More Backyard Bird Drama

She threw me off guard when I saw her out of the corner of my eye. I was hanging freshly cleaned bird feeders. What are you doing here, Ms. Lizard?

I came out of the shade to grab a spot of sun. Just sitting here, resting on a thorn.

Outside of constant chatter about my crowd of hummingbirds, it’s been a long time since I talked about my backyard birds.

I certainly do have birds at my house. I found some Brown Headed Nuthatches elsewhere. They’re usually oblivious when I’m near and they photograph quite well. Not this time… Will you turn around?

That’s better.

Dozens of birds visit my feeders regularly, even when the feeders are empty. It’s been a challenging spring and summer for someone who doesn’t get out of her backyard often enough. I’ve closed the feeders for weeks at a time that started with the arrival of Grackles and Pigeons. I offered safflower seeds for a while. Then a flock of two dozen hell-raising juvenile Starlings arrived who screamed all…day…long for over a week. I had no choice but to close down the feeders as they were disturbing the peace.

Add twenty-plus of these to the mix of Starlings, Grackles, Pigeons, and Mourning Doves. I knew it would happen when two pairs arrived last winter. House Sparrows rule now. Sweet birds are the minority. That’s no joke.






I still have a few Cardinals, House and Gold Finches. My variety has dwindled compared to this time last year. Sigh... Sometimes I think I'm losing interest.

I just don’t know what to do about the House Sparrows. I see them in swarms and listen to their fighting in the evergreen bushes that line the north side of my house. I’ve noticed them bullying nice birds like Carolina Wrens for safflower or nuts. And, and I’m very concerned about the Mockingbirds I haven’t seen in two weeks.

Backyard birding has been a disappointing affair but I smile whenever I can and talk to the birds I enjoy,

Don’t be shy…I can see you even if you can't see me.

Thank you.

Hold that pose while I zoom a little closer. My Fuji allows me to zoom from afar with no need to sneak up on or stalk the birds for a clearer shot. It’s a nice change. I'm still all thumbs, need to practice with birds more often, and learn the camera! It's been very cloudy and we received another four inches of rain yesterday!

That’s better. Thank you. I know when I hear the happy Chickadee-dee-dee song, sweet birds will rule for a few minutes ;-)

Shall I count on the skills of a Cooper’s Hawk for some crowd control? They’ve returned after being away for a few months. Instead of seeing them perched in their observation tower, high in a pine tree, they fly low over the House Sparrows’ bushes. It’s breathtaking to watch them soar so close to my house with amazing speed!

After publishing, Whoa! No need for a magnifying glass to see these photos! I think I'll try another format next time ;-)