As Gentle as a Dove

The birds in our backyard are busy nesting, so we don't see as many visits to the feeder. The House Sparrows are doing very well with raising their broods. We are seeing the second group of fledglings come to the deck and the parents feed them from the feeder. We have a pesky squirrel or two that want to come and gorge, but they won't leave until they've eaten every seed. Their presence keeps the birds away, too. We are letting them know that they are NOT welcome. This week we have obsevered Mourning Doves, Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, House Sparrows, Tufted Tit-Mouse, and we are hearing the Great Horned Owl at night.

First Indigo Bunting Sighting

I have been recovering from surgery the last 10 days, so I haven't been birding. I was going toward the window with the camera ready...thinking that I was going to be taking pictures of some Chickadees. I get up to the window and there was this beautiful blue bird feeding at our feeder. I feel the Lord Jesus has given me a gift, because I have been hoping to see a blue colored bird when I started this birdwatching project!

Also, yesterday we spotted an Eastern Bluebird out in the backyard. Too far away for my camera to get a picture. I will try to find a picture to download so you can see what it looks like. Very beautiful bird, also, with pastel coloring...blue, orange, white tummy.

White Crowned Sparrow

We have some very pretty White Crowned Sparrows in our yard. I love their whistle song and like to sing along with them : )

Harris's Sparrow

There are several Harris's Sparrows that frequent the feeder. I think they are very pretty. When I listened to their song online, I was so surprised to hear that it is that pretty whistle tune I usually hear in the late afternoon/evening. I love it!

Robin Eggs Hatch

I have disappointing news...the eggs must have hatched yesterday or today, but they didn't survive. Two baby birds hatched. We had pretty bad weather here, so I'm thinking it was just too rainy and cold for them. Hopefully the Robins will try again. I've read that they can produce 3 broods a year. The other nest that I discovered in the Holly Berry Trees isn't even there anymore. I can only guess that the hard deluge of rain brought it down.

Baltimore Oriole: Astounding!!

I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked up and saw this magnificent bird. I have never seen one in my life! Folks, I have a Baltimore Oriole! Can you tell that I'm excited : )

All Kinds of Sparrows

House Sparrow, Male

House Sparrow, Female

Harris's Sparrow

Female House Sparrow feeding her fledgling.

White Crowned Sparrow

Fledgling Male House Sparrow.

This last weekend was a weekend of lots of different Sparrows at the feeder. I decided that "if you can't beat them, join them". I did see the Cardinals feeding, not as much as the Sparrows. Then I noticed these little fledglings landing on the deck rail and the adult start to feed them. That was new! and super, cute! Will post more fledgling pictures later because they're so cute.

Identify This Sparrow??

Sparrow #1

Well, we had lots of different Sparrows on the feeder today. I tried to identify them so I could post the pictures with the identities. I couldn't find this one. Can anyone help me?

Robins Are Nesting

Today finds the Robins nest-sitting. It was a warm day here in Kansas, 80 degrees, no wind. A gorgeous day! Late in the afternoon I decided to check and see if we happened to have any more nests. Lo and behold! I found another nest of Robins in the Holly Berry trees. Mrs. Robin scolded me fiercely as I came closer to get a picture of her nest contents.

The Robin pictured above/left is Robin #1. Here is Robin #2:

They have 4 eggs also.

Here is the angry soon to be parent.

What is this Bird?

Robin's Nest Update: Day 6

It does look like the clutch is full at 4 eggs. Mr. & Mrs. Robin have been taking turns sitting on the nest. I've noticed the leaves on the Birch tree are filling out as well. Spring is here in Kansas.

Evening At the Nature Center

It was so nice this evening we decided to drive out to the Nature Center. On the way out there we saw a beautiful Hawk, but I wouldn't be able to tell you what kind. We saw about 4 White-Winged Doves. It's a gravel road out to the center, surrounded by Winter Wheat fields, and the Doves were right on the road. We saw half a dozen Turkey Buzzards roosting in the trees. Many different animal tracks like deer, raccoon, Wild Turkeys. We heard the Wild Turkeys gobbling. The sunset was beautiful!

Brown Thrashers

These Brown Thrashers came up to the feeder and I snatched these photos through the window screen. They didn't stay very long and I hope they'll come back. I have included a clearer picture, off the internet, of a Brown Thrasher.

Correction: Brown Thrasher!

I know this isn't the best photo in the world, but snatched it through the window screen. A pair of Brown Thrashers were eating below the feeder. They were very skittish, moving quickly.

Robin Nestwatchers: I checked the nest yesterday. Still 4 eggs. My husband and I went to work-out last night and they weren't sitting on the nest, nor when we got back...curious...kind of cool last night, too.

I just looked at the nest now...through binoculars from the picture window. The male is sitting on nest...he is sure a good sitter.

Mourning Dove Today

She was just sitting on the deck this morning. Perhaps waiting for the feeder. I hadn't put the feeder out yet. In the afternoon, I saw a couple of Doves walking toward the feeder, they like to forage beneath.

Robin Nestwatch: More Eggs Each Day!

On Friday, April 17th, there were 3 eggs, then on Saturday afternoon we checked and there were 4. We've been busy today so we have not checked the nest. When we returned home from Bible study, it was dark and cool out and she/he were not sitting on the nest. The old addage "a watch-pot never boils" popped into my head. We'll need to trust that they'll get back on the nest tonight and keep those eggs warm! I'll check out the nest tomorrow morning. I wonder how many eggs this couple is going to lay?
Write me a post with your estimate.

I was so pleased to be able to acquire a picture of the male Robin sitting on the nest. He allowed me to walk up pretty close to get these pictures. The female on the other hand is pretty skittish. As soon as we open the front door, she takes off.