Yard Birds and News

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

Tweets and chirps,

Audrey