Monthly Archives: September 2016

Dog knows “leave it.” Human, not so much.

I’ve been meaning to get some pictures of the small flock of Northern Flickers that has been visiting the back field for a week or so, but instead I got flicker feathers. Picked them up from under the big wild cherry tree about an hour ago.

Radar is the one who found them, in fact. “Bird,” I said. “Leave it. Back up.” He did. Hm, amazing. Is almost 14 months old the age German Shepherds achieve sanity?

A hawk has been hanging around, medium sized, mostly dark brown. That’s who I’m going to peg as the flicker predator.

Do other people save pretty feathers? Maybe someone I know will want them.

Dear flicker, I’m sorry you died. But your life-force lives on, food for that hawk, and bits of your beauty live on, in this ziplock bag.

Feather ID… CLICK HERE to see a Northern Flicker in flight.

Bad feather day?

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Catbird not a morning person.

It was chilly this morning, but not full-on winter-fluff chilly. Maybe this bird is molting?

It’s still phoebe summer

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Eastern phoebe in the bayberry bush by the pond.

I’m happy to see this summer bird is still around.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Eastern Phoebe Migration

Short to medium distance migrant. Eastern Phoebes are among the first migrants to return to their breeding grounds in spring—sometimes as early as March. They migrate south in September–November, finding wintering habitat in the central latitudes of the United States south to Mexico.

Phoebe on the garden fence.

Cornell Lab cool phoebe facts…

In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe’s leg to track its return in successive years.

Sandpiper is still there

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Good morning, Solitary Sandpiper. Still out at the pond.

First spotted and photographed yesterday afternoon: Sandpiper on our pond “beach”

Just passing through, it appears.

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It was not easily spooked. The dog and I were pretty close to it.

Sandpiper butt.

Fisher king

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It’s a kingfisher, I swear! And I’m counting it as backyard bird #57.

I have been trying to get a photo of a Belted Kingfisher out by the pond for a few years now. I either don’t have my camera with me when they are perched and holding still or I do have my camera with me and they zoom past like little aerial missiles (see above).

With its top-heavy physique, energetic flight, and piercing rattle, the Belted Kingfisher seems to have an air of self-importance as it patrols up and down rivers and shorelines.

They are noisy and I often hear them before (or without) seeing them.

Male and female Belted Kingfishers give strident, mechanical rattles in response to the slightest disturbance. When threatened they may give screams, which males sometimes combine with harsh calls.

Sandpiper on our pond “beach”

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This bird is not just alone, it’s Solitary.

I think it’s a Solitary Sandpiper.

Our pond is so low now due to drought that it has a new “beach” along the edge. And now it has a sandpiper too!

Cornell Lab of Ornithology on the Solitary Sandpiper…

Breeds in taiga, nesting in trees in deserted songbird nests. In migration and winter found along freshwater ponds, stream edges, temporary pools, flooded ditches and fields, more commonly in wooded regions, less frequently on mudflats and open marshes.

Backyard bird #56!