It's not unusual to see one of these raptors around my yard--and near my bird feeders--especially when the weather is cold.
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
2009
|
I mean, every body (and bird!) needs to eat.
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
2009
|
Fortunately I've never seen a hawk actually capture a bird although there have been a few close calls.
|
|
|
2009
|
|
|
|
2009
|
I've tried to ID these birds in the past but may have been incorrect at times. There are markers...but to me, they all seem so similar.
|
|
|
2010
|
Size is not a fool-proof way to tell the difference.
|
|
|
2010
|
|
|
|
2010
|
It is said that the Sharp-shinned hawk is more jay or dove sized, where-as the Cooper's hawk is crow sized or larger.
|
|
|
June 2010 (Taken through family room window and then through 2 screens on the porch)
|
I've never seen one as small as a dove or jay, so I usually ID them as Cooper's hawks...but that's not to say I've been correct.
|
|
|
January 2011
|
|
|
|
January 2011
|
If you want to rack your brain and give it a shot, visit the Project Feederwatch Accipiter photo gallery and them come back and tell me what you think.
|
|
|
February 2011
|
Written by Jan @ http://www.thanksfor2day.blogspot.com/ Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
Carolina Wren and female Cardinal
If you enjoy watching the birds visit your feeders, now is a great time to start thinking about the Great Backyard Bird Count. A joint project between the National Audubon Society and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, this annual event is open to both novice and expert bird watchers at no cost. Participants can choose to spend as little as 15 minutes per day or many hours each day, counting and recording the birds visiting their yards or even those seen while visiting a wildlife refuge. The program is designed to allow bird enthusiasts to serve as citizen scientists, sharing their counts with ornithologists "who cannot possibly document the complex distribution and movements of so many species in such a short time" on their own. It's both a fun and helpful activity so if you have an interest in joining in, you can learn more by visiting the Great Backyard Bird Count website. The program runs from February 18 to 21, 2011.
Eastern Bluebirds, Goldfinch and male Cardinal
This will be the third year that I'll participate in the event. Last year I even went a step further and joined Project Feeder Watch, a program lasting five months long. Project Feeder Watch, unlike the Great Backyard Bird Count, requires a small fee. It is more complex, requiring a more in-depth and longer-term level of commitment, from both the participants and the ornithologists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This year the program began on November 13th but since it runs through April 8, 2011, there is still plenty of time to sign up and join in. You can learn more by visiting the
Project Feeder Watch website.
Goldfinch and Eastern male Bluebird
An even longer-term program, that runs throughout the length of the entire year, has been developed and has become very popular among bird enthusiasts. e-Bird is not just a national program but takes into account global counts and sightings. Also sponsored by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, it provides many perks and benefits to participants. Visit the e-Bird website to learn more.
Eastern Bluebirds and Northern Flicker
If you are feeding the birds and enjoy watching them, one (or all three) of these programs could be something you might take an interest in. Be sure to check them out and find out which one works best for you.
Words and photos ©Thanks for today.™, by Jan Huston Doble
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
Eastern bluebird and Cardinal
Summer and Fall are long gone and now we're officially in the midst of winter. If you haven't already, now is a great time to turn your attention to the wonderful variety of birds that call Virginia their home. As a gardener, I feed the birds year-round, but the real action doesn't begin until the weather cools down. Once that first snow falls and the temperature drops to freezing, families of birds in every color move in to dine primarily on what we provide in our feeders. We offer a variety of hardy cuisine, to include black-oil sunflower nuts, hulled sunflower nuts, safflower seed, Niger seed, suet and sometimes peanuts.
.JPG)
Northern Flicker
What I consider to be most important in getting the birds to come--and to come on a continuous basis--is a source of water. The day we added our heated birdbath was the day I realized just how much of a difference fresh water makes in the birds' choice of winter stomping grounds. When it's snowing, because the water is prevented from freezing, they are lined up along the edges of the birdbath, merrily drinking away. Whenever I look out my window and the birds seem few, I'm alerted that the birdbath needs refilling. It never fails to amaze me how quickly they return once it's filled up again.
Eastern Bluebirds
Every year, since we added the heated birdbath, we have been thrilled to see large groups of bluebirds, woodpeckers, finches, tufted titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, bluejays, and many others. They come here to eat and drink, and because we have bushes and trees that provide protection, some even make their winter homes here. Others fly back and forth from our yard to a more sheltered area where they make their nests. Each spring they bring their young to learn to eat from the feeders and drink from the birdbath.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
I hope you will enjoy reading my posts about attracting birds and wildlife to my yard, as well as everything else plant and nature related that I will share with you. I encourage you to leave comments and share your backyard experiences, as well. Please don't hesitate to ask questions. While I'm not an expert in anything, I will make sure I find an answer or at least direct you to a helpful resource. I look forward to our connection through this online community!
Not to be reproduced or re-blogged without express permission of the author.
