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Post by binnylou on Apr 5, 2021 21:58:32 GMT -5
Bluebirds have arrived, along with vultures. We have had a lot hold strong southerly winds lately.
I assume the migrating birds are getting good “gas mileage”.
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Post by Mumsey on Apr 6, 2021 18:47:57 GMT -5
binnylou, I was just going to say "guess who's back?" The vultures! Met our new neighbor the other day and let her in on the news. She doesn't take possession until May.
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Post by armjr on Apr 6, 2021 19:41:05 GMT -5
We have vultures too, but we call them buzzards... They perform a very useful service IF they can get to the squirrels before the little grey fox. I don't let them roost in our trees though... NO ROOSTING by buzzards or Grackles...
The big Pileated Woodpeckers are back and a few hummers. The Blue Jays have been dominating the feeder even from the squirrels. I think most of the squirrels must be young and inexperienced. The Jays run them off, which is probably a good thing for the squirrels. Otherwise they end up as fox food.
Fig trees came back. Lost two main branches off the big one but the other three are leafing out like crazy.
A couple of big owls have been hooting around the place at night. I haven't gotten a look at them but I suspect Great Horned Owls. I have noticed a dramatic drop in the gopher population. Too bad owls don't eat armadillos....
Supposed to be around 90 degrees here on Fri/Sat. I don't guess we'll get another freeze.
Still praying for rain.
Alan
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Post by binnylou on Apr 6, 2021 19:57:47 GMT -5
armjr, the buzzards/vultures roost in the trees across the road. In late afternoon, they can be seen circling/soaring over the timber. Very graceful and fun to watch.
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Post by armjr on Apr 6, 2021 20:10:58 GMT -5
binnylou, I agree we enjoy watching them swoop through the trees. They come to water at a trough just across the fence. But, a buzzard roost is a nasty, nasty, thing. Alan
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Post by Wheelgarden on Apr 10, 2021 16:01:43 GMT -5
Saw the first lone hummer of the year. Whooshed onto my porch and stared at me momentarily, as if to say, "You haven't put the feeders out yet. C'mon, we're back --- get to it!"
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Post by Mumsey on Apr 10, 2021 17:36:04 GMT -5
A little humor on this gloomy day.
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Post by Wheelgarden on Apr 22, 2021 17:16:18 GMT -5
The territorial bird battles have begun. Phoebes and sparrows chasing jays and mockingbirds, jays and mockers harassing the crows, and the brave of the lot go after the hawks when they swoop down from soaring. The owls are wise and avoid all that daytime drama.
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Post by ecsoehng on Apr 23, 2021 11:52:47 GMT -5
Bluebirds nesting in the birdhouse next to my fenced garden.
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Post by gardendmpls on Apr 23, 2021 18:06:40 GMT -5
the brave of the lot go after the hawks Today I saw a crow harassing a hawk. Chased it directly over my head.
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Post by binnylou on Apr 23, 2021 18:22:15 GMT -5
Mr. Catbird is back. I was taking a trip out around the back four and stopped at the ditch crossing to look around. He sounds just fine. I love listening to his chatter.
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Post by Wheelgarden on Apr 23, 2021 20:19:01 GMT -5
Did he bring his harem? I periodically have a male or two swing by with a dozen or so females in company.
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Post by binnylou on Apr 23, 2021 20:38:56 GMT -5
I didn’t see him. I just heard him. I’d expect he will be around our front door in a few days...snooping through the rock mulch and remaining leaves.
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Post by armjr on Apr 28, 2021 20:33:37 GMT -5
During my early morning hot tub soak, a bright red male and two yellow female Summer Tanagers were dancing around in the trees. He was fire engine red and proud of it.
Alan
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Post by armjr on Apr 29, 2021 18:21:23 GMT -5
I really need to have my camera more at ready...
The cattle egrets have become bored with following the cattle around and have evidently found something in our yard that is worth their while. There are about ten of them that make a trek through our yard and three other neighbors yards and then fly off and report back to the cows. The grandkids sure like to watch them.
Alan
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