Spooktacular

Well It's Halloween today and this if this past week is any indicator I may be down to just house sparrows and juncos now. It's been a depressing wet week here...people are ready to rip your face off for even the tiniest indiscretion.

Even I'm not looking forward to the snow arriving...the tease we had at Thanksgiving did nothing but make me realize the snow can hold off for a while. However the forecast this week makes me think that the snow is definitely on the horizon...soon we shall be knee deep...so I guess I better get a move on and finish my covered feeding station. I haven't even started it yet, but maybe tomorrow. I usually finish putting up all of the lights etc for Christmas so I'm not freezing my butt off but with a forecast for rain/snow maybe I'll stay in.

I haven't seen a bluejay for about 3 days now and the peanuts are still in the feeder...although I did have a ginormous raccoon here earlier this week. Dirty bugger! I knew all those branches weren't breaking on their own! Ah well such as life I guess! We shall see if any other birds show up!

The Bald Eagle has returned!!!!!!

While having coffee this morning I noticed that there was a Bald eagle cruising the field behind our house! I can't believe that I ID'd it from the wing span and gliding pattern....I'm quite pleased with myself (i was also watching tv at the time).

I've wondered if they would return this year. Last fall we had a pair that hung around for about a week...it was so cool, you'd see them glide over the house searching for dinner. I love those birds!

I'm keeping my eyes open!!

The leaves have fallen...

Well the leaves have fallen this past weekend without any major colour shift and the bluejays, woodpeckers and juncos are all still here and pecking.

I can't believe the weather this year...I think we should be awarded medals if the snow really does arrive this weekend as they are predicting. The forecast for the week is rain, rain and more rain so I guess it shall be a wet week in birdville.

As I sat yesterday doing a puzzle with my mom I realized that the birds have become bolder. The bluejays ventured to the platform feeder just outside the door (enabling a great view) the peanuts are going down quick and it looks like I shall have to buy more yet again!

The magpies also showed up and tried to eat the suet out of the woodpecker suet plug feeder...hilarious to see...they couldn't manage to get anything at all. Thank god. I can't have them scaring off the downys too!! Those poor little birds wouldn't have a chance against those bullies!!

I know I'm being greedy but I really keep thinking that I'm going to get a grosbeak in my yard soon...sad I can't just aim for chickadees and nuthatches...rose breasted grosbeaks please! Ah well if you don't aim high you're just settling for what come your way right?

Whatever...this winter feels like it's going to be a killer...I hope to god I'm wrong.

Gathering Geese

The honk of the goose has become an all too familiar sound these days as we watch the sun's time get shorter and shorter and the temperature falls. Snow feels like it's just around the corner...any day now. I can't believe that October is almost done!

The picture above the the lake in the center of our development at noon...by dusk there's about 5000 geese that pile in for the night. The poop is everywhere...the playground is useless now. The field behind my house usually has about 300 of them during the day...the mint ground across the road usually has thousands and thousands at any given time.

The vast number of the geese are an impressive sight...especially when they all take off...

The Starlings arrive to play

It's funny how as soon as I mention or think that the bird fun is done for the year nature has to prove me wrong. It started last night during dinner when the Hairy woodpecker arrived to scarf the suet. Entertaining and good to see. I hate how sporadic they are and with all of the work I have to do I don't get to see them when they're here most of the time.

Then this morning as I sat having morning coffee the flock of starlings that have been buzzing my yard for the last week decided to stop in and play. They hung out in the amur maple and took turns chasing each other through the yard. All in all it was entertaining as they glided and flew through the yard at top speed, avoiding the bushes, frames and fences that dot our small yard.

I love how speckled they are...I know they're a member of the dreaded blackbird family but I don't care. They're different and cute...such sharp pointy beaks!

Downy sighted

Well what a snooze fest around here. The only thing to report is that a downy woodpecker showed up late yesterday to eat some suet. Sheesh. I guess this is just preparing me for winter...and the lack of bird activity. Not fair!

I'm thinking of building a covered feeding platform for the winter...It could look really nice and prepare me for building the birdhouse I want to build. I have as of yet been unable to find plans that meet my specifications for the birdhouse...everythings just soo tacky and HUGE.

Borrrrrring

Wow, talk about a boring couple of days! I think that fall migration may be officially done with as I haven't seen much in terms of a new and interesting bird my way as of late.

The starlings have been stalking my yard...they sit on the wire and preen and clean, but have never ventured closer than the back fence.

The sparrow flock is down to just house sparrows again...that's probably the way it will stay until spring.

Thank goodness my birdbath is heated...woke up to major frost this morning again.

The bluejays are still hiding pnuts.

The woodpeckers have not been see on our side of the development...how unfair I see them on walks with my dog but they're not where they would be most beloved :(

Well it's been an amazing bird year...now the challenge is to draw the chickadees & nuthatches to my yard for the winter.

Crap is it cold out these days.

The blue Jay vs. the Magpie

Today has been a hilarious waiting line at the feeder. The bluejays have been packing away the peanuts as usual but they're having to battle the magpies. The Jays wait on the sunshade frame while the magpies scarf the nuts.

It hilarious...the jays have a set routine...they sweep in land on the sunshade, hop down, eat nuts. When the Magpies there it interrupt the routine and the Jays seem almost lost...like, what do I? He's on my feeder? The odd Jay tries tries to kick the magpie off and scuffles ensue...needless to say the Jay doesn't win. But they puff themselves up and put the crest up and try to act bigger than they are...they really are gorgeous birds.

I put out almost 2 cups of peanuts this morning and I had to go out and add another cup as the feeder was empty. I know they're just hiding them, but they provide so much entertainment for us.

The cats have been attacking the windows whenever the Magpies fly in. Silly cats...those birds are as big as they are and would win in a show down. All in all an entertaining day; I sat outside to get the above picture in the freezing drizzle...Not a bad result but I really think I need to get a better zoom lens.

No news is good news

Well there's not too much happening these days which I guess is a good thing. The random Harris and white throated sparrow is still mixed in with the house flock. The blue jays are packing it away...I've had to restock the peanuts twice a day.

I haven't seen the woodpeckers lately but I also haven't been watching since the snow hit...busy times.

The magpies and bluejays are still battling for the peanuts so I guess we'll see what tomorrow brings. This weekend is supposed to be warm and sunny...you never know, they might actually be right!

Scruffy Blue Jay protects the feeder

Wow what a thanksgiving Monday I'm having. While sitting having morning coffee with my darling hubbie I heard the undeniable call of the bluejay announcing his intentions to arrive in my yard and I'd better have fresh peanuts out there for him (or so I interpreted).

So as usual the jay arrives and starts to pound back the peanuts when out of the blue a 2nd bluejay flies in and lands on the feeder bath as well! This was exciting for me as I've never had more than one at the feeder at the same time!

Then a 3rd slightly scruffier Jay flew in and got all poofy and staked out the feeder as "his" while the other 2 picked up peanuts off of the ground.

He's either an older Jay or a young one coming into his feathers...it was hard to tell. He didn't look as sleek as the other two so he became my favourite automatically!

Eventually he let one of the sleek jays up on the feeder with him and he showed his displeasure by snubbing the younger jay... which didn't really seem to bother him at all!

Now that's a full gullet!

The Mystery Warbler = The Orange Crowned Warbler

So finally I have something exciting to post about...well exciting for me!! This morning I went to the window to try and get a picture of the yellow rumped warbler that's been playing on my christmas lights hanging from my house.

I was so disappointed when he went around the corner and I got nothing when all of a sudden what I thought was a common yellowthroat came up and landed on a plant support literally 2 feet away from the window!!

I couldn't believe my luck! So I snapped away taking about 2 dozen different shot before I got a little bit too enthusiastic and scared him off. In my head I figured no biggie, I already have a great yellow throat shot, but hey!

Something had been nagging at me while I took the pictures though...my mantra is treat it like you've never seen it before and get the "good" shot. But something still wasn't quite right.

Upon closer examination of the picture I took I realized right away that it wasn't the CYT...the white eye ring is NOT a trait of that particular breed. So I poured over my birdbook and I had about 3 or 4 different possibilities...but none of them I was 100% about. So I took to my birding sites and posted the picture and awaited the replies.

The Connecticut warbler, pine warbler, Canada warbler, yellow breasted chat were all possible ID's though the group, but again with the fall feathers coming in on all of the birds and the possibility of it being a juvenile just opened the possibilities wide up.

But after much discussion, I think we have a winner! The orange crowned warbler!! I googled images of juvenile orange crowned warblers and what came up looked the closest to this little fella...some of them were dead ringers so that is what I shall go with!

Mystery Solved!

The first snowfall of the season

Well this looks like it's going to be an interesting thanksgiving weekend. It had started to snow and it doesn't look like there's going to be an end in sight! It's a wee bit early to be dealing with this stuff, but I don't mind...we cleaned up the yard last weekend as I could smell the snow coming. Call me Lorelei if you like but I predicted we would have it and boy are we going to get it!

The birds are plowing through the seed like crazy...almost like they know what's coming! They're determined little buggers though...there's even more snow on the feeders than pictures here now and they keep hopping and digging! Fun to see! I hope this doesn't mean that the Jay's etc. all take off!

The Junco! These little fellas have been increasing their appearances more and more, but it has helped sticking a feeding tray out front to minimize the runs ins with the sparrow mafia. Other than than there's nothing much to report! The snow keeps falling and the birds are starting to go into hiding!

The Downy Woodpecker + Seed Cake

Well I can't complain about the diversity of the birds these last 2 days coming to my yard. I thought that the sparrows were all that would be here but between the chipping sparrows, Harris, bluejays, magpies, hairy & downy woodpeckers I have to say I'm pretty happy.

I was a bit surprised when I sat down for lunch that the downy was hammering away at the seed cylinder but it proved to be entertaining. I was pleased that someone was eating the seed cake...I had put a new one out (over a month ago) and after 4 days no one would touch it. Normally one of these cakes lasts about a week. I never seem to be able to predict what the birds are going to eat!

I've put a tray of seed out front and to my surprise that seems to be where the Chipping sparrows are eating. I guess it's easier than battling the bullies in the back yard...

A Juvenile Harris Sparrow

Proof that the title of my last post has never been truer...this is a picture of the juvenile Harris sparrow that I spotted in the house sparrow flock yesterday. He really makes me smile as he stands out being larger and quirkier than the house sparrows. LOVE IT.

Today it's raining...as you can see from the picture and the sparrows are battling the 60km winds and pelting rain...which is starting to look more like sleet as it hits the windows.

A real cutie patootie!

Migration is never constant

So this morning has proven to be an interesting morning so far. The blue jays have been back steadily all morning scarfing down pnuts left and right...got some cool video. I'm really amazed by just how many nuts they can jam into their mouth at one time...kinda reminds me of a clown car.

I did notice this morning that a juvenile Harris sparrow was hopping through my yard hoping to score some tasty treats. I was impressed by the fact that the house sparrows didn't run him off. Maybe size does play a factor! I was pleased with myself for identifying him...the size and tail were the two big tip offs.

If there's one things that this horrible year has shown me it's that when you slow down and pay attention to what goes on around you, the rewards are great. I don't know how many birds I've missed by simply not taking the time to sit and reflect. No matter what your schedule, you should always try to put aside some time for doing nothing. I highly recommend bird watching to alleviate stress!

I also noticed today that a Junco braved trying to get into the mix...unsuccessfully but he tried none the less. Since the first day they arrived I've hardly seen them, but I guess I'll see more of them as the fall progresses.

Hopefully the blue jays stick around for a while and maybe this year I could attract a grosbeak to my yard. I feel like there's a new bird on the verge of showing up in my yard...don't know why but I do. I guess we'll see and if I'm lucky enough to get a picture!

On a side note: Did you know that a blue jays feathers are not a result of pigmentation but a result of the refracting light & the structure of the feather? If you crush a blue jay feather the blue disappears!

The blue jays pig out

So today I shall sing the praises of the latest feaster in my yard the Blue Jay. I've heard these guys every day for the last week all though our development, but haven't seen them in my yard other than a brief appearance here and there.

Today I saw them sitting on the roof of my neighbours house across the street and I knew that would mean they were making their way to my yard. So I grabbed my camera and went to the back door and sat and waited, hoping that I would get a few good shots and I feel that I did!

I don't know that I've ever seen a bird stuff so many peanuts into his mouth at one time...it was hilarious! They took turns and kept coming back again and again.

This was the 2nd trip to the feeder, but he was confused as I'd moved it closer to the door so I could get better pictures, so the poor guy was sooo confused.

On a side note I don't know if I've ever really seen bluejays sport the crest so jauntily before. It looked like a picture out of my field guide!

It took about 30 seconds to find the bird bath full of seed...

The quality of the picture isn't the best but I don't know if I've ever seen him look so textbook...

I love the fact that the 2 most present birds in my yard these days (other than sparrows) are the magpies and bluejays...2 of the noisiest birds I've ever heard. Many people consider them pests but considering that the house sparrows chased off the chickadees again this morning...I'll take any birds that scare off the house sparrows! I think I'll have to put a feeder in the amur maple to help the little fellas out. I really hope I can get them to be a regular visitor this winter.

The Junco's and Chickadees have arrived!!

Well I'm slightly sad to report that this morning as I sat contemplating some of the many changes that have occurred this year I saw that the juncos had arrived and were attempting to feed in the yard.

I say attempting because most of the time the sparrows were chasing them off...I kid you not...I saw a blur of the junco tail skirt dart by followed closely by an angry male house sparrow. I was NOT impressed as this is the second time I've seen them actively chase off another species. I HATE house sparrows, but tolerate them as they are all that winter in my yard. I now wonder if there isn't more to that than met the eye.

The rest of the day was spent getting the yard ready for the snow that is on it's way...I'm predicting snow for Thanksgiving weekend...and last year we got caught off guard and many things (including summer feeders) were left out all winter and got trashed by the -45'C temperatures and winds.

As I worked in the yard I noticed a blur of black and white fly through the yard and noticed that 4 chickadees had landed, then took off again as we were busy in the yard. I hope that doesn't scare them off and they come back to feed. I would love to have them in my yard this winter. In the past I've only ever had 1 that would hang out intermittently over the winter. I want some variety!

It's hilarious though, the second that I came inside the sparrows descended on the yard like a scene out of 'the birds'. Apparently they were pissed that they hadn't been able to feed all afternoon!

Juvenille Yellow Rumped Warbler

This morning while I sat sipping my coffee a cutie patootie hopped onto my new platform feeder and left me wondering what it was. I first thought it was a yellow throat as they have been all over my yard this week until I noticed that it had a streaked breast and didn't really look like the yellow throat, but it did have the warbler beak!

The little fella than hopped onto step and let me have a good long look at him...I noticed that there was a little bit of yellow under his wings and at the base of it's tail. This made me believe that it was in fact a different kind of warbler. Upon consulting my trusty field guide I realized it was a juvenille yellow rumped warbler!


He then hopped around for a bit and made his way to my back flower garden which is still thick and lush with fall flowers (turtlehead). I had hoped to get a picture but no luck...we'll see, but as this is a first time sighting for me I'm still pretty excited!

Rain, rain and more rain.

What a dismal day it is today. It started raining about 12 o'clock and it hasn't let up since! There's nothing new happening in the yard but I could let the start of October happen without posting at least something!


The picture posted above is of a yellow bellied sapsucker that I saw on our first camping trip of the year. This fella flew across our path and let me take picture after picture of her. I was thrilled as this particular trip allowed me to see the largest amount of wildlife I've ever seen on a camping trip. A brown Bear, a Massive doe, a fox, magnolia warbler, cedar waxwing, grouse, pileated woodpecker, are just a few of the sighting we had. I loved the trip!


It really kicked my passion of nature into high gear and my obsession of woodpeckers! I've seen Downy, hairy, pileated, and the flicker this year 2 of which were for the first time. I really wish that I had a decent lens that would enable me to get the perfect shot.

There's still no sign of the Junco's so I guess that means that the birds aren't totally done for the year but it's getting close. There's a wager going on as to when we'll all have to turn on our furnaces for the first time amongst many of my friends. I said October 3oth...I think I might lose!

The poor sparrows are sopping wet and still scavenging like crazy! They are determined little buggers!