Monday, March 18, 2024
Where Are the Eagles?
Monday, March 04, 2024
Watching the Eagles
Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Wednesday, December 27, 2023
Hundreds of Birds
Tuesday, November 28, 2023
Where Have All the Cardinals Gone?
We were a bit late in putting out a bird feeder for winter. We've seen chickadees, tufted titmouses, and blue jays, but no cardinals.
I miss the lovely red birds and I don't know where they went. They are not a migratory bird. It makes me wonder if there wasn't enough food around here this summer because of our drought. Or if we have the wrong food in the bird feeder. They like sunflower seeds the best (allegedly), and there is some of that in the mix.
Honestly, I haven't seen a cardinal in months. Of course, things like seeing birds are something one takes for granted, until suddenly they're not around. So maybe it hasn't been as long as I think.
Maybe it's been longer.
Today we have severe winds, 40 mph winds, that are knocking me offline every now and then.
The high winds are swinging the bird feeder all around, and I just watched a blue jay take a wild ride while trying to eat during what it thought must've been a lull in the breeze.
Most likely the feeder will need a refill by the time the winds blow themselves out, as the seed will be more on the ground.
Maybe the cardinals will find their way back. I hope so.
Wednesday, October 04, 2023
Friday, June 30, 2023
Fly Away
Yesterday as I was talking on the phone with a friend, I heard a "bam" against the front door.
I looked out and saw a bird fluttering on the porch. It looked dazed and confused.
The air was full of tree swallows, and they swirled around the hurt little bird, flying quickly in circles over it, so many that I could not count them. They flew fast and furiously, and my presence at the window did not deter them.
It was a magical site to see these beautiful blueish birds flying as if caught in a little tornado, round and round, over the head of the injured one.
I watched to see if the bird on the ground was simply dazed or hurt. It began fluttering and moving about, finally tumbling the inch from the porch onto the grass. I hung up the phone, and when I turned back, the birds were no longer flying around.
When I stepped outside to check, the one that banged into the door was gone. It had flown off to join the others.
It was pretty cool to see. It happened to fast I didn't get video or anything, but it really was a great moment with nature.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
My Brother's Peacock
The India Blue peacock, scientifically known as Pavo cristatus, has resplendent plumage and a majestic demeanor.
Renowned for their extravagant tails, India Blue peacocks possess a remarkable display of iridescent blue and green feathers. The male, or peacock, proudly flaunts his elaborate train, which can extend up to five feet in length. Each feather is adorned with eye-shaped patterns, known as ocelli, creating a mesmerizing visual spectacle. During mating rituals, the peacock fans out his tail and dances gracefully, attracting the attention of peahens, who evaluate the potential mate based on the quality of his display.
These magnificent birds are native to the Indian subcontinent, where they are deeply ingrained in the country's culture and mythology. In Indian folklore, the peacock symbolizes immortality, grace, and protection, often associated with gods and goddesses. Their presence in ancient Indian art and architecture further exemplifies their significance in the cultural heritage of the region.
Moreover, India Blue peacocks exhibit remarkable sexual dimorphism. While the males showcase their extravagant plumage, the females, known as peahens, possess more subdued feathers with shades of brown and gray. This striking contrast highlights the natural diversity within the species and emphasizes the evolutionary importance of attraction and courtship.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, India Blue peacocks contribute to the ecosystem by controlling pest populations. Their diet consists of insects, small reptiles, and vegetation, making them valuable allies in maintaining ecological balance.*
*ChatGPT assisted with the latter portion of this blog post.
Tuesday, January 31, 2023
Thursday, January 19, 2023
Thursday Thirteen - My Brother's Birds
Tuesday, January 10, 2023
Tuesday, July 05, 2022
Dazed and Confused
This female cardinal found herself somewhat trapped on the front porch the other night, and she bashed herself into the front door a couple of times and flew madly about the top of the porch, apparently unable to figure out she needed to go low to go high.
After a last head-bashing into the door, she found the grass. She sat there breathing very hard for quite a long time.
Finally, she flew towards the brushy thicket we have in the front yard, and a mockingbird attacked her.
I have no idea what happened after that. I didn't see feathers flying so I assume she was ok.
Poor bird. Just trying to go out for a fly, or to bring home a grub, and bam! Life hit her smack in the head.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Lady Cardinal
Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Northern Flicker
Friday, March 04, 2022
Tuesday, February 01, 2022
Signs of Spring?
Tuesday, September 21, 2021
Monday, August 16, 2021
Monday, August 02, 2021
August 2 Happiness Challenge
Today I am happy that I was able to catch pictures of the indigo bunting that were not through a screen!
This one is cool because I also caught a bug flying around the bird. |