Daily Pictures Vol. 443

Countrymom, that is so neat about the crows. They only fly over our place, but never land here.

Very nice pictures, Hack and duc. :) I like Canada geese and I sure have a soft spot for Mourning Doves. I don't know why it bothers me so, but it was so upsetting to have Iowa allow a dove hunting season beginning last year. According to other birders, the Mourning Dove population exploded this year. Some one said they hope the doves get themselves into the towns where hunting isn't allowed.

Here's two more by the little guy... There was a whole series, but these are my favorites. There was a picture of this Orchard Oriole standing in the water, calm. But then dipped its bill in the water and for some reason it just shot up in the air. Other pictures showed it flapping above the water, before landing off to the side.

Cute little Oriole, Chillybean!

1) A bunch of VERY WET birds and feeders during a (very rare this Summer) heavy rain storm. Had to change all the feeders to dry ones after the rain stopped.

2) Mourning Dove taking a nap in the rain

3 & 4) Goldfinch munching on sunflower seeds

Chillybean - The little oriole is adorable!

nutsaboutnature - Beautiful colors!

I think the mourning doves are one of my favorites too. They do seem to enjoy just hanging out and sometimes napping in my feeders. The crows come to the patio to get peanuts. They are so intelligent, and they fascinate me. You know how they like to take two or three peanuts at a time ? One of the babies has figured out to lay to peanuts side by side, put a third on top like a pyramid, and then take all three.

Countrymom, your crows are so sweet. I just read that the babies sometimes stick with the parents for up to five years. That explains why I see three of them here a lot of the time. Guess you're never too old to learn something new about the birds you love. That's funny about your crow grabbing three peanuts.

Hack, that's a great link for the black-eyed susans. I have lots of them in my garden and I've always just put the dried blooms in a paper bag, roll the top closed and shake. If anyone wanted some seeds, I'd be happy to send them, but I usually just leave them out for the birds.

Chillybean, that's sad to hear about the dove hunting season. Poor little ones are so friendly it would be more like a slaughter. Love your bathing oriole.

Nutsaboutnature, cute photos of your birds. Rain? We badly need some here but never see it.

As of last night we have two bad wildfires at the east end of our small county. It's over 100 every day here and the fires are in the mountains so please keep our firefighters in your thoughts and prayers.
Here's a northern flicker that let me walk up close, a pair of western grebes (nesting time), a great blue heron and a black phoebe.

ducbucln - Great photo of the northern flicker!

Chillybean, it just sickens me to think of all those gentle doves being hunted. I agree with duc, it really is more like a slaughter. I love all the Mourning Doves that hang around our yard. They are such gentle, nonagressive birds and are a joy to watch.

Love the pics, duc. The Great Blue Herons are so incredibly graceful. Hope they get those fires under control very quickly.

Lots of nice pics,

duc - loved the detail of your pics, esp the northern flicker.

nuts - I'd appreciate it if you'd send some of your GOFIN's my way.

Chilly - enjoyed the antics of the Orchard Oriole.

Countymon - your baby crows are fascinating.

I used my thumb to rub Black-eyed Susan seeds off. Now, they're planted in a little Greenhouse think I got from Lowe's. I also just stuck a few of the heads in the ground. Now, I wait - I hate wating.

Hack

I have some pics to share.

1. I haven't seen any Chipping Sparrows since last year. Here, one is leaving as a female House Sparrow arrives.

2. The little Chipper returned and had the feeder to itself.

3. Many Robins were getting worms out of the wet ground.

4. This Blue Jay is here a lot, I here it all the time.

5. Here's a male Red-bellied WP enjoying eating the suet

This message was edited Aug 14, 2012 5:49 PM

Nice pics, all!

This thread's getting long, someone want to start vol. 444?

Resin

I have started a new thread. Here's the link. Come on over. http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1275556/


Wonderful shots on this thread. It looks as if you're enjoying the new camera, Hack.



This message was edited Aug 15, 2012 6:35 AM