Many Things Avian

At 7:30am it was raining slightly when I first attempted to head out back for a quick morning photo shoot.  Upon feeling the raindrops I used a bit of discretion and decided to wait for a little while to see if it would clear up.  The birds were not deterred by the rain.  In fact, they were louder than ever, it seemed.  I could hear Red Winged Blackbirds, Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals and even this morning, a Northern Mockingbird.  The Northern Mockingbird has been absent of late, around the feeder, so hearing it's melodic tune was quite a surprise.

I again tried to venture out around 8:45am.  It seemed brighter out then and the rain had abated, for now.  I grabbed my two remote peanut flashes and put one on each feeder.  I attached my Canon 580II to my camera and headed downstairs with my usual mix of birdseed.  This morning however I'd added a few sprinkles of Raisin Bran to see if anyone noticed.

The copse was alive with activity.  Squirrels were playing in the trees, the Gray Catbird was hopping from branch to branch in the undergrowth, peeking out every once in a while to keep it's eye on me, the male and female Northern Cardinal were out also, chipping to one another, back and forth.  The Red Winged Blackbirds were also here in abundance.  Some Common Grackles seemed to be intermixed within the flock and everyone seemed hungry.

It wasn't long before birds started showing great interest in the food on the feeders.  First the female cardinal, (it seems that she's the braver than the male), came and grabbed a few sunflower seeds and flitted to a nearby branch.  That seemed to be the signal they were waiting for.  For about thirty minutes it was a feeding free-for-all!  Then, as quickly as it started, it stopped.  No worries for me however, my photographic experiment seemed to work out just fine.  Note:  Only the Gray Catbird seemed to be the least bit interested in the Raisin Bran.  He grabbed one raisin and didn't appear at the feeders again, while I was out there.

Though I only stayed outside for a brief amount of time, I captured some great shots of our daily visitors.  I even saw a couple of House Finches in the bushes, but they stayed out of camera range.   They are a new visitor to the area.  I've only seen them once before.  I'm not worried though.  I'll get them yet!

I now have a quest!!!

A Perceived Enemy

Let me start by saying that I know that this will not be the most favorite blog entry that I produce.  Furthermore, I will venture to say that if there are any die-hard bird lovers out there reading this, that I will probably be thought of as a charlatan in the birding world and if someone could, I would be forced to stop blogging about birds altogether.  But the time has come for someone to stand up and say what many are thinking, but are afraid to say.  Now understand, I'm ready for the onslaught of hate mail and derisive comments that are bound to come my way.  In fact, I welcome them.  As someone once said, "Negative attention is still attention."  With all that being said, I will now tell you how I feel about a very sensitive subject.  "I like squirrels!!"  With that being said, I will now try and back my comment with some hard facts and concrete observations, based on many years of birding and attempting to fight the demon that is squirrel.

About ten years ago, my wife told me of a bird feeder that she had once created.  It was a two foot by two foot square piece of wood, stuck atop a 4x4 and anchored into the ground.  Every morning, without fail, she would put any and all foods that she didn't use or her family didn't eat the day before, (apple peals, leftovers, stale bread, for example), out on the feeder.  She assures me that the next morning the feeder was clean and empty.  Now I know what many of you are thinking.  What about rats and raccoons and opossums?  Well, I'm sure that there were those types of visitors on and around the area, but they didn't cause any problems.  In fact, the rats attracted owls and after a short period of time the owls were regulating, as in nature, the amount of rats in the area.  The raccoons and opossums did their part to clean up any and all food that the birds didn't eat.  Now I'm not saying that that is a proper way to feed birds, but it did teach me something about nature.  Nothing goes to waste.

Fast forward ten years and we have now adopted the same philosophy here, using a minimalistic approach.  We still throw out leftovers, feeding the raccoons and opossums, along with a few feral cats.  As for birdseed we make a special mixture of millet, large striped sunflower seeds, small black sunflower seeds and thistle seed, (niger).  We also add shredded coconut and shelled and unshelled peanuts, along with raisins.  The two platform feeders that I built are both three foot by three foot square, lightly polyurethaned, on eight foot tall 4x4's buried two feet into the ground.  These feeders are filled daily with our special mixture of seed.  There is no baffle on the feeder, nor is there any attempt to stop ANY creature, avian or otherwise from eating on the feeder.

Squirrels visit daily also.   Currently we have three squirrels that frequent the feeders, but never at the same time.  They have a hierarchy amongst themselves and they never break their own rules.  They are polite, orderly and organized.  If another squirrel comes into the area, he/she is driven away and is relegated to another area such as in the front of the apartments rather than where the feeders are in the back.  There is always enough food for birds and squirrels alike.  There is no fighting, (save an occasional Mourning Dove squabble), on the feeders.

Our squirrels also monitor the goings-on in the copse, chattering and issuing a loud warning should something be amiss.  The birds and the squirrels co-exist harmoniously.  We seen Painted Buntings, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays, Gray Catbirds, Brown Thrashers, Carolina Wrens and even various Warblers on the feeders eating at the same time as a squirrel.

So, at the risk of causing a great rift in the cosmos, I ask that you take a second look at the squirrel, not as a nuisance, but rather another of God's creatures attempting to eek out an existence.

Here are some more facts that you will probably not like, but need to hear.

1)  Baby squirrels learn EVERYTHING that their parents have learned and teach it to their young, along with anything that they've learned in their lives.  So outsmarting them is virtually impossible.
2)  There have been many studies done and there are NO "squirrel-proof" bird feeders.  Some do limit the amount of seeds they have access to, but there are NONE that are 100% "squirrel-proof!"  Get over it!

And finally....

3)  If you give squirrels a chance and change your bird feeding habits, (we are supposedly the top of the food chain), then we can co-exist with squirrels, learning from them, laughing at their antics and loving them for the witty and comical creatures that they are.

Northern Mockingbird

The Northern Mockingbird, (Mimicus Polyglottos) is the defender of the area near and around our feeder. We've nicknamed him "The Sentinel" because nothing will get past him when he's on his watch.  During breeding season, (early February) he stands guard over his territory with a diligence that few can muster.   If he's singing, all is well in the 1/2 acre wood.  If not, you will see him flying from tree to tree sometimes displaying, (fanning his wings out in a fashion that draws attention to the bright white stripes and making him seem bigger than he really is), and other times, "mobbing", (flying after and diving towards his target), the unwelcome visitor until it leaves the area.

When "The Sentinel" is not on patrol he can be found hopping from branch to branch in the Queen Anne's Lace, (Daucus carota), searching for the succulent berries the plant produces.  He can also be seen picking at the delicate flower, pulling off the unopened buds and eating them with surprising speed.  He's also been known to grace our feeder from time to time for a raisin or a piece of shredded coconut.  When on the feeder the other birds give him ample room.  I suspect it's because they know that he'll only be staying long enough to grab what he wants and then he's off again to guard the neighborhood.

Regardless of his behavior, Florida's State bird is a beautiful creature who's song, in the spring, will amaze.  For hours and hours on end he will sit atop the highest vantage point in the neighborhood and sing his melodic tune for all to hear.  Being the birding world's greatest mimic, many of his sounds are directly stolen from his avian neighbors.  The Northern Mockingbirds in our neighborhood seem to love mimicking the Northern Cardinal, The Gray Catbird, and also the many warblers that live in the area.  They will even occasionally mimic a Blue Jay or even a Red Tailed Hawk.

We've come to know and love our Northern Mockingbirds.  They let us know when spring has arrived by their glorious melodies.  The song says it all...

 "Listen to the Mockingbird...."

Blue Jay

Cyanocitta cristata, the Blue Jay, is a daily visitor to our feeders.  Though usually loud and boisterous, the Blue Jay at times, is more reserved.  Seemingly the Blue Jay has various moods and depending on those moods the Blue Jay may spend it's time warbling and chortling, as if there is something important to say that others should not hear.

Traveling in small groups, Blue Jays seem to be the 'town criers' of the neighborhood.  Should anything be deemed a threat, the group will start a loud and very visual display, not only showing everyone where the perceived threat is, but at the same time they will try and eliminate it by harrassing it and making it move on to another location.  Owls, snakes and even cats are no match for a determined group of Blue Jays.  Many times Mockingbirds, (Mimus polyglottas) will join in on the cause, helping rid the neighborhood of the menace.

Regardless of the mood, the Blue Jay is a valued member of our woods.  Something would be amiss, should all those calls, chortles, warbles and coos disappear.  If you aren't privileged enough to have a Blue Jay or two at your feeders, simply add shelled or unshelled peanuts to your mix and it won't be long until you have a cacophony of sound in your backyard.

Northern Cardinal

This morning after putting out our normal specialty mix of birdseed on our two platform feeders, I hunkered down for what I thought would be a long wait.  You see, when I arrived at the feeders there were no birds in sight, in fact, there were no hints of birds anywhere in the area by either sight or sound!  I assumed it would be quite the wait for any photographic opportunities.  I was very wrong!

 Within seconds it seemed, the trees and undergrowth came alive with movement.  Within seconds of the movement, there was a variety of chips and chortles coming from seemingly everywhere.  I first saw her gazing at me from behind a branch of thick green leaves.  She was calling out a quick, "chip, chip, chip". I'm not sure if it was a call that I was there or that perhaps the food was there?  Regardless, she was there and clearly interested in what was going on.


The beauty of the female Northern Cardinal, (Cardinalis cardinalis) is very under rated!  Her bright orange beak, suitably made for cracking the hardest of shells, is separated from the highlights her beautiful red-orange crest only by the slightest of a thin black outline.  Her colorful wings start out by her breast with a yellowish-orange color, which gradually blends into a vibrant red at the tips.  Her tale follows suit similarly, with a distinct occasional black highlight.  In the sunlight, the female Northern Cardinal can easily match her mate in a beauty contest.

If you are ever lucky enough to get the opportunity to observe the female Northern Cardinal  for any length of time, you will be pleasantly surprised at what you see.  Her beauty and grace is matched only by her tenacity at the feeder and her ability to disappear when she doesn't want to be seen.   She is seemingly very loyal and she won't be found far from her mate.
When she's not at the feeders cracking her favorite seed, (the large striped sunflower), she will be nearby, resting on a branch, preening and observing.  You'll have to look hard to find her however, as she blends in with her surroundings quite well.

There is never a disappointing day outback at the feeders!

Viera, But Not Meredith!

This morning, upon awakening, I had found that my wonderful wife, who got up much earlier than I did, did some internet searching and found a destination where I could take pictures and at the same time, she could enjoy the view.  "How about Melbourne's Viera Wetlands as a day trip", she asked?  A flashback to two years ago; hundreds of pictures, thousands of birds.  Oh yeah........our day was planned!!  We're going to Viera!!!

We arrived in Melbourne at the Viera Wetlands, (known officially as "Ritch Grissom Memorial Wetlands at Viera), around 10:00am.  The weather was absolutely perfect and as expected, the birds were everywhere.  Within seconds upon entering the gates there were more birds than one could imagine and a photo opportunity in every direction.  At a time like this a photographer has to make a decision;  do you search for specific subjects and dedicate your time to finding them or do you just take as many pictures as possible and sort it out later?  I opted for the latter.

It's been many years since I've been in the position of having a great shot in any direction I pointed the camera, so I was in my element!  There were Tree Swallows, (Tachycineta bicolor), American Coots, (Fulica americana), Common Moorhens, (Gallinula chloropus), in abundance and we'd barely gotten into the preserve!  I saw so many different birds that I truthfully lost count.  All I do know is that I took a LOT of pictures!


When I got home I was truthfully astounded at the actual amount of pictures I really did take 951 pictures!!!  After sorting out the duplicates, (I tend to hold the button down), and the 'bad ones', (which there weren't many, maybe 15), I had a nice round figure of 250 pictures to add to my bird photography collection.


All I have to say is that the Viera Wetlands is truly a must see for any serious birder!  You will never be disappointed! 

Meow?

Today was not the day to venture out and take pictures.  At least that was the case early this morning.  It was drizzling when I first opened my eyes at 6:30am, but by 8:30am it had stopped raining and was getting windy.  Note:  There's a cold front approaching and it should bring rain tonight followed by some cold temperatures early this weekend.

As I stood out back waiting for someone to grace my feeders, there was a small skirmish to my right, deep in the undergrowth.  I initially thought it was two squirrels fighting over territory, but then as suddenly all was quiet.  Then I heard it.  A faint, but unmistakeable 'meow'.  A cat?  No.  It can't be.  Wait, I know...it was nature's perfect cat impersonator; the Gray Catbird, (Durnetella carolinensis).

At first, I didn't see him/her.  The slate gray color and their black skull cap makes them virtually impossible to locate, if they don't want you to see them!  This visitor however did want me to see him/her, as he/she flitted and hopped from branch to branch, always partially in sight, but still deep enough in the shadows so that a picture was almost impossible.  I'm beginning to think that they know that I'm taking their pictures and sometimes they just don't want to be bothered.

As I've said before, patience is my one true virtue and again it did not let me down.  As the sun creeped ever so slowly across the sky, more and more bits and pieces of filtered sunlight dotted my woodland copse, it became impossible for Mr/Mrs. Catbird to hide and so finally the opportunity presented itself and I got the above shot.  Immediately the bird then flew deeper into the thicket, as if to say, "one picture is enough for today".  I remained steadfast in my resolve.  I wanted more!

I watched as Norther Cardinals, Mourning Doves, Painted Buntings, (females only) and the ever present Blue Jays came and went at my feeders.  Now this has become a quest.  I wanted more pictures of the elegant, though elusive Gray Catbird.  


The sun was up now and my backyard wood scape was awash with both large and ever so small spots of filtered sunshine.  I knew it was now inevitable that my quest was to soon be fulfilled.  And I was right.  As if on cue, it was treated to one of the most beautiful poses that a Gray Catbird can offer; tail up, the head erect, with alertness oozing from every pore.  "Take my picture," he/she seemed to say!

Knowing that raisins are, (excuse the pun), 'catnip' to a Gray Catbird, (and having included them into my birdseed mix this morning), it was only moments before he/she lit on my platform feeder, albeit for only one or two seconds, (enough time as to secure a morning raisin treat).


What a beautiful, elegant and graceful bird the Gray Catbird is!  We are lucky enough to have three pairs in our woods this time of year and being a careful observer I've come to learn about these creatures of habit, making it easier to get more and more photographs of this lovely creature.

It was another successful day in the 1/2 acre woods.  Thank you Mr/Mrs. Gray Catbird.  You are a gracious guest.

Let the "meowing" continue....