Bird Watchers

[kann]

We have a rare visitor this week! A Lewis's Woodpecker has been working over a rotted tree stump in the back yard. These pics are from online as I couldn't get a good shot.

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At first I read that as, "Al Lewis woodpecker". I was a little confused, but I guess I can see the resemblance...

 

[ggiese]

Our European Goldfinch friends from last year have returned! Better than the groundhog in predicting the coming of spring!

 

[jfields]

Our European Goldfinch friends from last year have returned! Better than the groundhog in predicting the coming of spring!

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Cool!

I see you have a Yankee Droll as well George. So much fun! All the squirrels in my neighborhood are educated and don't try to mess with it any longer.

 

[ggiese]

Cool!

I see you have a Yankee Droll as well George. So much fun! All the squirrels in my neighborhood are educated and don't try to mess with it any longer.

Mine are still learning. Had one take a long spin earlier today. He then prayed for mercy…

 

[ggiese]

was made aware of Golden Eye Diving Ducks at a Forest Preserve near us. And there they were!

 

[ggiese]

love to hate the European Starlings, but their color is amazing.

 

[jfields]

love to hate the European Starlings, but their color is amazing.

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I hate them with a passion! They've been decimating my suet feeders the last couple of weeks, and bullying all the other birds. I think they're ugly, but yes their iridescent coloring in the sunlight is pretty cool. Same with Grackles.

 

[ggiese]

I hate them with a passion! They've been decimating my suet feeders the last couple of weeks, and bullying all the other birds. I think they're ugly, but yes their iridescent coloring in the sunlight is pretty cool. Same with Grackles.

Grackles are just so medieval looking...

 

[ggiese]

A cold and snowy last couple of days in the Chicago area. But - there's a bright spot in all of that when the Cardinals show up! (Sorry Cubs fans...)

 

[jfields]

Grackles are just so medieval looking...

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I just chased a whole flock of those away about a 1/2 hour ago. Like clockwork they show up this time and decimate my platform and suet feeders. I have to stop filling them and just go with the hanging and finch feeders for about a month.

 

[bfreebern]

A cold and snowy last couple of days in the Chicago area. But - there's a bright spot in all of that when the Cardinals show up! (Sorry Cubs fans...)

Us Cubs fans, can appreciate a beautiful Cardinal, when we see one.............as long as it's not on a uniform!

 

[CBoukal]

A cold and snowy last couple of days in the Chicago area. But - there's a bright spot in all of that when the Cardinals show up! (Sorry Cubs fans...)


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Beautiful pictures!

 

[CigarStone]

I hate them with a passion! They've been decimating my suet feeders the last couple of weeks, and bullying all the other birds. I think they're ugly, but yes their iridescent coloring in the sunlight is pretty cool. Same with Grackles.

You don't own a pellet gun?

 

[ggiese]

Some of the birds around the feeders the last few days. Goldfinches are starting to develop their color.

 

[ggiese]

And the Robins have been showing up in numbers again!

 

[ggiese]

Cool!

I see you have a Yankee Droll as well George. So much fun! All the squirrels in my neighborhood are educated and don't try to mess with it any longer.

Just had a squirrel give it a whirl just this morning! They don't yet seem very deterred...

<edited to add> ...and I've finally captured the action on film!!!! He never got to the seeds, but had a great ride for few seconds! Look at that face - not sure if that's a look of joy or fear... Or he's just focused on getting to those seeds!

 

[jfields]

Hawk out here waiting for the annual run of the voles!

 

[ggiese]

Hawk out here waiting for the annual run of the voles!
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Love that intent look...

 

[ggiese]

Had not seen our red-bellied woodpeckers for a couple of weeks - but the female was back at the feeders today. What was not able to capture - she was fending off the European Starlings trying to take her lunch!

 

[ggiese]

And the European Goldfinches showed back up today, after a 2 week absence. Hoping the coming snowstorm does not drive them away again!