Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
-
- Posts: 2241
- Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:24 am
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Last week on hike we saw beautiful Red-Shouldered Hawk and Easten Blue Bird
“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” – Lao Tzu
-
- Posts: 2241
- Joined: Fri Oct 19, 2012 11:24 am
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
And I’ve seen them eating a rabbit and a snake in videos by the great wildlife photographer Mark Smith from Florida. Has a wonderful YouTube channel
“Doing nothing is better than being busy doing nothing.” – Lao Tzu
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yes, I think they will attempt to eat just about anything they think they can swallow. I found this one years ago with a snake and you can guess who won this battle.RubyTuesday wrote: ↑Sat Dec 26, 2020 5:18 pmAnd I’ve seen them eating a rabbit and a snake in videos by the great wildlife photographer Mark Smith from Florida. Has a wonderful YouTube channel
The fool, with all his other faults, has this also - he is always getting ready to live. - Seneca Epistles < c. 65AD
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
There was a Northern Flicker on my suet feeder. I think this was the first time I saw one this season.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19591
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Great shot!
What camera and lens did you use?
j
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yesterday I went hiking around a lake of a state park in the Midwest. I saw a bunch of Canada Geese on the water. They were staying frozen with some snow on their backs. It was amazing! I always thought they migrate south for overwintering.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Thanks! It was taken with a Canon 1D Mark IV and the v1 500mm f4 with a 1.4x converter.
The fool, with all his other faults, has this also - he is always getting ready to live. - Seneca Epistles < c. 65AD
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I've read that while many migrate south, there are some that stay behind as local residents during the winter. We have quite a few in my area through the winter munching on frozen grass, etc.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19591
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
All Pro!!!!
Good job!
j
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yesterday, I was at my Dad's house at sunset. Two houses down from his in two redwood trees is a roosting spot for large white Egrets. When they come, it's dusk enough that it's hard get a decent picture them sitting in the trees, but I'd estimate there are 50+ in these trees. They are not very neighborly when one lands too close to them, both verbally and pecking.
In daylight, these trees look similar to a poorly frosted Christmas tree.
In daylight, these trees look similar to a poorly frosted Christmas tree.
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Cool!RetiredAL wrote: ↑Sat Dec 26, 2020 9:05 pm Yesterday, I was at my Dad's house at sunset. Two houses down from his in two redwood trees is a roosting spot for large white Egrets. When they come, it's dusk enough that it's hard get a decent picture them sitting in the trees, but I'd estimate there are 50+ in these trees. They are not very neighborly when one lands too close to them, both verbally and pecking.
In daylight, these trees look similar to a poorly frosted Christmas tree.
- dratkinson
- Posts: 6116
- Joined: Thu Jul 26, 2007 6:23 pm
- Location: Centennial CO
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
There are several aerated ponds nearby. The aerators keep large spots of water open during winter and some Canadian geese over-wintering here. The geese feed on lawns during the day and return at dusk.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sat Dec 26, 2020 6:16 pmI've read that while many migrate south, there are some that stay behind as local residents during the winter. We have quite a few in my area through the winter munching on frozen grass, etc.
I've seen foxes on the ice trying to get to the geese, but the geese seem know they are safe if they stay in the open water and away from the edge of the ice.
d.r.a., not dr.a. | I'm a novice investor; you are forewarned.
-
- Posts: 3937
- Joined: Thu Jun 25, 2009 12:50 am
- Location: Vancouver WA
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Daily sightings at my feeder here in Camas WA (Portland metro)
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Scrub Jay
Steller's Jay
House Finch
Chickadees and Juncos
Starlings
Sparrows
Infrequent visitors
Pileated Woodpecker
Cooper's Hawk
Red winged blackbirds
At the subdivision pond a block away I frequently see
Blue Heron
Green Heron
Canada Geese
various ducks
In the woods behind my house we have resident Great Horned Owl, Barred Owls, and LOTS of crows.
I'm not a serious birder. I don't go out on birding expeditions. But I do like to pay attention to what visits us here.
Northern Flicker
Downy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpecker
Scrub Jay
Steller's Jay
House Finch
Chickadees and Juncos
Starlings
Sparrows
Infrequent visitors
Pileated Woodpecker
Cooper's Hawk
Red winged blackbirds
At the subdivision pond a block away I frequently see
Blue Heron
Green Heron
Canada Geese
various ducks
In the woods behind my house we have resident Great Horned Owl, Barred Owls, and LOTS of crows.
I'm not a serious birder. I don't go out on birding expeditions. But I do like to pay attention to what visits us here.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I have had one near me in Los Angeles for about a week now. First one I had ever seen too. (I assume it's the same one this whole time...)
We have black phoebes year-round, but apparently the Say's only overwinters around here. A very different call than the black ones.
My yard must have good bugs to eat.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
This is the best I can edit the picture to.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sun Dec 27, 2020 7:23 amCool!RetiredAL wrote: ↑Sat Dec 26, 2020 9:05 pm Yesterday, I was at my Dad's house at sunset. Two houses down from his in two redwood trees is a roosting spot for large white Egrets. When they come, it's dusk enough that it's hard get a decent picture them sitting in the trees, but I'd estimate there are 50+ in these trees. They are not very neighborly when one lands too close to them, both verbally and pecking.
In daylight, these trees look similar to a poorly frosted Christmas tree.
Egrets in tree at my Dad's house in Stockton -- zoom in.
I often see Egrets on my morning walk in Los Gatos at Lake Vasona. This was 3 weeks ago.
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
RetiredAL:
That sure does look like an "egret Xmas tree"! Thanks for posting the photo.
That sure does look like an "egret Xmas tree"! Thanks for posting the photo.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
That is fun. These foxes must be really starving in winter.I've seen foxes on the ice trying to get to the geese, but the geese seem know they are safe if they stay in the open water and away from the edge of the ice.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Saw a flock of about 50 Sandhill Cranes flying over my neighborhood yesterday. Their call is very distinctive.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Haha! They'll be pretty shocked when they arrive in the Sunshine State - it's been a frigid 55 degrees in South FloridaChip wrote: ↑Saw a flock of about 50 Sandhill Cranes flying over my neighborhood yesterday. Their call is very distinctive.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Ok, I'll bite, pretty sure those are decoys
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
It's just starting to get cold enough to go camping.
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I love Sandhill Cranes! The "kettling" sound they make is so distinctive.Chip wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:46 am Saw a flock of about 50 Sandhill Cranes flying over my neighborhood yesterday. Their call is very distinctive.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/San ... e/overview
-
- Posts: 1242
- Joined: Fri Mar 02, 2007 9:16 am
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13x ... 9IKrd_voRi
Google says this is a red-bellied woodpecker. Mid-Atlantic, MD.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yes! I saw one today on our platform feeder. When it landed, a bunch of pine siskins scattered. We have a suet cake out there too that's popular. We are in central NC.Faith20879 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 3:54 pm
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13x ... 9IKrd_voRi
Google says this is a red-bellied woodpecker. Mid-Atlantic, MD.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Also, yes (Philly area).
Today, I'm fairly sure I saw a red-tail hawk when I was out taking a walk. He swooped in fairly close and perched up in a tree, but took off when I moved closer to get a better look. He definitely had a red tail (viewed from below) and was the right size. The colors also matched.
Today, I'm fairly sure I saw a red-tail hawk when I was out taking a walk. He swooped in fairly close and perched up in a tree, but took off when I moved closer to get a better look. He definitely had a red tail (viewed from below) and was the right size. The colors also matched.
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I've had 2 separate sightings of the American Kestrel, the smallest falcon:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
What a handsome fellow!JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:50 pm I've had 2 separate sightings of the American Kestrel, the smallest falcon:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/
From your link, a charming scene:
"When nature calls, nestling kestrels back up, raise their tails, and squirt feces onto the walls of the nest cavity. The feces dry on the cavity walls and stay off the nestlings. The nest gets to be a smelly place, with feces on the walls and uneaten parts of small animals on the floor."
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
LOL. I'll have to go back and read about some of the other Kestrel behaviors!agbp wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 6:36 pmWhat a handsome fellow!JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 5:50 pm I've had 2 separate sightings of the American Kestrel, the smallest falcon:
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Kestrel/
From your link, a charming scene:
"When nature calls, nestling kestrels back up, raise their tails, and squirt feces onto the walls of the nest cavity. The feces dry on the cavity walls and stay off the nestlings. The nest gets to be a smelly place, with feces on the walls and uneaten parts of small animals on the floor."
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I saw two Sandhill Cranes (I am pretty sure) and (definitely) one Little Blue Heron today.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:50 amI love Sandhill Cranes! The "kettling" sound they make is so distinctive.Chip wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:46 am Saw a flock of about 50 Sandhill Cranes flying over my neighborhood yesterday. Their call is very distinctive.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/San ... e/overview
I was fishing at a Florida state park on the gulf and the weather was perfect!
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Cool! The range map at Cornell (link above) shows Sandhills are in Florida in the winter and year around (different parts of the state).mike@jb wrote: ↑Tue Dec 29, 2020 6:23 pmI saw two Sandhill Cranes (I am pretty sure) and (definitely) one Little Blue Heron today.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 7:50 amI love Sandhill Cranes! The "kettling" sound they make is so distinctive.Chip wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 4:46 am Saw a flock of about 50 Sandhill Cranes flying over my neighborhood yesterday. Their call is very distinctive.
Just another set of Canadian snowbirds on their way to Florida. I don't know how they beat the border controls.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/San ... e/overview
I was fishing at a Florida state park on the gulf and the weather was perfect!
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Today's visitors to my backyard: cardinals, starlings, mourning doves, a downy woodpecker, and a bunch of sparrows. I got a picture of the downy woodpecker on the river birch.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
***Like*** And agree.Miriam2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
-
- Posts: 515
- Joined: Sun Apr 06, 2014 7:27 am
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
We've seen a lot of the red bellied woodpecker lately too in the western pa area.Faith20879 wrote: ↑Mon Dec 28, 2020 3:54 pm
https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d/13x ... 9IKrd_voRi
Google says this is a red-bellied woodpecker. Mid-Atlantic, MD.
My personal favorite is the red headed woodpecker. Beautiful bird.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19591
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Wild ducks on a lake a few miles from our home. Early winter morning. The sun was brilliant off the water.
Ducks are very cool.
j
Canon 5dMkIV 200mm L lens.
Ducks are very cool.
j
Canon 5dMkIV 200mm L lens.
Last edited by Sandtrap on Fri Jan 01, 2021 7:28 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Sandtrap
- Posts: 19591
- Joined: Sat Nov 26, 2016 5:32 pm
- Location: Hawaii No Ka Oi - white sandy beaches, N. Arizona 1 mile high.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Likely someone here is a bird expert. I am not.
I call them "quackers", there are quite a few mountain lakes around us so there are a lot of "quackers", also other birds that frequent lakes.
The plain brown smaller ones in the picture are lady ducks, I think. And the large brighter colored ones are dad ducks.
j
dad duck. .. . mallard???
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yes, mallard.
We have hooded mergansers steaming around the creek today.
We have hooded mergansers steaming around the creek today.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Miriam2:Miriam2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
How kind! The real credit goes to birds and our wild world in general especially during the challenging world of 2020 and to all of the other BH's who post with their sightings, photos, etc.
Here's a toast to the birds!
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Agree with Miriam2. This is THE thread I am most excited to see new posts in. Thank you to all who contributed.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 8:41 amMiriam2:Miriam2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
How kind! The real credit goes to birds and our wild world in general especially during the challenging world of 2020 and to all of the other BH's who post with their sightings, photos, etc.
Here's a toast to the birds!
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
That's one great thing about wild birds - you never know what you're going to see! Even the usual suspects are fun to watch, though, IMO. I also like to learn about other birds in other parts of the US.Dottie57 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 12:58 pmAgree with Miriam2. This is THE thread I am most excited to see new posts in. Thank you to all who contributed.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 8:41 amMiriam2:Miriam2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
How kind! The real credit goes to birds and our wild world in general especially during the challenging world of 2020 and to all of the other BH's who post with their sightings, photos, etc.
Here's a toast to the birds!
Miriam2's Snoopy and Woodstock photo made me wonder what species Woodstock is? Anyway, they are cute BFF's.
"Woodstock is a bird who is Snoopy's best friend. The only non-bird character who can understand Woodstock's speech is Snoopy."
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Thank you (again) Miriam2 for your entire post as perfectly illustrated by Snoopy and Woodstock. (I just happen to have two tiny Snoopy/Woodstock carviings I taped to the top of my Mac desk top - one of them sledding together, Snoopy in his dog dish, Woodstock in his nest; the other of them catching snowflakes on their tongues.)JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 1:27 pmThat's one great thing about wild birds - you never know what you're going to see! Even the usual suspects are fun to watch, though, IMO. I also like to learn about other birds in other parts of the US.Dottie57 wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 12:58 pmAgree with Miriam2. This is THE thread I am most excited to see new posts in. Thank you to all who contributed.JAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Sat Jan 02, 2021 8:41 amMiriam2:Miriam2 wrote: ↑Fri Jan 01, 2021 4:54 pm I nominate this thread - "Bird watchers - what birds are you seeing?" - as The Thread Of The Year
This delightful thread with its gorgeous photos of birds, many taken by Bogleheads, has been the most uplifting respite during this weary year.
Thank you, JAZZISCOOL, for not only beginning this thread, but keeping it lively and educational the year long.
"We are the music makers and we are the dreamers of the dreams . . . So shines a good deed in a weary world."
-- Willie Wonka
How kind! The real credit goes to birds and our wild world in general especially during the challenging world of 2020 and to all of the other BH's who post with their sightings, photos, etc.
Here's a toast to the birds!
Miriam2's Snoopy and Woodstock photo made me wonder what species Woodstock is? Anyway, they are cute BFF's.
"Woodstock is a bird who is Snoopy's best friend. The only non-bird character who can understand Woodstock's speech is Snoopy."
And thank you JAZZISCOOL for this great site, which I check in on daily even though i've made no new contributions for awhile (no new birds in the yard). As for Woodstock, I haven't wondered about his species as much as his sweet, but inexplicable friendship with a dog, even if it is the great Snoopy. Only Charles Schulz could've made that work so well.
"Yes, investing is simple. But it is not easy, for it requires discipline, patience, steadfastness, and that most uncommon of all gifts, common sense." ~Jack Bogle
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
New yardbirds showed up yesterday, a flock of Common Redpolls (or a Gallup of Redpolls as my witty neighbor said).
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
10 Hooded Mergansers steaming up the creek acting like they were the 7th fleet.
Don't trust me, look it up. https://www.irs.gov/forms-instructions-and-publications
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Nice! I had to read up on Common Redpolls - haven't seen any before. They look a little like the male house finches (with red) but slightly different color placement and the head feathers look different. Also, the females have red as well.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll
I saw a large flock of Bushtits earlier - so fun to watch. Love suet.
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Yes, and they behave a lot like Pine SiskinsJAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 3:03 pmNice! I had to read up on Common Redpolls - haven't seen any before. They look a little like the male house finches (with red) but slightly different color placement and the head feathers look different. Also, the females have red as well.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll
- JAZZISCOOL
- Posts: 2658
- Joined: Sat May 18, 2019 11:49 am
- Location: Colorado - 5,700 ft.
Re: Bird watchers – what birds are you seeing?
Nice! I had my first flock of Pine Siskins come through in the past couple months. That was fun too.Hubris wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 3:15 pmYes, and they behave a lot like Pine SiskinsJAZZISCOOL wrote: ↑Mon Jan 04, 2021 3:03 pmNice! I had to read up on Common Redpolls - haven't seen any before. They look a little like the male house finches (with red) but slightly different color placement and the head feathers look different. Also, the females have red as well.
https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Redpoll