Floating Feathers

When I see the bird feeders half-full and not empty at the end of day, I’m surprised. I’ve been consistently feeding twenty pounds of black oil sunflower every week, in addition to suet, peanuts, and grapes. Not so, this week.

Bird feathers are scattered everywhere around the feeders and pond - so many feathers on the ground that we track them inside the house. What I’m seeing aren’t piles of feathers from a struggle or kill from an owl or hawk. Well, the above photo might be a sign of a fight.

I have wondered if the birds are dehydrated like we have been this summer but they drink and bathe in the pond, so that's probably not the case.

They’re everywhere, floating freely,

and attached to everything.

I haven’t seen a hawk in many weeks but Saturday morning proved they are here during the day when I’m away.

I wanted this to be a red-shouldered hawk (I love them) but it isn’t… By looking at the tail markings, I think it’s a juvenile Cooper’s. Ok, Susan and Julie, I’m ready for my penance. Sock it to me.

At 7:15 a.m. I stepped outside with the dogs, rubbed the sleep from my eyes, and quickly but clumsily ran for my camera. The hawk was in its alert mode on my neighbor’s rooftop, about fifty yards away and this is the best photo I could get. I want a lens the length of my arm!

Are pigeons stupid? I think so. While the feeders were quiet and vacant of intelligent birds, four retarded pigeons teased the hawk with their sluggish fly-bys. The hawk’s head twisted and turned with an accurate aim and I knew death was imminent.

I’ve seen a hawk carry away a Mourning Dove once, but I never saw the pursuit. The powerful take-off and skillful flight of a hungry hawk is something to behold. On the other side of that rooftop I am certain a pigeon perished.

Perhaps this house cat is to blame for scattered feathers! I thought about it during her visit late last night and concluded she is too interested in rubbing, purring, and mewing for attention to traumatize birds. She hasn’t visited in several months and while it was nice for a few minutes, I sent her purring hiney home.

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Bella got a ride in the back seat of Daddy’s new truck. She’s a good passenger.

She sits still, unlike her sister who scrambles to the window at every stoplight. Her ears tell me she’s concerned about something.

She was worried because she knew her toenails were too long… "Me thinks I'm in twouble."

"P-p-please, no! Let’s g-g-go back home!"

As usual, "Good girl, Bel Bel!" No tranquilizers for her! Chloe would certainly need a few.

No rain. Just a tease from Mother Nature. Sigh...