Well, it seems the Nutmeg Mannikins have officially moved into my back yard. I have at least 25 of the little guys now. I guess they like my brand of bird seeds. They seem to really like to hang out in the cane that grows in part of my yard.
Chris
That is quite a family Chris!
Keep those adorable visitors well fed, Chris!
The Mannikins with spotted breasts are the adults. The juveniles have the paler plainer buff colored breasts.
How neat is that!?!
Sorry I missed this earlier, they're adorable!
What beautiful birds! I've never heard of the Nutmeg Mannikin ... going to google and read about them!
Chris, you may have already seen this but thought I'd post the link about reporting sightings: http://www.houstonaudubon.org/default.aspx?act=newsletter.aspx&category=Bird%20Gallery&newsletterid=913&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1
I wonder if they've been spotted anywhere else in mainland U.S. besides Texas?
Gorgeous little bids....love the photo!
Wow! Never seen one. What bird seed are you using? Do you know if the goldfinches are back?
Plantladylin -- thanks for that fascinating link. I also clicked on the Orange Bishop which it says can be seen regularly in Arthur Storey Park. I've never even heard of that park. I have some birding to do!
Chris, one more question -- how do you keep the doves off that feeder? If I had a platform feeder, the White-winged doves would cover it until all the seed was gone. I'm very jealous of people with platform feeders, but I just can't figure out how to have one without being overrun by doves. All I have are clinging feeders and small bird feeders. My poor cardinals don't get anything.
Heehee... I understand that Elph! They are a pain.
Well, as far as keeping the white-wings off it, I really don't try. They used to clean it out regularly but they have slacked off thanks to a Coopers hawk that hunts my neighborhood. Now the dove may come in once a day, usually early. Then a few at a time after that. The Nutmegs do not seem to be intimidated by them even though they are a fraction of the dove's size. The photo is of the Cooper's hawk that hunts my area. It is having lunch....a White-wing. It's nature's way.
