Saturday, January 3, 2015

From bad to verse, to birds

Moving on from yesterday's experience, today there was an influx of birds in the front garden!  I took photos through the front window and captured some visitors. 

Northern Flickers are large woodpecker-type birds that spend much of their time on the ground pecking at ants and bugs.  This male (red moustache) decided to check out the bird feeder

A female Northern Flicker followed suit (or maybe that should be suet ;))  Actually, she seemed to prefer the seed container ~ not quite as messy on the beak, perhaps?



Three in a tree ~

The female Northern Flicker is joined by a Steller's Jay and a starling, I think.

All of these large birds didn't seem to intimidate the little hummingbird that continued to zoom in to its feeder.  Do you see a little bit of its tongue sticking out?

There were many smaller birds scratching about, including this little sparrow.


Quite dull and overcast today but at least it is a few degrees above zero and no snow is expected.  Other areas close by and on the mainland are in for a winter storm.

Edit to add: 
Hey...you nearly forgot to include my mate!




18 comments:

  1. Wow - great photos. I love when the flickers come to the feeders. I trouble getting pictures of the Jays too - they seem to move so fast.

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    1. Thanks JoAnn ~ I usually see the flickers pecking the ground, so it was good to see them close up in the tree. I don't usually see two Jays at once, so I was pleased :)

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  2. A grand selection and all different to anything I am likely to see here.

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    1. Thanks Adrian ~ it was great to see so many large colourful birds in one day...and without leaving home :)

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  3. Lucky you seeing, and photographing such wonderful birds. I never cease to be surprised when you show ones of the hummingbirds as I always think of them as exotic, tropical birds! Flighty xx

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    1. Thanks Flighty ~ from tiny birds to big ones...all in one day, at home! Yes, it is surprising to know that the Anna's Hummingbird lives here all year long.

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  4. Love the spotty breast of that Flicker - as you say - very like a woodpecker. Excellent shots.

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    1. Thanks Elaine ~ the Flicker's are beautifully marked, and a treat to see the orange part of their tail. Glad you enjoyed my photos.

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  5. lovely photos, the stellars jays and northern flickers are both very handsome birds

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    1. Hi CGP ~ yes, they are handsome indeed, with beautiful markings and feathers :) Glad you enjoyed seeing them.

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  6. Like flighty, I never thought hummingbirds would hang out somewhere with the possibility of snow. What do they eat?is there still nectar for them? The flicker's chest is so very beautifully marked.

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    1. Hi UPDD ~ The Anna's Hummingbird lives here all year round. At the moment I have Winter Jasmine blooming at the front door and I noticed that one was supping on a yellow flower today. I also have two feeders that I fill with nectar (sugar/water mix). They are fascinating tiny birds! Yes, the flicker does have beautiful markings!

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  7. Those Jays are stunning. We only have the ubiquitous blue jays here. We do get the Flickers though.. in spring and summer. They're always a treat, as are your fine posts.

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    1. Thanks Hilary ~ interesting to compare the similarities and differences between western and eastern birds :) The Steller's Jays have a noisy call ... and the Flickers are easily recognized by their call as well!

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  8. I just love the northern flickers, so stunning.....wow, bright orange flight feathers ...and those cheeky jays!!! Why are our birds so dull???....sighs...I can't imagine seeing a hummingbird, such delightful little jewels! I hope your hand is ok!xxx

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    1. Thanks Snowbird - so pleased to know you enjoyed looking at the birds ~ I was delighted to see so may large birds at once ... yes, lovely markings :) The little hummingbirds are quite special. No sign of any burn or injury to my hand, thank goodness... more damage to my pride ;)

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  9. Goodness, you HAVE had an influx! Wonderful photos. That Flicker with her fancy dress is so eye-catching.

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    1. Thanks Nikki ~ It was a great day of big birds! I agree with the lovely colourful Flicker feathers :)

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