Dark-Eyed Junco

Juncos that breed in Canada and Alaska migrate to the southern United States in winter.   It's strange that I hadn't seen one until the day these photos were taken on December 12th.    I took care not to get too close because I didn't want to scare him away.  

When foraging, Dark-eyed Juncos typically hop (rather than walk) on the ground, pecking or scratching at the leaf litter, or flit very low in underbrush gleaning food from twigs and leaves. They sometimes fly up from the ground to catch insects from tree trunks.   Dark-eyed Juncos are primarily seed-eaters, with seeds of chickweed, buckwheat, lamb’s quarters, sorrel, and the like making up about 75% of their year-round diet. At feeders they seem to prefer millet over sunflower seeds. During the breeding season, Dark-eyed Juncos also eat insects including beetles, moths, butterflies, caterpillars, ants, wasps, and flies.

During winter, Dark-eyed Juncos form fairly large flocks, and where wintering ranges overlap you may find several subspecies in a single flock. Juncos also forage with other sparrows and bluebirds. Junco flocks typically have a hierarchy or pecking order, and earlier arrivals tend to rank higher in the group than later arrivals.

Such pretty little birds.  I hope to see more of them in the future.  

Backyard Goldfinches

Good morning everyone!  I had been watching the news about the winter blizzard that crippled parts of the mid-Atlantic- what a mess it left.  I feel for any of you who may be having to cope with that.  I can't imagine having to literally dig out from 2 feet of snow.  We didn't even get a few flakes here. Our weather is crazy- in the mid to upper 60's for a day or two, then dropping to the 30's and 40's, back and forth, from cold to warm.  That means we maintain a mixed wardrobe in our closets because our weather can change considerably fast.  

One of the few things I like about winter is the return of migrating birds, such as the American Goldfinch.  A large number of them are taking advantage of the feeders filled with a variety of seeds. They favor nyger and sunflower seeds, but will eat the finch food as well.  Chipping Sparrows and Pine Siskins have also returned for the winter.  My back yard has become a popular hang out for these groups.  Unfortunately, a local hawk has discovered that as well.  I spotted him (or her) swooping down and trying to snatch one of the little birds yesterday.  I know the hawk has to eat too, but I wish it would go elsewhere.  

I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday.  Try to stay warm!  

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!!!

May yours be filled with many joyful moments and precious memories!

A Few Friendly Ducks

On our trip through the White Mountains National Park in New Hampshire, we pulled into a pretty roadside park to stretch a little.  While there, we met a few friendly ducks.  My husband really enjoyed feeding them and when his change ran out (for duck food), he fed them his cheese bits (which they loved!). 

House Sparrows Taking a Break

Good afternoon peeps!  I hope you are all well.  It's hard to believe that December is already here- this year has gone so fast.  It's certainly been a busy one.

Today I thought I'd share a few shots of the common House Sparrow.  A few of them were napping upon some pretty shrubs in a rest area in south Connecticut.  It was a nice time to nap and soak in some warm sun.  Others were awake, but just barely.  Sort of reminds me of myself at times.  

I wish you all a wonderful Wednesday afternoon and a great weekend ahead!  

Unexpected Surprise

Hi everyone!  I suppose a few of you thought I must have fallen off the face of the earth, but to the contrary, I'm still around!  My husband and I took some much needed time away and went on a 2-week road trip to do some leaf peeping.  We traveled through New England and the mid-eastern states during the last two weeks of October.  It was a wonderful trip and we saw so many gorgeous places just overflowing with the ripeness of autumn.  Breathtaking is the best word to describe it.  

I have tons of photos and I'm still processing some of them, but I thought I'd share these with you first- I was taken by surprise to see a hawk atop one of the memorials at the Gettysburg Military park. Initially I thought it was just my imagination when I spotted something moving on this memorial.  A moment later, I asked my husband to confirm what I thought I had seen- is that a hawk?  Is it real or am I seeing things?  He assured me that it was indeed a hawk.  I watched him (or her) for several minutes as he visually scanned his surroundings.  What a beauty!  I couldn't let this one get away without a few good shots.  For a moment he stared at me without even a flinch.  After getting what I wanted, I left him alone to tend his business (though I didn't want to!).  

It's my uneducated guess that this is probably a young Red-tailed Hawk.  What do you think? I don't know much about hawks, so please correct me if I'm wrong.  

I wish you all a great weekend ahead.  Thank you for stopping by!

Curious Flicker

Good afternoon everyone!  I know it's been a while since I've posted anything here.  I have missed both writing my posts and reading yours.  Another project has kept me pretty tied up lately.  I haven't been taking many photos lately, so nothing new to post here.  However, I'm behind on posting my summer snapshots.  Like these- taken a few months back, shortly after the rat snake invaded the Red-bellied Woodpeckers nest in this tree.  A Northern Flicker decided to investigate the nest site and spent several hours going back and forth to it.  Was he considering raising a family in this spot?  I prayed not, for fear of a repeat snake attack.  (These shots taken at a distance with my old 300 mm zoom lens, so the results aren't tack-sharp)

He checked the spot out thoroughly, scoping the scene in all directions.  Eventually he crawled inside the hole and sat there for several minutes.  Fortunately, he decided the spot wasn't suitable enough and left.  I haven't seen him at this tree since.  

I love the feather patterns and colors of Northern Flickers- so pretty.  They're even more beautiful in flight when the bright yellow (or red, depending on species) underside of their wings are visible. 

Hope your Thursday is going well.  Thank you for peeping in!