backyard feeders

[Howieh]

We have had baby House Finches for a couple of weeks now.

Today we saw Mr. and Mrs Cardinal in the backyard feeding Baby Cardinal, I think it's a girl.  Pics coming soon.

Don't both sexes look like females for several months? We also have a young cardinal accompanying ma and pa to the feeder; a nice change from the cowbirds they raised during each of the past two years!

Chickadees and nuthatches have been very scarce this year - I have no idea why. I thought chickadees were a nuisance because they got in the way when I was trying to photograph other birds and they 'rock' the hummingbird feeder but they are certainly more welcome than the house sparrows that hog the regular feeder!

and finally, yesterday I had a family of raccoons pay a brief visit to my backyard; both parents and at least six(!) cubs (or kits?). That's the first time I've ever seen more than three young at once!

[rcflier]

We have had visits from 2 different Downys over the last couple of weeks.  They are both males with the red cap, but different amounts of red on each one.  One stayed for an amazing 45 minutes between 2 of our niger feeders a few evenings ago.  We were totally shocked with this prolonged visit.  Recently they have discovered our peanut feeder.

The hummers appear to be female ruby throated hummers, as they have no ruby throat, but simply white from the neck down over their breast.  They certainly don't stay long, but have enjoyed some of our Beard's Tongue flowers and the single feeder we have hanging near them.  Tonights' visit prompted this report!  

happy backyard birding,  bob

[mr.sharp-photo]

spotted a hummingbird sitting on our feeder, in the sun, enjoying life. thought my hummer left already. nice sight to see, although i know it won't last long.

just a reminder to all hummingbird feeder people to keep their feeders full for the next month to feed migrants.

[rcflier]

6pm - just had a visit from hummer, she is still around.

Mr. Downy is now a regular, making several visits each day to the niger and peanut feeders.

bob

[Howieh]

I still have at least two young (juveniles?) hummers around and if I'm lucky they both show up at the same time and put on an airshow! They are more skittish than my earlier birds but I'm still getting some ok shots with my SX50 (probably at or beyond 1000mm). Enjoy them while you can; my final backyard sighting last year was on Sept 6.

[Howieh]

I just hate these life changing decisions! Since I only have one feeder pole (a single shepherds hook) I just figured my hummingbirds would be gone by now and I could change to the regular feeder. Well guess what - the cardinals and some of the other birds have returned but I STILL have at least one hummer making regular visits and since the nectar is about to run out, if he (she?) shows up tomorrow morning I guess I'll refill for one last time. Yes, I know we are supposed to maintain our feeders for any migrants that might happen by but I've never seen any hummers after my regulars departed.

[Howieh]

Will wonders never cease?? She showed up early this morning and as I write this (it's 7:43pm!) she's having what I guess must be her last feed of the day! Guess I will be refilling the feeder! Will Friday the thirteenth be her last day here?