Yesterday was a great day for Birding in and around my backyard on the 13th
Concession Townsend. The day started with a Turkey Hen and her poults jumping
out of the Hayfield and on to the lawn. We have seen her and the poults daily
for a week mostly in the hayfield. At least one male Bobolink was seen in the
hayfield as well. There are three Tree Swallow nests in the nest boxes and one
Barn Swallow nest under the roof of the Front Porch. All have babies at
various stages. A pair of Baltimore Orioles frequents the yard with the male
spending a lot of time tapping at the Kitchen window. He probably wants more
Grape Jelly or another half orange put out for them. At least two pairs of
Ruby Throats come to our feeder about every 15 to 20 minutes. We are seeing
some very interesting aerobatics. A number of Eastern Phoebes are tail wagging
usually on the lawn chairs and an Eastern Kingbird dropped in as well. Cedar
Waxwings finally discovered the Service Berries Yesterday. All the usual
culprits were there as well. Robins, we had five nesting pairs with on still
sitting; Chipping Sparrows, White Capped Sparrows, House Sparrows, Grackles,
Starlings, Red Wing Blackbirds, Turkey Vultures; Blue Birds (No nest this year
with thanks to the House Sparrows), Red Bellied Woodpeckers, Downy Woodpeckers,
and Flickers.
The highlight of the day was however, a Red Headed Woodpecker who crossed the
road (Concession 13) in front of our truck as we headed out to a Garden Centre.
I managed a couple of lousy photos with my little point and shoot camera
having left the big one at home. I am going looking for the Red Head today
with a long lens and hopefully will get some good shots. Last year we had a
Red Head in the yard and they have been seen on the Golf Course (Greens at
Renton).
I live 2.5 KM west of Townsend on the 13th Concession or Stone Quarry Road.
Richard Hardman
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