Backyard Birds - 4/14/2024

We finally got some warm weather and had the chance to enjoy our patio for the first time in 2024.  Spring is always a nice time to bird watch since migration can bring some interesting species through our area.  The trees have just a hint of leaves that make it easy to see the birds perched on the branches.  I did see a few interesting birds so I ran to get my camera.  By the time I returned, all the rare birds had moved on and the more common species had taken over the feeder.  At least I had a chance to resharpen my photo skills for the next opportunities as we spend more time outdoors.

This is the male Brown Headed Cowbird.  It is one of the most regular visitors to our bird feeder and a bit of a bully at times.

The female Brown Headed Cowbird has very little color,

The Eastern Bluebird is Sigrid's favorites.  This guy is pondering the bird bath just below him.

He took the plunge and did a lot of splishing and splashing.  Most birds don't get this wet when bathing.

Now, a nice branch in the sun is needed to dry off.

The Blue Jay is one of my favorites.

This is a Downy Woodpecker.

This Cowbird just wanted a drink.  Sigrid keeps fresh water in the bath every day.

The Old World Sparrow is slightly less common in our backyard.

The feeder has a mix of seeds to fit the taste of different species.

About 20% of the seeds in the feeder get spilled on the ground.  Birds are messy eaters.  The deer, squirrels, and other ground feeding birds clean up just fine.