Outdoor Ontario

Birding Reports => Backyard Birding => Topic started by: Rob'in'To on July 05, 2011, 01:25:50 PM

Title: Backyard Days
Post by: Rob'in'To on July 05, 2011, 01:25:50 PM

Well, taking it easy with summer here, enjoying the backyard and whatever comes around.  Not the best shots sharing here but gives you an idea of the antics on my chunk of land.  Be safe and see you all again soon enough!

It's not a bird, but a fun new addition to the surroundings, and as far as I can tell, there are at least two now.  In 8 years, I have only seen one Chipmunk around the house and he disappeared within a week.  These guys have been around for maybe a month now.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/chippy-1.jpg)

The fledging of the Starlings was a real pain.  Bullying buggers making life for everyone else stressful to say the least.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/antics0.jpg)

But I have a few bold Red-wing Blackbirds who come in and kick some bird butt!
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/gethim-1.jpg)

About 6 Common Grackles around lately, young'uns included, who also do a number on the pesky Starlings, in order to feed their babies.  Too bad these guys don't have a song though...  
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/antics4-1.jpg)

And when the Starlings aren't bugging, they beat eat each other up too.  That's feather in the one's mouth and it sure seems the other guy is high tailing it outta there after losing a few.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/antics3-1.jpg)

A lot of Squirrel brawling lately as well.  Black Fur and Baby Grey are tearing it up!  Black Fur has been working on the drama faces as you can see.  I hope to post a series with commentary in the coming weeks.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/fite5-1.jpg)

His face is going to freeze like that if he keeps it going.
(http://i280.photobucket.com/albums/kk187/lilevl13/bb5-1.jpg)

We also got Chickadees suddenly appearing again this week with young.  Blue Jays and Cardinals as well.  The Red-wings have been bringing their young since last week.

Title:
Post by: JW Mills on July 05, 2011, 05:04:33 PM

Hey Rob, nice pics of a busy yard!

Title:
Post by: angieinto on July 05, 2011, 08:52:26 PM

Never a dull moment over here, you'll have to come over for an afternoon before the summer is out. Rob can show off his BBQ skills.   :lol:

Title:
Post by: Howieh on July 06, 2011, 05:11:08 PM

That last picture is really cool - looks like squirrels engaged in ultimate fighting! I was up early this morning with acid reflux so I went down to the computer room the watch the feeders. My female hummer actually showed up before 5:30am! Also had a very emaciated cottontail hopping around the backyard along with the usual visitors, cardinal family, chickadee family, grackles, robins and of course sparrows - no sign of the orioles that were here last week, drat! :)

Title:
Post by: JimmyM on July 07, 2011, 10:01:52 AM

Nice photos and subjects -good commentary as well.
Lots of interesting things can happen in a small backyard area - just have to spend more time paying attention to whats going on. Probably see more of the " just passing through" birds as well.
Jim

Title:
Post by: Rob'in'To on July 10, 2011, 11:06:02 AM

Absolutely!

A Mockingbird visits lately, browses the area/feeders/baths, and then leaves.

And to my surprise, have been seeing Red-breasted Nuthatches at the feeders as well.  Normally I don't see them until November.  What's up with that?