The last week of October brought a few opportunities to be outside with the birds. A Hermit Thrush has been around though it has been a challenge to capture in good light. Finally, last Thursday it came a bit later in the morning. It is smaller than a robin and has that distinctive rusty tail.

Hermit Thrush 10-29-18

A bit later I was watching the feeder and a Red-breasted Nuthatch was coming to get seeds from it. I went outside and realized there were two of them, one coming in from the left and one from the right. At the same time, a third one stopped a moment at the bubbler and a fourth was foraging in a leaf cluster! That's a record, a 'jar of nuthatches'!  

(There are different collective nouns for different species of birds and other animals. A 'murder of crows' or a 'pride of lions' are other examples.)

Red-breasted Nuthatch-1 10-29-18 Red-breasted Nuthatch-2 10-29-18 Red-breasted Nuthatch-3 10-29-18

I took advantage of the nice morning and took in all the sounds and sights. It wasn't long before I spotted a Winter Wren, another new species for the year, #112. The wren was finding its breakfast, tiny insects in the logs and leaves. 

Winter Wren 10-29-18 Winter Wren 10-29-18 Winter Wren 10-29-18

A White-breasted Nuthatch worked along the tree trunks, spiraling down and around to nab microscopic larvae.

White-breasted Nuthatch

An American Robin came to drink but was wary. There seemed to be suspicion of a hawk lurking nearby and the birds cleared out to find cover.

American Robin on the lookout 10-29-18

It was quiet for most of the afternoon. Around 4:30, I looked out to see not just one, but two Hermit Thrushes bathing!

Hermit Thrushes 10-29-18

The Ruby-throats have not been seen since 10-16-18, though others have seen a straggler. They're usually all gone by now but we keep one feeder fresh and ready for now is the time when a rare hummingbird may show up. Downy Woodpeckers will take advantage of the situation.

Downy Woodpecker 10-29-18

We had some early Trick or Treaters for Halloween, in very convincing costumes!

Opossum 10-24-18 Raccoons 10-31-18 Two Does 10-31-18

Yes, October ended with rain and November began with a raw, drippy day. A day like this reminds us all of harsher days to come before Spring arrives again. However, birds that stay with us are built to handle it, gaining 40% more downy feathers to help them cope with Old Man Winter. This resting Northern Cardinal set the mood for the day. 

Northern Cardinal 11-1-18

The feeders were very busy, birds constantly coming in for a seed and taking it to a perch or to cache it in a secret place. 

Northern Cardinal and Red-breasted Nuthatch 11-1-18 Red-breasted Nuthatch, American Goldfinch, House Finch, Eurasian Tree Sparrow,Tufted Titmouse

The next afternoon, it was sunny enough to encourage a flurry of activity at the bubbler again. A Hermit Thrush was soon followed by a Yellow-rumped Warbler and a pair of Dark-eyed Juncos, newly arrived. 

Hermit Thrush 11-2-18 Yellow-rumped Warbler 11-2-18 Dark-eyed Junco 11-2-18
Dark-eyed Junco pair 11-2-18

Dark-eyed Juncos, aka Snowbirds are here and the forecast now has that four-letter word, SNOW, in it for later in the week. I'm not ready!