Spring Sprung some more in the yard...

[Rob'in'To]

I posted shots of the rising Chipmunk, the male House Sparrow claiming one of the birdhouses.

We had a Red-winged Blackbird through much of the weekend in the backyard.

And today our first Common Grackle showed up.  I like the Grackles...  call me a freak but they are cool birds.  I understand the nuisance they can be at the feeders in large numbers and there are ways to combat that...  or embrace them.  We usually get a couple pairs all summer and that's it.  And a few babies later in the summer.

[Howieh]

I looked out the window a few nights ago and thought I saw something small racing around under the feeder. I grabbed the rechargeable flashlight I keep in the computer room and was able to watch a very small mouse grabbing birdseed; it never stopped for more than a split second (defensive action?) but I got pretty good looks at it...better not tell the boss or she'll order me to take down the feeders!

Still lots of robins and starlings around and for the first time ever I had three downy woodpeckers looking for handouts but still haven't seen a goldfinch for several weeks...hey Rob, how are the budgies doing?

[Rob'in'To]

We had a field mouse this morning.  And then a Sharp-shinned Hawk got it.  And then an angry grey Squirrel came around and layed a smack down on the Hawk.  It was something to see!  I got a few pics I am going to post tomorrow.  Not great shots but you can see the Hawk defending itself in all it's might...  wings out, chest out, tail flared.

Budgies are doing great!  The little guy fits right in with the family.  And he's quite smitten with the older female.  He NEEDS to be near her...  even in separate cages.  She on the other hand could care less about the little Romeo.  She's got her lovey friend in her mirror and that's who she is loyal to.  Thanks for asking!