Feeding Wild Birds

[R2elk]

First meadowlark two days ago meaning it is officially spring finally.

 

[sourland]

First meadowlark two days ago meaning it is officially spring finally.

One of my favorite birds. Hayfields in back of my childhood home contained meadowlarks.

 

[sourland]

Cowbirds have arrived at home and at the club. (Not certain this excites me.) The resident Kestrel has returned to the club. I'm not certain where they nest, but they head South after catching a vole.

 

[sourland]

Second Phoebe has arrived, and there was lots of activity around the nest site. I'm thinking that nest building will start this week. Basset hound club is having a field trial this weekend so that will disrupt things for a bit. Must be a returning pair as they flit in and out of the porch with me sitting there.

 

[sourland]

Two large toms just crossed the front lawn in a hurry - didn't appear to be anything chasing them. Both with 5 - 6" beards. One appeared to be double bearded with a shorter beard further down his chest. R2elk will know whether or not that is a thing that happens. The large flock down outside the beagle club seems to have broken up. Last time they were there I counted 21 birds - primarily jakes with perhaps 3 or 4 hens.

 

[R2elk]

One appeared to be double bearded with a shorter beard further down his chest. R2elk will know whether or not that is a thing that happens.

Yes it can happen. It however is not necessarily a sign of age. I had a Bourbon Red tom that had his best beard (a double one) when he was 3 years old. It was the only year that he had a double beard. He was taken by a predator on Thanksgiving night when he was 11 years old.

 

[ColtHandorf]

My barn swallows have shown up to nest all over the house for the spring and summer. I had feeders out when it was cold but have stopped for the moment to try and get all the cowbirds and red-winged blackbirds to find other places to be.

 

[R2elk]

A bit windy this morning.

 

[ColtHandorf]

The Meadowlarks here are terrified of me. If I even walk out the door they fly off.

 

[sourland]

Phoebe, I'm assuming the female, is busily constructing her nest. The male accompanies her on each trip to the nest, but brings no materials. Kestrel pair at the end of my road has returned.