Friday, May 16, 2014

Birds at the birdbath

Hawk at the Birdbath

Allen's Hummingbird at the Birdbath

It's been hot, so we've had lots of birds coming to the birdbath. The hawk and the hummingbird are rare visitors to the birdbath.


Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Western Bluebird Bathing

Western Bluebird Bathing
Western Bluebird Bathing
Western Bluebird Bathing
Western Bluebird Bathing
Western Bluebird Bathing

The Bluebirds don't come to the bath as often as the other birds, but by the look of the enjoyment this one is getting, we may very well see more of them. Doesn't he look so pleased and proud in the last photo when he's all nicely cleaned up!? (Sort of like Mike when he uses our steam shower!)

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Olive-sided Flycatcher

We're still seeing migrants. The Olive-sided Flycatcher is a new backyard bird for us. Nice catch! Just wish the birds were eating more of the Western Fence Lizards - they happen to be one of Chris's least favorite things about our yard.

Olive-sided Flycatcher
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Olive-sided Flycatcher

Saturday, May 3, 2014

Birdy Morning

We had plans, but first the thrush appeared, then the vireo, the grosbeak and finally the western tanager.

Western Tanager
Western Tanager

Thrush
Thrush

Black-headed Grosbeak Bathing
Black-headed Grosbeak

Warbling Vireo
Warbling Vireo

Thursday, May 1, 2014

Sweet Pea: The Hummingbird Fledgling

Hummingbird Fledgling

Chris found a hummingbird fledgling on our driveway. The high winds might have blown it out of its nest. It was pretty good at flapping its wings, but the tail feathers might have been a little too short for flight on a windy day. She couldn't find the nest so she moved it to a branch of a nearby tree and named it "Sweet Pea." After a while, the mother came over, checked on it and fed it. It stayed overnight, and we saw the mother near it in the morning. It was gone by noon and we hope it flew off when the winds died down.