Yard Birds and News

September 27, 2015 0 By Audrey

I have good news, bad news, and sad news.

The good news. On two occasions I’ve seen a pair of Downy Woodpeckers in the lilac trees in front of the house. New yard birds! The bad news, I haven’t yet been able to get a picture. No proof, and I’m not sure if they’re just passing through or new residents, but I’ll keep an eye out for them.

On a different day, I came home and noticed the song birds were quiet. Then I saw a medium-sized bird fly to a nearby Douglas-fir. The flight pattern caught my eye, it was unlike other “medium” birds’ flight patterns I typically see around the yard like crows, pigeons, etc. Luckily, I got a picture of this one.

Cooper's Hawk Cooper's Hawk

Accipiter on alert! No wonder the song birds were silent. I’m leaning toward Cooper’s Hawk on this one (based on the head size and eye position- feel free to correct).

Another common urban bird, but new to my yard was a pair of Eurasian Collared-doves. I got a picture of one before they flew away. As long as the coast is clear, I’m sure they’ll be back.

Eurasian-collared Dove

And we also have a Brown Creeper. I’ve heard it, but hadn’t gotten a visual until now. Pretty cool.

Brown Creeper

I commonly see gobs of Chestnut-backed and Black-capped Chickadees, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Bushtits, Dark-eyed Juncos, Song Sparrows, Western Scrub-Jays, and of course, lovely Anna’s Hummingbirds.

Anna's Hummingbird

The yard continues to keep me happily entertained. I’ve added a second suet feeder and bird feeder to keep peace and hopefully attract a migrating bird or two.

In sadder news, I lost a sweet furry companion in my life, my 16-yr old cat, Benjamin. He lived a long, fulfilled life and his kidneys decided it was his time for him to go. Birds and cats do not mix. I bring up his death because dealing with grief highlights the things in my life that bring me joy. I’m focusing on the things that make me happy. A big part of that is birds and birding. It’s comforting to know they’re still there.

Benjamin

Birds will go on, that’s the good news.

Tweets and chirps,

Audrey