Among the Bohemians

Eating snow

I was determined to get some closer shots of the Bohemian waxwings flocking in my neighborhood this week.  I was also hoping to catch some of their clownish antics in addition to their beautiful coloring.  I spotted them almost immediately in the same location as last time, but this time I followed their flight into a part of the neighborhood I have never been.

I was astonished by the sheer number of mountain ash trees here.  There was at least half a dozen healthy trees, containing an abundance of fruit, within an area containing only three or four yards.  There was also plenty of shelter; places that the birds could escape to in the event of the arrival of a predator.

Waxwing greed

This feeder is mine:)

Bohemian waxwing scarfing it down

Beautiful pose

However these waxwings were not the only creatures enjoying the abundance in this tiny area of the neighborhood.

House sparrow female

Squirrel

The squirrels were chasing each other around this tree.  Unfortunately I didn't capture the action.  Next time perhaps.

Red-breasted nuthatch

The Nuthatches and Blue jays were enjoying the many feeders, that are also about in this same area.  This nuthatch was sneaking up on the feeder at the end of the fence.  He was taking the long route, first clinging to the stucko on the side of the house, then the window frame, before landing on the fence. 

The biggest surprise of the day, however, were the Pine Grosbeaks that I spotted among the Bohemian waxwings.

I only spotted the Pine Grosbeaks, because one of the males was singing a most delightful and unique song.

Two female Pine Grosbeaks

The Pine Grosbeaks were not eating the fruit.  They were after seed and unopened buds at the end of branches, which didn't grow last year.

Pine Grosbeak female

Female nibbling on a seed

The females are dull in their color, a sort of yellow green and gray; a nice camouflage color, but still beautiful.  The male below was very bright red, except for his black wings.  He really stood out against the blue of the sky and the naked branches of the trees.

Pine Grosbeak male

Male Grosbeak taking flight

The Grosbeaks are very shy.  I would have loved to get a closer view and photo.  I'm hoping to see them again soon for another photographic opportunity.

Enjoy,
Susan

The Raven family

Ravens in the tree top

Roughly two years ago I wrote a post about the Raven's nesting very near my home and their four offspring, they had four more offspring last year and I know they are nesting again right now because I have seen both parents collecting nesting materials.  A few weeks ago, I saw the Raven pair in flight with all eight of their offspring.  I recognized the first four only because one of these birds was, and still is so endearingly clumsy.  I didn't get much of a chance to observe the second set of offspring last year, so I know very little about them, aside from the fact that they were occasionally babysat by the older four siblings.  Are you confused yet?

While the parents are busy reconstructing their nest, their eight offspring can occasionally be observed socializing or playing together on the wind, most especially at dawn or dusk.  This past week I watched the oldest four play in the little forest for quite some time.  Aside from the clumsy Raven, one of the other Raven youngsters has a very deep, distinct voice, while the third is very curious, and the fourth somewhat nervous.

Clumsy Raven almost missed the mark

Struggling to right himself

They seemed to enjoy the snow fall and really love the gusting wind.  Apparently they also, enjoy a game of chase the tail of a Magpie occasionally, or playing tag with Blue Jays:) 

Curious Raven-wondering what I'm doing

Nervous Raven takes off at the slightest sound

Two of these older offspring even played at house a little last summer, when they practiced building a nest and protecting territory.

Magpie visits Raven

Raven's playmates

I only wish I could capture a photo of all four of these Ravens together.  I have been watching this Raven family for almost six years now, beginning with the parents when they first paired off.  Many people don't like Ravens, but I find that they are intelligent, playful, curious and quite charming, and I know that they recognize me when they see me. I have seen a Raven pair teach their young how to ride the currents of the wind, I have seen them feed and comfort their young.  I have seen them protecting their young by engaging Hawks and Eagles in the sky above their nests.  How could I not love these birds?

Enjoy,
Susan

Squirrel vs Magpies

Between work, family moving in and the cold weather, there hasn't been much opportunity to visit natural places this week, not until this morning that is.  When I left early this morning, I packed a bag of sunflowers seeds into my pocket for those birds that do not consume fruit, because our winters tend to be harsh and I like to leave some for the birds just in case they need the extra. 

So when I arrived in the forest, I scattered some of the seed on the ground, and as I continued on, scattered some more on tree stumps, under the bushes and on top of fallen logs.  I took some photos of woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees along the way.  I watched the waxwings as they flew in small flocks or took off with a small thunder of wings.  The morning was bright and beautiful, and thankfully not as cold as it has been.

Chickadee

Female Downy woodpecker

I have a habit of following a trail more than once, and I always return the way I came. So I was taking photos of some sunlit leaves back at the beginning of a trail, when I heard a ruckus behind me. Naturally I went closer to investigate, and was startled to see a squirrel engaged in battle with two magpies. 

Sunlit leaf

The last kind of behavior I expected to see was fighting between species, especially over food, yet they were clearly fighting over the sunflower seeds I had left on a brightly painted tree stump that some kind soul had left for decoration.

Two magpies and squirrel

Squirrel on the offensive

The action was fast and furious, and although I didn't get all of it on camera, it went on for quite some time.  There were several attempts by the magpies to get the seed.  They tried to approach the stump from every direction.  The squirrel however is apparently a fast and furious little warrior.

The beginning of attack

Here is the squirrel chasing off the magpies when they attempt to grab some of the seed.

The chase

 However the magpies really want that seed, so...

Race for the prize

They attempted to approach the stump from above, but the squirrel is smart, quick, and determined.  He chases them off but then, one of the birds makes a final sneaky attempt.  He almost makes it to the seed.

Sneaking up on the seed

However, he's too slow..... here comes the squirrel.

Full attack mode

 He chases the magpie off.

watch and guard

 He watches for any renewed effort by the magpies to steal the seed he has so obviously claimed for himself.

Enjoying the spoils of war

Apparently they have given up, so he settles down to enjoy the bounty.

I love learning about the behavior of wildlife, so this was an amazing experience for me.  Has anyone else ever witnessed this kind of behavior between two species?  If so please let me know in the comments:)

Enjoy,
Susan

 

Fully occupied trees and rooftops

Bohemian Waxwing in the distant tree tops

The population of Bohemian waxwings has exploded in the neighborhood since I first noticed their presence just before the New Year. 

There are literally thousands of these beauties.  They occupied every branch and treetop, and even the rooftops in the neighborhood.  I love watching as they flock from tree to tree by some unseen command, and fly through the sky like a school of fish in the ocean.

bits of fruit

Evidence of their presence in the neighborhood was everywhere, as shown in the photo above; the little bits of fruit all over the snow covered ground.  

A whirlwind arrival

However, you need not look for clues, as the waxwings are anything but quiet, unless there is a predator around.  The more waxwings in the area, the further their high pitched voices travel.  There were so many Bohemian Waxwings, I didn't know where to point the camera first.

Fully occupied

Eating snow

Here they are eating the snow on the rooftops to satisfy their thirst.

Landing

Take off

 They seemed to take turns landing on the rooftops to do so.

The next wave

Satisfying their thirst

But the slightest sound would have them take off again.

On every branch

Every once in a while they would fly off in smaller flocks in search of a nearby fruit tree to gorge themselves.  Then they would return to a sort of communal watering hole again, the rooftops.  They seem to choose a rooftop that is relatively safe, one surrounded by trees for an easy and quick retreat or escape.  In the photo above a large flock of Bohemians had landed in a tree close to a roof.  Every branch of the tree was occupied, with the exception of the lowest branches, it was a grand sight to behold. 

Blue Jay below the waxings

The presence of the waxwings seemed to encourage other bird species to come out into the open.  Nuthatches, chickadees and woodpeckers were everywhere.  Even the Blue Jays ventured out into the open.  What a delight.

Enjoy,
Susan

 

Winter Birds

light snow fall

January is typically the coldest month of the year, with steady temperatures normally in the lower negative double digits throughout the month.  However, this year temperatures have been bouncing up and down like a yoyo. 

The result is that no one has a chance to adjust to the weather and flu season has become particularly nasty this year, however, the warmer days allowed me to take myself and my camera out a couple of times last week.

Who wouldn't head out after all, and I had been missing my visits with nature terribly.  The birds that bring me such delight, the new discoveries and the peace it brings is just plain irresistible to me.

The first time I ventured out, it began to snow shortly after I left the house and although I saw a few Chickadees, as the snowfall became heavier even they went into hiding.

Chickadee

Heavy snow fall

Since I wasn't feeling all that well, I headed home.  Still, I did so reluctantly and somewhat disappointed. 

The next time I headed out again there was nothing disappointing about the outing.  The winter birds were everywhere.  These included the Bohemian Waxwing, Chickadee, Brown Creeper, White and Red breasted Nuthatch, and both species of Woodpecker.

Brown Creeper

Bohemian Waxwing on sentry duty

Male Downy

White breasted Nuthatch

House Finch

The day was sunny and golden, and so peaceful, that I just drank it all in. 

The only thing missing that I could tell, besides a notably absent  Blue Jay, was more time to enjoy it all. 

Enjoy,
Susan