YardCrap BIRDS

White-throated Sparrow

A few days back I posted an old guy who hade arrived. Today a younger one showed. Every Winter I have several here off the porch. They eat millet from the feeders, but what they like is scratching around on the ground. They jump rakeing their claws backwards uncovering things underneath. It is fun to watch them work. They do the same in the feeders.

 They are very good looking birds, but to see that you need binoculars. Well you need binos for all, but especially to see the colors on these birds.

They will mix in with the Juncos and Song Sparrows who hunt the same way. None of them have yet arrived.  These guys make it worth your effort to grab your heavy coat, a mug of beer and sit on the porch.

Happy Happy Happy

My Pine Warbler showed today!
Well, I don't actually know if this is one of mine or just one stopping by as he travels to grab a meal. No matter as mine will be arriving.

My Winter is enhanced by these birds. They are very friendly and jump around here at the CatBird House as if I am not here. They are bright, energetic and add cheer.

Mine eat mostly my suet mix and peanuts.

Here he is: (well as I post this before going inside to watch CLEMSON play, he has not returned)
A nice male Downy who eats the same foods and is here with me all year will have to do for today.

This is 4 foot away with the equivalent of a 600mm lens, so can't get all of him.

Us Hermits

I am a hermit.
During any week I may only get to speak when I encounter the checkout lady at Home Depot.
On occassion I sign up for a foot race and get to talk to people. I tend to make a nusiance of myself then.

99% of my life - my voice is not used, and I am not seen.
I am good with that. My life is very good.

Today my Hermit Thrush arrived. He shows every year to entertain me in Winter. Some years I have 2.
He is poor at being a hermit as he is a constant at the pond and in the berry bushes. I have no idea why he is named 'Hermit Thrush' as he is not that. He is also an excellent singer, unlike me.

He and I are now ready for another great Winter on the porch.

A couple of my turtles are up today in November!  The pond is at 82 degrees and Lake Hartwell is still warm.

Kicking off November

A Summer Tanager dropped by.

This old White-throated is the first of many I hope will arrive this week.

My Gold Finch are starting to return from Fall nesting. They will help keep me entertained through the Winter.

A rare Robin came by to drink. When I get Robins, it is usually dozens, not one.

All the above showed up for water.  If you don't have time to keep up feeders, just put out a bowl of water.

Blue-headed Vireo

 

My bird time is less than I would prefer.
Migration is underway and my camera broke. I got another now.
I have seen a Magnolia Warbler and a Golden-crowned Kinglet, but no photos.

Today out here on the porch with Paul Desmond playing his sax, saw movement in the bushes and got this quick shot:

I know it is not a great photo and real bird photographers would walk out and do better, but I am a lazy porch sitter.  This about 60 foot away trying to find focus through the foliage.

This is a Blue-headed Vireo passing by. If you have old birding books, it will be listed as Solitary Viero.

My new camera is the next up version of my old camera. I got it used from a guy in South Korea. I think it is going to work out well for me as to fun.