White-winged doves are starting to assemble into larger flocks.
Same with the starlings.
The migrations are coming to a neighborhood near you.
Watch for butterflies and high-flying hawks.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Sept28, 2008
The common grackles are migrating through this week, foraging en mass through the neighborhood trees during the mid-morning, irritating the white-winged doves in my Chinese tallow.
Since Hurricane Ike, several tallow trees have been twisted off and dangling, accelerating the maturization of its nuts. I have been watching these 2 dove all morning long, with their occasional vocalizations (the larger bird makes a whining upward inflection "Do it?"; the smaller bird utters an subtle squeal similar to a starling). At first I thought they were courting-- now I believe they are rivals. They both gradually move closer to each other, tail-flipping, until they get about a meter away and one swoops at the other, starting the 30 minute cycle over.
No sign of broad-tailed hawk kettles yet; was entertained last week by a sharp-shinned hawk flying beside my scooter before it quickly veered away into nearby oak trees, probably securing lunch in its amazing method of hunting.
Local blue jays and cardinals visit, or call from nearby; the red-bellied woodpecker family make their usual rounds before returning to their nest hole next door. Their distinctive call adds a bit of euphony to the harshness of the jay's call, but they cannot compete with the jays repertoire or ability to mimick the red-shouldered hawk, which has repeatedly tricked me into dashing to the front yard only to become aware of the abilities of this jester.
Thank you, God, for another beautiful day in this world.
Since Hurricane Ike, several tallow trees have been twisted off and dangling, accelerating the maturization of its nuts. I have been watching these 2 dove all morning long, with their occasional vocalizations (the larger bird makes a whining upward inflection "Do it?"; the smaller bird utters an subtle squeal similar to a starling). At first I thought they were courting-- now I believe they are rivals. They both gradually move closer to each other, tail-flipping, until they get about a meter away and one swoops at the other, starting the 30 minute cycle over.
No sign of broad-tailed hawk kettles yet; was entertained last week by a sharp-shinned hawk flying beside my scooter before it quickly veered away into nearby oak trees, probably securing lunch in its amazing method of hunting.
Local blue jays and cardinals visit, or call from nearby; the red-bellied woodpecker family make their usual rounds before returning to their nest hole next door. Their distinctive call adds a bit of euphony to the harshness of the jay's call, but they cannot compete with the jays repertoire or ability to mimick the red-shouldered hawk, which has repeatedly tricked me into dashing to the front yard only to become aware of the abilities of this jester.
Thank you, God, for another beautiful day in this world.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Monday, May 26, 2008
sat. may 24
saw my first pair of pileated woodpeckers to visit my yard; they worked up and down the Fraxinus in my back yard, like a team. awesome
Saturday, April 26, 2008
April 26, 2008
Loggerhead shrikes are back at HCHS campus; have nested here for at least 4 years. They patrol the west parking lot, perching atop the tall lights.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Saturday, April 19, 2008
April 19, 2008
Today's first species of the year:
- painted bunting
- orchard oriole
- common grackle
- cedar waxwings
- blue jays
- mockingbirds
- chimney swifts
- yellow breasted chat
- starlings
- northern cardinal
- downy woodpecker
- white-wing doves
Heard today, but not seen: red-bellied woodpecker, mourning doves, purple martins
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