Posts
This pretty Northern flicker was busily building a nest in the hollow of one of our older willows. She worked for weeks and I was sure that she was laying eggs any day. Unfortunately the starlings got in there and threw all of her eggs out. Doyle has now been given the OK to kill all starlings on site. Dang rotten birds. They seem to do this every year. I am amazed anything survives the starlings in Idaho.
This little nuthatch was building a nest in our barnwood Christmas house from the kids. She seemed to be building in tandem with a pair of tree swallows who were also trying to nest in it. They seemed to take turns adding to it. This went on for weeks but now no one is using it. Apparently sharing was out of the question. I am bummed because nuthatches are really fun to watch.
And finally our mystery bird. I think it may be some sort of tanager but not sure at all. Very orange in color and we can't find it in the bird book. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
We have also spotted finches, Cedar Waxwings, grosbeaks and juncos. This year we are growing lots of sunflowers to feed all the pretty birds. Sunflowers don't take up that much room and birds really love them. We have also dried and stored them to be brought out in the winter time. It always seems to be a nice treat for them when there is way too much snow on the ground.
Heather lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteBullock's Oriole would be a lifer for me, Heather. Congrats on your capture.
ReplyDeleteThe goldfinches around here love it when we grow sunflowers. They also enjoy the Russian Sage.
ReplyDeleteNice bird pics.
You are so thoughtful, Heather! Birds should love you!
ReplyDeleteSad for the birds. I hope they found somewhere to be! Nice pictures.
ReplyDeleteNice pictures of the birds Heather. I'll bet they love having the sunflower seeds in winter when the ground is covered with snow.
ReplyDeleteHi heather, not sure about which Oriole you have, but it's an oriole! They love grape jelly on a small tray feeder, as well as halved oranges hooked on a nail in a tree..even hummingbird feeders attract them,it's been a great year for them here. Brian-love to see all you guys do!
ReplyDeleteIt's so fun watching the birds. Too bad the birds sharing the house both left. We've had that happen here before. What a nice birdhouse too.
ReplyDeleteI've just discovered your blog and am enjoying reading about a 'neighbor'. Living with and learning the local and migratory birds has been one of the unexpected pleasures of gardening for me. The best way I've found to really know who is around is by learning their songs. Birds are so often hidden in foliage or out of sight in a nearby yard, that it's not always easy to identify them visually. But when you learn their songs, you've got 'em instantly.
ReplyDeleteI love flickers...drat those starlings!!!
ReplyDeleteWe're having trouble in Virginia with the starlings and crows doing the same thing to the robins. Thankfully the robins are prolific, but we seem to be finding an unusually high amount of blue eggs broken on the ground.
ReplyDeletedogear6
That's so funny: We had a sparrow pair and a tree swallow pair competing for one garden house. Finally the sparrow pair gave up and moved to the other house. They are not very happy neighbors now, but I enjoy hearing them chatter at one another.
ReplyDeleteIt was very useful for me. Keep sharing such ideas in the future as well. This was actually what I was looking for, and I am glad to came here! Thanks for sharing the such information with us.
ReplyDelete