Three species of Grosbeak continue to visit daily: at least three pairs of
Rose-breasted (I've seen seven at once...a huge first for such numbers), nearly
as many Black-headed are here too (odd, last year it was more Black-headed than
Rose-breasted), and Evening Grosbeaks (in twos and threes) still come daily.
One young male looks to be a Rose-breasted/Black-headed hybrid…but I have no
experience judging such things.
There are at least one pair of Bullock's Orioles which visit my nectar feeders
(I drilled the holes a bit bigger for the lunkers). I always know they’re here
when I hear the feeder ‘thunk’ against the window. Stunning birds!
Broad-tailed and Black-chinned Hummingbirds are here, too; sometimes two or
three on a feeder at once. I’m on the lookout for the Rufus and Calliopes
which were here in droves last summer; when there were nearly 50 hummers at a
time here.
About those Lazuli Buntings…I mentioned I watched two scuffling over a place at
a feeder; later I noticed four of the little blue males flitting around in the
bushes. There was so much blue, that while I identified them as Lazuli
Buntings, I wonder if there wasn’t an Indigo in there with them…but I didn’t
get a good enough look. I just love these tiny little finches.
Has any one else noticed how many Brown-headed Cowbirds there are this year?
I’ve seen a dozen at a time here……dammit! On a sweeter note, in the hundred or
so black birds which visit, I see tons of Grackles and Red-wings…and the
occasional Yellow-headed Black-bird as well.
For those who remember the White-winged Dove which hung around last year, I’ve
not seen it in months. What ever messed up it’s feet later in the season,
seemed to make walking about impossible and it finally disappeared. I’ve not
seen it in months.
While all birds mentioned so far, I've seen already this morning...last year I
had Yellow Warblers, Yellow-rumped Warblers and a single American Redstart
visit, too. While I haven’t been very good about birding ‘UP’ the last several
days…I’ll keep ya posted. Maybe the Hermit Thrush will return, too.
Speaking of missing birds, while Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers and pairs of
Northern Flickers (Red) are all here...I've not yet seen the White-breasted
Nuthatches which bred here last year. I watched at least one pair feeding
fledglings they brought to the feeders.
Right here by the river, with the huge trees edging my place (well, and all the
feeders), this seems to be a pretty birdie place. Call me if you want access
IN the yard; I get up early and you're welcome weekends, but you can see both
sides of my yard easily from the street (W.Francisco) or pretty, little alley
out back. While I do mow the alley, the open back yards on either side of me
are not. The alley ends at the river just past my place; all the high grass,
huge bushes and giant trees make for a rather 'wild' place. Deer, raccoons and
the occasional black bear like it too. Please don't enter neighbors open
yards...and keep an eye out for those bears!
Beverly Jensen
719-989-1398
By the river where Oak and W.Francisco meet...in La Veta, CO
www.RuralChatter.blogspot.com
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