-28-24 Eastern Phoebe with alpaca fibers 3-28-24 Eastern Phoebe with alpaca fibers

The Eastern Phoebes have been catching insects as temperatures have been warm. The female seemed to like the available fibers, too!

3-25-24 Pine Siskins, green morph 3-25-24 Pine Siskin, green morph in Blackhaw Viburnum 3-26-24 Pine Siskin, green morph and American Goldfinch

The green morph Pine Siskin has been at the feeder some days. That bird is almost as bright as the male American Goldfinches are right now.

  3-29-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with red nape 3-29-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with red nape 3-29-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker with red nape

This Yellow-bellied Sapsucker was spotted on trees in the swampy thicket. In the first photo, one can see that it has a red nape. A few years ago, there was a similar bird that I photographed and submitted as a possible hybrid. After experts reviewed the photos, it was decided to be a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.  I do wonder if it's the same bird.

   4-1-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker on Shagbark Hickory 4-1-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker 4-1-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

This bird is typical, with only white on the nape feathers, it's another male Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. It was tapping the Shagbark Hickory for sap to drink  before checking out the Bubbler.

3-29-24 Eastern Bluebird eggs 4-1-24 Eastern Bluebird pair

The Eastern Bluebirds took time to get a quick bath together. At last count, four eggs were in the nest. The female may lay another, typically there are five to a brood.

  3-28-24 Cedar Waxwings 3-28-24 Cedar Waxwings 4-1-24 Cedar Waxwings

Cedar Waxwings have been coming in to bathe, with sometimes as many as ten or twelve in the basin together. I noticed the orange tail tip in this last photo, which indicates this bird has been eating a lot of berries from the invasive Bush Honeysuckle.

  3-31-24 Pine Siskin and Yellow-rumped Warbler 4-1-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler, molting 4-1-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler, molting

There have been quite a few different Yellow-rumped Warblers in the woods. That's a Pine Siskin with a male warbler in the first photo, and the next two are scruffy little guys molting their feathers into spring plumage.

  4-2-24 FOY #49 Chipping Sparrow

One new arrival is a Chipping Sparrow. It has been seen at feeders around the yard, and perched, like so in the Spicebush (Lindera benzoin).

5-1-20 Blackburnian Warbler

Warbler Exhibit is Open for Viewing through Saturday, April 27, 2024!

Check the link for more information.

"Meet the Warblers!"

The first full day of spring was balmy at 58 degrees and activity was noted in every direction.

Wood poppies (Stylophorum diphyllum) are opening now.

Wish I could share the yummy fragrance of the shrubby Clove Currant (Ribes odoratum). It wafts through the air and awakens the senses.  

The nodding blooms of Virginia Bluebells (Mertensia virginiaca) change from pink to blue.

4-2-23 Mining Bee (Andrena sp.) on Violet (Viola sororia)

Wooly Blue Violets (Viola sororia) welcome tiny native mining bees to gather pollen. Violets support 25 different pollinators such as these!

3-12-24 Northern Cardinal fights its reflection

Northern Cardinals are nesting in their favorite spot in the Coral Trumpet Honeysuckle vine (Lonicera sempervirens). The male insists on protecting its mate and nest by chasing off intruders, including its own reflection. The bird begins about 7 am and continues until after 7 pm. The bird will not be dissuaded and covers three floors and three sides of the house! (It may have earned a new nickname, Bam-bam!) It did this last year and lived to nest again.

3-12-24 Eastern Bluebird nest 3-19-24 Eastern Bluebird nest 3-19-24 Eastern Bluebird nest - no eggs yet!

The Eastern Bluebirds have made great progress on their nest in a week. No eggs yet. 

3-20-24 Eastern Bluebird with feather for nest 3-20-24 Eastern Bluebird with feather for nest 3-20-24 Eastern Bluebird leaves nest

The female found this downy white feather, and chose it to embellish or 'feather' its nest. Nothing but the best!

3-21-24 Carolina Chickadee at nest box

The Carolina Chickadees have been busy, too. A slow-motion video was the only way to capture what they're doing.

3-21-24 Carolina Chickadees nest building

3-2-24 Carolina Wren nest atop E. Phoebe nest from last year 3-20-24 Eastern Phoebe nest

The female Eastern Phoebe has returned and was seen carrying material to their nesting place. The pair had cleaned out the Carolina Wren nest and it is looking more like a real phoebe nest now. I'm not sure yet where the Carolina Wrens are nesting, but we see them every day and the male is singing as if on territory. I suspect they may be in one of the old oak snags. We'll be watching.

ALL of the new baby birds will soon be eating insects, especially caterpillars of many sizes, shapes and colors!

2-9-24 Eurasian Tree Sparrow and House Sparrow composite

We encourage our native birds to nest by putting up the nesting boxes. However, the House Sparrows and Eurasian Tree Sparrows are NOT native birds. They are introduced species that have naturalized and are seemingly everywhere. They use up resources for our native birds, so we will not support their nesting activity, and remove nests made by them. It's the only way to give our native birds a chance.

3=19-24 Eurasian Tree Sparrows - nest in box #2 3=19-24 Eurasian Tree Sparrow nest in box #2

This was exactly the case in the second Eastern Bluebird box we put up. The Eurasian Tree Sparrows took it over, so we removed all the material and then took down the box for this year. 

PS  It would be rare to have two pairs of nesting bluebirds, the standard distance between boxes is 250-300 feet even up to 600 feet apart.

Everything we do in our yard is to help native birds and we do that by supporting native bees, butterflies, moths and other insects. That means leaving our leaves where many insects complete their life cycles. That means NOT using pesticides that will kill these insects. After all, the insects become essential food for our native birds. The results have been amazing!

Here are a few examples from my latest program.

Recently, Dan and I watched this program by our mentor, Dr. Doug Tallamy on the

Winter Learning Series from the Missouri River Bird Observatory. 

If you also want to help our native birds, this is the program to take in!

Nature's Best Hope

(The link will open a new page for you.)

Ready or not, here we go...

3-2-24 Virginia bluebells

Virginia Bluebells are showing their leaves and buds now, and daffodils are in full bloom all around town.

3-1-24 Eastern Bluebird 3-1-24 Eastern Bluebird female

The Eastern Bluebirds come in together several times a day, taking turns to bathe. On Saturday, I thought the female carried some cypress fronds to the nesting box. We'll give them some time yet before we open the box to check.

2-27-24 Mourning Dove feathers

Back on 2/27/24, a Cooper's Hawk was photographed bathing in the stream bed of the large pond. When I checked later, I saw these Mourning Dove tail feathers near the far south edge of the pond. 

3-1-24 Mourning Dove, sans tail

This bird had been staying in cover, but finally came out to be documented a few days later, on 3-1-124. It managed to escape the grasp of the hawk with its life!

2-27-24 Mourning Dove

By comparison, this dove's tail is intact and as one can see, it is quite long.

3-2-24 Eastern Phoebe 3-2-24 Eastern Phoebe

The first of year Eastern Phoebe was seen on 2-29-24, Leap Day and photographed on 3-2-24. First it was in the garden on this Pokeweed stalk, then it was fly-catching in the woodland. It is still in the neighborhood, and may be our resident breeding male.

3-2-24 Two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers 3-2-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

3-6-24 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers continue to move around the neighborhood.

3-5-24 Brown Creeper 3-5-24 Brown Creeper

Even though Brown Creepers are infrequently seen as a rule, we have sightings nearly every day here. 

  3-4-24 Dark-eyed Juncos

Dark-eyed Juncos are pairing up before they move on to their breeding areas all across Canada!

  3-5-24 Carolina Wren at brush pile

3-2-24 Carolina Wren nest atop E. Phoebe nest from last year

The Carolina Wrens are sometimes seen hanging out around the brush pile. They started a nest on top of the old Phoebe nest, but still seem undecided about its completion. We heard them fussing one day. The Eastern Phoebe may have had words with them!

3-5-24 Hairy Woodpecker female

This Hairy Woodpecker female is often seen at the peanut feeder or the suet.

We have been spending time now out in the garden. Our policy is "Minimal Disturbance!" So, that means we plan our time to go out when the birds are taking a break and we work as quickly as we can for an hour or two, then come back inside so the birds can return to the feeders and water features.

On Wednesday, 3-6-24 it was just mild enough to give the Bubbler a good scrub, with water only. We work fast!

3-6-24 Spring Cleaning!

Enjoy the changes of Spring...

5-1-20 Blackburnian Warbler

Blackburnian Warbler

Uncommon Transient

May 1, 2020

Margy Terpstra ~ Kirkwood, Missouri

This is one of 34 images that will be on display through April 27, 2024 at

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center.

Wood Warblers have often been called the gems of the forests, the butterflies of the bird world. Their arrival is highly anticipated in spring

as they move through our area along the Mississippi Flyway from central and south America to their breeding grounds.

This migration is a wholly American phenomenon! The wood warblers are only found in the Americas

and their adjacent islands in the Western Hemisphere.

They are considered Missouri birds because they spend part of their lives every spring and fall here in our state.

I would like to thank the staff at Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

for inviting me to display this collection.

It is truly a joy to be able to share my images of these beautiful neotropical migrants,

which I've been photographing since 2003 in our Shady Oaks yard. 

The exhibit is free! You are invited to stop in at Powder Valley, stroll through the Art Hallway

and see these beauties up close.  

The area is open every day, but building hours are restricted, see below or check the website for

more information:

Powder Valley Conservation Nature Center

11715 Cragwold Road

Kirkwood, MO 63122-7000

314-301-1500

Building Hours:

Sun Closed

Mon Closed

Tue 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Wed 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Thu 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Spring is on its way and that means ups and downs, in temperature and moisture.

2-20-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2-20-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler

2-21-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler
 

A Yellow-rumnped Warbler has been residing here in our woodland. On warmer days, it has been seen sipping sap at the sapsucker wells on the Sugar Maple by the pond. Then, it will sally out to catch insects and land in nearby shrubs. Conditions have been very dry, and it is often seen at the bubbler.

2-20-24 Eastern Bluebird pair checks nest box 2-20-24 Eastern Bluebird pair checks nest box 2-20-24 Eastern Bluebird pair checks nest box

The bluebird nest box went up at noon on 2/20/24. This pair of Eastern Bluebirds are pretty excited about their prospects! Nest building should begin soon, the pair were seen mating Wednesday, 2/28/24. 

2-26-24 Cooper's Hawk 2-27-24 Cooper's Hawk 2-27-24 Cooper's Hawk

A Cooper's Hawk was seen on a warm afternoon, Monday 2/26/24 when it reached 78.1 degrees. The next day would be the warmest yet, and the hawk returned to take a long and leisurely bath in the stream bed. It was totally drenched and used this perch in the Bald Cypress to shake and dry its feathers.

Red flag warnings were up both Monday and Tuesday. When I walked through the east beds to look at plants, the leaves were crispy under my feet. These were dangerous conditions, extremely dry and windy. Birds were thirsty!

2-27-24 Tufted Titmouse 2-27-24 Red-bellied Woodpecker 2-27-24 Downy Woodpecker

Birds like this Tufted Titmouse were at the bird bath frequently. Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Carolina Chickadees and more kept up a steady parade at the bubbler, mainly to drink.

2-27-24 Mourning Dove 2-27-24 Yellow-rumped Warbler 2-27-24 Eastern Bluebird