The Uncaged Bird - An Eastern Towhee

"Mirror, mirror, on the floor."


Are these juvenile Eastern Meadowlarks?

Apparently they are very young Starlings.


This character was giving me the eye from my roof. Then decided it was done posing for pictures. 


mrincredible said:

This character was giving me the eye from my roof. Then decided it was done posing for pictures. 

Great shot! Is it a Red Tailed Hawk?


Yes!  I saw it land on the gutter and fortunately had my phone. I was bummed because I was trying to take pictures of it in flight but my thumb kept missing the button. I was watching the bird and not my phone screen. 


Another feathered friend. In the Maple behind our house. Female Downy Woodpecker. 


mrincredible said:

Another feathered friend. In the Maple behind our house. Female Downy Woodpecker. 

What a beauty! I do get them. As soon as the Hummingbirds migrate I'll start putting up the suet cakes. I'm letting the Hummers fatten up for the trip so with all of the bird traffic at the feeders, I don't want to add to it with suet cakes. I'll miss the Hummers though. The males migrate in a few weeks, then the females and juveniles. I err on the side of caution and leave the nectar up until Oct. 15.


In the next few weeks, male Hummingbirds will be leaving. soon to be followed by females and juveniles. I err on the side of caution and leave my feeders up until 2 weeks after the last Hummer is sited. Usually I'm done by mid October.


I encountered a female house finch just sitting on a fence last week. Noticed the poor thing's eyes seemed closed. Sadly, we figured out she had conjunctivitis, according to the person I spoke with at Raptor Trust. I tried to catch her for over several hours Friday but failed.

So our regular bird feeders are down, and santized, for at least a week to hopefully stop the spread. 

Hummingbird feeders aren't getting drained as quickly as they were a week ago so I know they're slowly leaving. When they get close to me while I'm outside, I know they're getting ready to take off. 


blackcat said:

I encountered a female house finch just sitting on a fence last week. Noticed the poor thing's eyes seemed closed. Sadly, we figured out she had conjunctivitis, according to the person I spoke with at Raptor Trust. I tried to catch her for over several hours Friday but failed.

So our regular bird feeders are down, and santized, for at least a week to hopefully stop the spread. 

Hummingbird feeders aren't getting drained as quickly as they were a week ago so I know they're slowly leaving. When they get close to me while I'm outside, I know they're getting ready to take off. 

Sad to hear your house finch was sick. I went through a long empty period this summer, but in the past couple of weeks I see pairs chasing each other so the competition is on. My feeder is by my kitchen window so I can keep an eye on traffic. 

I'm mostly overwhelmed with Sparrows, they have even discouraged the Starlings! Lots of deafening Jays ready to scream at me if I walk out when they are dining!


My injured Blue Jay friend has me concerned. He can only flutter a short distance and hops around my garden or sits next to the retaining wall. 

I called Raptor Trust, sent them a picture, failed at trying to catch him at their suggestion but for over a week I've been putting food for him on a paper plate as he doesn't seem able to reach the feeder. 

He fluttered over the cat carrier I was using to corner him, before I could drop a small fleece blanket on him.

His wings are not dropping, he eats, and drinks, ( put a water bowl for him as I only so him once flutter up to the bird bath.

My fear is that one of the 2 TNR'd cats I care for will catch him.

My vet can't help so it will be a trek out to Raptor Trust and my car is not in great shape so I'll have to hold him till I can recruit my ex-husband to take me.


Are the hummers gone or should I refill my feeder again? I haven't seen any in a couple of weeks.


sac said:

Are the hummers gone or should I refill my feeder again? I haven't seen any in a couple of weeks.

I keep mine up till mid October, as even when our locals leave, the Hummers coming down from Canada stop by. I haven't seen a male in a few days. Females and juveniles leave a few weeks later. I'll post if I see more. Thanks for looking out for them.


Hummingbird spotted yesterday! Keep those feeders up!


Still watching my Blue Jay friend. After watching a Raptor Trust video of the recovery area with so many enclosed boxes, covered by draped fabric in front, I leaned more towards watching him recover here. I agreed if he got worse I would attempt to catch him. He looks good hopping about with the Doves and Sparrows in the day, but I get sad when the sunsets and I see him alone on the ground. He can sit on a very low branch so I'm hoping he chooses that in the dark. Growing the missing feathers back should take a few weeks. The minute the sun comes up I'm out with food, looking around for him.


Overnight temps will start dropping, Birds are enjoying the last days of afternoon bird baths.


My backyard, a veritable Hitchcock scene from The Birds.


Birds and Beasties are so thirsty. If you have no birdbaths leave out pots of water. My yard is filled with birds, squirrels, and deer during the day and at night a thirsty opossum and raccoon.

My Holly trees, taller than my house are filled with berries which add to the festivities. Robbins had a head start, but as the word gets out I'm seeing Blackbirds, even saw a Red Wing last week.


Thought you’d enjoy this short clip on the cassowary aka Murder Chicken



joanne said:

Thought you’d enjoy this short clip on the cassowary aka Murder Chicken


Very cute beasties!


@joanne, would you describe this Robin as "cheeky"?


I reckon he’s plotting something… rolleyes


joanne said:

I reckon he’s plotting something…
rolleyes

Well if he is, he's brought his friends.


My first Eastern Towhee! They should be flying south now.


With a large fountain and 3 birdbaths you would think there would be enough to satisfy the crowds. Apparently the feral cat's water dish was more appealing. I consider this high-risk behavior.


Turkeys know a safe place to visit during Thanksgiving is my garden.


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