For the birds!
The new bird feeder *condo* is attracting all sorts of feathered friends since we set it up. A woodpecker has returned to sample the suet, a pair of gray jays have been stopping by, and there is a large group of smaller grayish-brown birds who tend to eat the seeds falling on the ground, rather than flying up onto the feeders. Of course the boreal and black-capped chickadees are regular visitors.
Fortunately, the squirrel population has dissipated, and all but one have gone off to claim their own territory. That one remaining squirrel antagonizes the birds, and gathers up the seeds which have fallen on the deck or the ground. Despite the fact that he’s adept at climbing the pole, he spends most of his time on the ground - or sneaking a peek through the sliding glass doors.
I’m not a birder, so I use the internet to reference the birds I’m watching. I still don’t know what these small brownish-gray birds are. If anyone reading me can identify them, I’d be quite appreciative! Here’s a close-up photo of the bird I’m referring to:
(Edited to add: It’s a Dark Eyed Junco, thanks to my friend Kathy!)
And another of the same kind of bird:
This woodpecker has been hanging around quite a bit. He also likes the berries in the suet.
This is a Gray Jay. I learned that Gray Jays live in pairs, which is why I keep seeing two show up in my yard. I’ve seen Gray Jays when hiking in the White Mountains with Steve, but this is the first time they’ve visited my yard. They like insects (that’s good!) and berries, among other things. They’re larger than the small chickadee; about the size of a robin.
The leaves on the trees are quickly changing to golden yellow:
And Mr. Squirrel scavenges for seeds:
Today, the weather is less than stellar. We have gray skies and it’s chilly - only 49F at 10am. The other day, I woke to 32F. Brrrr!
Tomorrow, we’re planning to BBQ with some friends, but before the BBQ we’ve scheduled family portraits. I really hope the weather tomorrow is better than it is today, or it won’t be the best lighting for photos.
I’d like to go for a scenic drive with Steve sometime next week - before the leaves have fully changed over. I’m thinking a drive on the Denali Highway, from Paxson to Cantwell, would be nice.
I hope the seasonal changes slow down a bit. I want Denali to be at its peak when we go on the 13th.
Again, my thoughts are with all of my readers down on the Gulf Coast. I hope that Gustav peters out before bringing too much rain and wind to the mainland. I’m especially keeping my friends in the New Orleans area in my thoughts. For those who are evacuating, safe travels.
I love all the birds! And the little squirrel is so cute. We have all those birds here too, so we get a kick out of watching them and the squirrels.
Don’t you just love the golden color of everything once the leaves start turning? We do. Especially going out into the woods and the whole woods is golden.
I am envious of your temps today, we are boiling this weekend. Upper 80’s today and 90* tomorrow! Hot and sunny! But I guess its absolutely gorgeous weather for those who are vacationing, and for that last hurrah of the summer! Back down to 70* the rest of the week. We are going to the inlaws tomorrow for a BBQ. Enjoy your holiday with your friends!
[Reply]
Comment by LynnMN — August 30, 2008 @ 11:56 am
Susan I too am not much of as birder We do have a bird feeder out next to the fence I like going out there and put bird feed in there and watch the birds go to it Our cat Picasso will sit by the back patio door and look out at the birds He will be talking in his own way We can hear him
Hope you have a wonderful Labor day with all the friends We are haveing family over There will be around 12 Family and friends for a cook out We bought a grill A double size Have a good time
[Reply]
Comment by John & Shirley Strauser — August 30, 2008 @ 2:15 pm
Sue,
You should also be seeing a few mourning doves on the ground, if they are Alaska birds. Their soft cooing is so lovely. We have a whole family of them below our feeder.
We just finished up three days of nice, soaking rain. (Remnants of Hurricane Faye) boy, did our lawn need it! It’s hot again - high 90s and humid!! Wish we were back in Alaska!
Maddie is doing great at the new school. I’m sure she’ll email you with the details soon. Yesterday, she called me a Sofa King… nasty little girl!
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Comment by Michele Chew — August 30, 2008 @ 2:47 pm
Hi Sue,
All you need is water to attract birds. They will come by the dozen! TTYS Dee
[Reply]
Comment by Diane — September 4, 2008 @ 1:42 pm