Daily pics #243

YOU GO! Queen of Warblers!

Margaret, why does that duck have such a big bill? What is it eating and digging for?

Mrs Ed, apparently their broad, spatulate (is that a tautology?) bills have grooves for filtering the organisms they feed on. Their diet includes molluscs and crustaceans. http://www.birdsinbackyards.net/bird/211 Mind you, other ducks do similar, so I don't know why their bills aren't similar. Maybe eons apart on the evolutionary chain.

I thought perhaps they might be shoveling the mud.

Heh, I like this quote:

The Pink-eared Ducks are soo neat...I love 'em!!

NO WAY!!!!...I am NOT starting another list...just continue to add to my life list!! LOL

But if you count kinglet & the Ovenbird, I have seen & ID'd 13...oops make that 14 warblers!

Unidentified tailend of an unknown...hehe!

This message was edited Sep 10, 2009 9:59 PM

Congratulation on the new bird, for your life list Nanny. 14 warblers!!!
Margaret , that was good timing on the Pink-eared Duck, great shot.
Lovely shots, and nice variety everyone.

The Fox Sparrow are now here.

The Blue Jay are coming around too.

Mrs_Ed I can't believe you asked "Margaret, why does that duck have such a big bill? What is it eating and digging for?"

Obviously, it is the female of the species. -:)

Hack

Knip...beautiful shot of the ducks...nice place to stop on the way home from work.
Love that duck Margaret..but why is it called a Pink-eared? :0)
Hack ;0)
Nanny...Still Queen of the Warblers and counting...congrats...again!
Burn...Oh my..Fox Sparrows already...

I waited on the pond bank today hoping to see the elusive dark shore birds that I have yet to ID...they never showed but I was so happy to have a visit from a pair of Kildeer.

They always look so worried!

One more.

Yesterday I was in the front yard watching the Hummingbirds and 3 Bob-white Quail landed right in front of me. It is the first time I have heard them when they weren't nesting and they sounded so very sweet as they talked to each other. I was in 7th heaven listening to them...only got one fuzzy shot as they quickly scurried off!

rose, I've never seen a Kildeer - one of a kind look - cool!

Hack

Love those kildeer! Fantastic shot of the duck Margaret.

Here's a coot from yesterday.

I have only ever seen 1 killdeer and that was as it ran across the road infront of us as we drove by coming home one day. I would love to see a bob-white too!

Guess I ought to get dressed and get out looking!

Female Cardinal looking pretty in green.

This message was edited Sep 11, 2009 8:50 AM

A neighbor gave me this feeder. It is cheap plastic so I will have to take it done before it gets cold but the little birds seem to like it. Here a Gold Finch, House Finch and a Carolina Chickadee enjoy it.

If you're all done making fun of me now…

…I'll continue with this very cooperative species I found while bird watching the other day.

"Cow"birds.

Same day, two firsts for me, the Eastern Wood Pewee and the Field Sparrow.

First up, the Pewee

And then this cute Field sparrow. We had a good laugh on the ID forum about how it looks like a teen that just climbed out of bed with messy hair.

I love the Killdeer Rose; great shots! They are such a sweet (and yes worried looking) Plover. Very nice reflection shot too! The Bob-white are adorable!

Knip, Wonderful shot of the Coot!

Nanny, Beautiful yardbirds! The Cardinal is so pretty and it looks like your birds really like that feeder.

Mrs Ed, Congratulations on the new birds! I think the Field Sparrows are so cute with their little pink beaks!

Mrs. Ed, cute Cowbirds! Cute Pewee and Sparrow.
Nanny, nice variety of birds at your feeder and Ms. Cardinal if beautiful.
Knip, nice shot of the Coot.
Rose, great shots of the Kildeer. I haven't been able to get them standing still.

More and more Goldfinches are showing up in the garden.

Forgot to mention I have the Lesser Goldfinches.

Margaret, you know how I love those pink ears!!! I must come take my own picture one of these days ;o)

These have been some of the best pics I've seen on a Daily thread........bird activity here is gradually increasing. I have seen a flock of Cedar Waxwings twice, and here's a first for me- House Sparrows eyeing the feeders.

Also around today, identified as an Orchard Oriole, female.

White Ibis.

Mockingbird.

A feeder full of White-Winged Doves.

Grackle minus his tail feathers.

Lastly, a Blue Jay.

Duc, Wonderful shots of your Lesser Goldfinch!

Nice ones GP!

Rose, the photos of the Kildeer are beautiful, particularly the third one, with the reflection. You asked why they're called Pink-eared. Here's a shot from last year of one dozing. No, the pink bit hasn't been photoshopped on.

Another from last year.

So many beautiful photos everyone, can't comment on all, at this time. But keep up the good work.

Hey gardenpom, maybe I can get my house sparrows to head south the Melbourne, then you can have even more to enjoy. -:)

That grackle looks top-heavy without its tail feathers. Seriously, I wonder how much its flight ability is effected by not having them?

Hack

gardenpom, I forget to mention the white winged doves. I like'em. I've never seen any doves like those. You reckon they're only in Fla?

Hack

Great close ups Margaret!

Hi everyone, I've been away for a mini-vacation. Did not get a chance to enjoy much of nature, and birding ect. But have this pix to share. Wild turkeys:

Gardenpom, glad you're seeing the Cedar Waxwings. Great photos! The Doves are so cute in that feeder. I have a Scrub Jay to match your Grackle without the tail!
Margaret, your Pink-eared Duck is amazing-love the closeup!
Lily, glad you're back. Hope you had a great time. Cute Turkeys!

I went running outside when I heard the Scrub Jays screeching excitedly. Found a cat with this poor Jay running off, but the Jay got away minus the tail feathers. It seems to be fine but maybe a little smarter I hope.

Not very clear, but the Lesser Goldfinches are going crazy in the dried flowers.

This message was edited Sep 12, 2009 11:48 AM

This Scrub Jay is ready to attack!

This message was edited Sep 12, 2009 11:49 AM