Bird Business

We repaired the broken arm on the bird feeder pole.  It now has an anti-squirrel slinky addition.  The pole has a big round base which makes it movable.  It was a stand I found at Boeing Surplus years ago and had been excellent for this bird purpose.  Check that off the long fix-it list!   The birds seem to like using the old birdbath base as one of their social distancing waiting spots for busy times at the feeder. 

Surprise Guests

Check out the new addition on the little shelf in the loafing shed. 

 

I thought it was on old nest since I couldn't see anything in it.  Then I held up the camera and discovered the eggs.  As I left, I saw the robin on the house roof watching.  I checked a little later and could just see her yellow beak at the edge of the nest.

 

The repurposed loafing shed seems to attract visitors. 

Cascara Berries & Birds

The cedar waxwings have been in town.  That's because the cascara berries are ripening.   They make such cheery companions out in the garden, with their soft and frequent whistles.   Here is a link to a photo and information.  You can hear their song there too.

The chickadees, hummingbirds and bees like these trees too.   Here is my post from 2009, including photos of the tiny flowers and the waxwing waiting room in the top of another tree.   

Petunia put in an appearance this week too.   She is looking very dark and sleek.  At first, I thought she was just a shadow and jumped back a little when I realized it was a snake.  I don't know why she always startles me so, even when I want to see her.

Evening Grosbeaks

A flock of evening grosbeaks have been in the area for a few weeks, on their way to somewhere.   These are taken through the window on a rainy day this week.   Yesterday and today, I haven't seem as many of them.   

They are a very cheerful and chatty group.  They remind me of the cedar waxwings who loudly announce their arrival for cascara berry season later in the year. 

Matron offered up slug training as a thesis topic in need of research.   While that is not in my sabbatical plan, squirrel training  is quickly moving up the list. 

Evening Visitor

My neighbors called with a surprise this evening.  They had a rufous hummingbird in the garage and he wasn't leaving.  I don't blame him.  It is cold outside.  He flew around us, and the warm lights. It didn't take him long to find the feeder we put out for him.  I think he has done this before.

He was very colorful, as we could see while he was flying, but not in the photos.  He'll probably be on his way north tomorrow.

Here is the link to the hummingbird who visited our barn in 2007.

Cascara Berry Season

The Cascara tree berries are ripening and no sight or sound of the Cedar Waxwings yet. I watched another bird family educating the youngsters on these berries. They were very small birds, but not chickadees. I'll try to identify them when I see them again. Once the Waxwings arrive, the berries will disappear quickly.

Above, more to ripen. Looking back at prior year posts, they may be ripening a little early this year. It has been warm and dry.

Back around May 25th a flock of cedar waxwings showed up to check on the status of the annual Cascara berry crop. At that point, they were only tiny blossoms, below. The birds like to sit way up high in this nearby tree absorbing the evening sun. The bees and hummingbirds love these blossoms but it isn't want the waxwings are looking for. I hope they'll be back soon! They are beautiful and cheery birds. I love being in the garden when they are around. Here is a link with a better photo.