I was spending some quiet time in the winter woods, glued to a tree watching a PWP, when I saw a goshawk approaching. It was interesting to note that the hawk was attacking with the large ash tree the WP was dismantling between it and the WP, so the WP had no chance of noting the hawk's approach. When the hawk was about 10' from the tree, it flared to its left until it could see the WP, then cut back right, toward the WP. They are AMAZINGLY maneuverable. With a full head of steam, the WP had barely unfolded a wing when it was hit and rode to the ground by the hawk. All this took place just a few yards from where I stood. The hawk ate almost the entire bird over a period of about 10-15 minutes, but I was so cold I had to shift my position, which startled the hawk. It was a hard thing to see, and sadly, a stark reminder that Mother Nature can be a cruel mistress.
We also have a resident goshawk that often sits atop the neighbor's tennis court backstop, about 200 yards from my backyard feeder. It can see the feeder from there, but it's far enough away that the birds aren't concerned, or may not even notice it. When it hunts, it leaves it's perch flying away from the birds until the bird's view is blocked by our home. It then makes a turn, flying toward the feeder, which it can't see, and of course the birds can't see the hawk. By the time it reaches the eave on the side of the house opposite the feeder, it has a full head of steam. It follows the slope of the roof until it crests the peak, at which time it's about 30 ft from the feeder, flying very fast. Generally, the smaller birds are nimble enough to flee unharmed, but it has a high rate of success catching starlings, mourning doves, and jays - the heavier birds ..... or maybe it just prefers larger meals. I've also seen a goshawk employ the same strategy catching pigeons that, on cold days, sun themselves on the dark roof of a house that faces east across from my business. The hawk flies in from the west, crests the roof, and is immediately among the pigeons. I've seen this probably a half dozen times with the hawk not having missed catching a meal.
Al
Mid-Atlantic Bird Watching - Winter 2012-2013
Al--what bird is a PWP?
You have a lot of patience to be out there freezing to see a bird being caught and eaten.
Your business---What is it you do for a living?
Do you live in the country? like--NOT in a City or a development?
Don't mind--just trying to get to know you a bit ..... I like seeing pictures of people on DG.
Could you oblige? You can see me by clicking on my name--even if that one is about 5 years old.
But--when you get to be an old geezer like me-your looks don't change a lot.
Gita
PWP=Pileated Wood Pecker
I have a glazing contracting business, a glass company, that I've owned since 1978. Married 34 years, 3 productive & well adjusted adult kids with families, and a cat that's not as well adjusted. I live on the outskirts of a small city with an abandoned strip mine, now reverting to woodland for a backyard - sounds ugly, but it's not, and it really rocks. Most of the time I've spent playing with and watching the birds was on some acreage some distance north of me on Lake Huron, but the pictures were taken in the back yard. I've practically lived outdoors since I was a little kid, so I'm really at home there, and I've seen a lot of things that others might not get to see, or might not notice. I've caught 3 pheasants, a mallard drake, and a Canada goose with my hands, all wild & healthy animals, and I've touched 3 completely wild and healthy adult whitetail deer that will probably never be able to look another deer in the eye for the shame of having let that happen. ;-) I really enjoy bonsai (20+ years) and gardening, but I have a couple of other hobbies, too. That's me.
Al
Sometimes you have to know to LOOK for something before you can see it, right? As I learn a new tree in the woods, I am shcked at how many of that tree I find, and how many others I don't know.
I'm scared about the deer though. THey can be deadly.
Do you know about the author Gary Paulsen?He' writes mostly juvenile fiction, and about time spent in the woods in Michigan, I think it was where he grew up. Really interesting.
Back to birds. Squirrels are pigging out on my feeder now that I bought mixed seed. THey eat up all the sunflower and peanuts, grr. Saw my White throated sparrow this morning. I bought pure millet specifically for him/ her.
Downy woodpeckers are just gorging on the pure suet block.
Thanks AL! Now know where all your grit comes from.....
Watching my bird feeder this morning--seems the same birds visit all the time.
Nothing really new: I need to put out real suet cakes--right now I have just raw beef fat from the butcher.
The birds i see on a regular basis are:
Cardinals-both--Chikadees--Tufted Titmouse--Slate colored Juncos--an occasional white bellied Nuthatch--
all kinds of sparrows--and a red-breasted ??? like a bigger sparrow???.Tried to take a picture from my LR--
NOT a good one! I think it may be a Finch od some kind...see fuzzy picture attached...
Of course--there are blackbirds (not too many yet!) I think each year, they have to re-discover my feeder.
I hope they never do! They can trash it in an hour. Clouds of them!!!
I have put out a NEW Finch feeder--and filled it with NEW Thistle seed--but have not seen any Goldfinches yet.
If any of you have an "Ollies" near you (Sally--I know you do)--they sell suet cakes for 89 cents.
My plan for today--hunker down and finish working on my seeds--so i can make a list of "haves" and post it.
Then--I need to refresh my Trade List and add pictures.
Stay warm! Gita
I bet your red sparrow is a house finch.
Yup I know lots of place ssell the cheap suet cake s. I only buy PURE suet cakes. They last much longer for me. I guess the $ works out the same cuz the pure ones are $ 3.29 or something. But only use one or two per winter.
How do the "pure" differ from the regular ones?
Is it that it has ONLY rendered fat in them?
I have 2 of the suet feeders that hold 4 cakes. Put one up today.
I don't think it has been discovered yet....and I hope the right birds discoverer it--
NOT blackbirds.....I hung it, sort of, almost under the overhang of the patio roof.
If rain comes straight down--it will stay dry. If it is windblown--it will get wet.
It is fat--so no harm anyways. Gita
****OHHHH! It is snowing.......I just looked out the window! Pretty heavy looking flakes.
Glad i am snuggled inside--till tomorrow morning--when I have to leave for the HD around 8:30AM.
Dig...dig...shovel...shovel....clean car off--and then I can go.
You can keep the starlings off your suit feeder by securing the feeder under a flat piece of board or plastic that's about 12x12 - 15x15 so what would normally be the side of the feeder is attached to the underside of the board/plastic. Attach a fastener to the board or plastic and hang the whole shebang. That way, only the birds that can hang upside down while they feed will have access to it - WPs, tits, chickadees, nuthatches, siskins, and a few others. It will discourage sparrows and starlings.
Snowing today - about 3-4" so far. Feeders are getting mobbed here at work. We have about 2 acres of woods behind our shop, and a big picture window behind the (glass) cutting table, with the feeders right in front of the window - a pretty cool set-up.
Al
Al--
I am not all that handy.....or am afraid to try things that involve tools.
Just a matter of self-confidence....If I screw up--so what?
Someone posted a picture, not too long ago, of a web site that showed the upside down feeders.
I live in a pretty tight development, so I do not see too many unusual birds that would prefer
the woodlands, even though we have 'some" woods near us--as I live almost next to a High School.
I have seen Downy WP's--but never a PW. Never seen an Baltimore Oriole--nor a Blue Bird.
Lots and lots of other birds as well. Seen a Hawk in 2010, when we had 3' of snow, leisurely
devouring a bird on the high snow pile near my shed.
I took some pictures through my LR window--used a zoom--but they are not too clear....
Your shop view sound wonderful! I would love living on a bit bigger property than just 65'x100'.
Gita
1--my 3-tube bird feeder which hangs under my patio roof--safe from rain and snow--and out of sight for hawks.
2--The hawk having dinner---don't know what kind it is...
3--My patio -pic taken from my 2nd floor BR window.
pure suet is solid fat, no mixins..That's why it costs more. The downys are liven it.
I used to be able to get real suet from around beef kidneys from the butcher, but alas, he's outa business - so I either get the rendered cakes now, or buy the ground fat balls with seed mixed in that the new butcher shop sells. Want me to make/send you a suet feeder? It would only take a few minutes time. We have lots of cut-offs of plastic at the shop. By only investment would be a couple of bucks for the wire feeder, and I'm more than willing to spend that if it helps another bird watcher keep the starlings (& sparrows?) at bay.
Al
OK, I have to say something about the red pepper. I bought an econo-size container of it, proudly carried it home, then, and I am very glad that this happened, got online before I used it.
There is a big worry about the red pepper getting into the bird's eyes. Makes sense to me, so I threw it out. I am resorting to trappin' the furry varmints, and Hubby is taking them down the road...
Not to mention the beautiful Hawk that seems to have claimed our yard!
Al--if you are serious--I would love to have one you made--with directions for attaching suet.
The 12"x12" will be good.
I have NEVER seen a PW here--and have lived here 43 years. It must not be the environment
these birds prefer. Too many houses side by side. But--I am willing to try one and see who comes to dinner.
I will reimburse you for whatever expenses you have--definitely for postage. Deal?
Thank you, Gita
In a couple weeks I should update my Trade list. Please take a look at it now if you like--
I have close to 50 different seeds at this time. All have pictures attached.
I can also send you starts of some unusual plants. Will take this further to a D-mail.
I don't think I can help you attract a PW if they don't frequent the area, and actually, they'll likely be too big to use the feeder I'll send. PWs like large sections of fast-growing forest with old trees and lots of large snags (dead trees), and are seldom found far from a water source.
Sure I'm serious about building a feeder & sending it - no directions for filling it are required - it'll be monkey easy.
I see you sent a D-mail. Have company over watching hockey, but I'll be sure to answer tomo.
TTYL.
Al
Gracye, I've done that too, bought on a vague idea then re researched after- ugh!
No I don't think a pileated would go to Gitas. Not to my house either. We are suburbanites.
Here's me and my dead horse I am beating. If you have squirrel problems, try switching to ONLY SAFFLOWER, and maybe millet. They don't like safflower. Now I hope you have a place to get it. I go to a southern states store which sells by the pound. My usual suspects are Cardinals, juncos, wrens, house finches, doves, white throated sparrows, titmice, chickadees, blackbirds. They all come with safflower and millet. I read that millet was the only seed chosen by White throated sparrow..I don't get many starlings but if I start putting out bread scraps it seems to bring them. So bread goes in the compost.
Blue jays were hanging out so I do put out some Lyric mix to keep the bluejays, or Squirrel mix, just so DS and Dog have something to chase.
Hi guys, I've been lurking here on your bird post and noticed Sally was talking about pure suet. I thought I would share this link http://www.horseloverz.com/Suet-Cakes/406615-Heath-Natural-Pure-Suet-Cake---115-oz.html for it. It's the best price I could find and even with shipping it's cheaper than anywhere I've found. Great for keeping the squirrels away!
Great! I can get ten of them for total 27.00 after shipping. That makes them 2.70 each. I just paid 3.49 yesterday for one. A dozen cakes would be close to 2.58 per cake.
Thanks Ronnie!!
Yor welcome Sally. I ordered 10 also, and shipping was fast, I ordered them on a Friday and had them by Wednesday.
I saw the weirdest thing this morning...
You know how along the front of a bed-- blown leaves will collect?
Well--this morning, there were 4 Robins picking every leaf out of the "gutter" and tossing them aside.
I am sure, they were looking for some good bugs to eat. In frozen earth? Not likely.
All the leaves are now out of the strip by my bed and tossed about 6" away.
I did not think Robins were around yet?????
I even got my binoculars out to see if they really were Robins. Yup!
G.
Look!
"Robins on Aisle 2 for cleanup !!"
Robins stay in the woods more in cold weather but they are here year round.
I have a suet feeder that was designed to be squirrel resistant. The typical suet cage is wired and suspended inside a cylinder of larger wire, about eight inches in diameter and high. The birds are supposed to go inside the cylinder to dine in peace. So far they do NOT seem tow want to do that. WHen my other suet runs out any day now, I guess we'll see if they will go to this one when forced.
Waiting to see the upside down suet feeder Al made and is sending me!
Haven't seen too many birds picking at the suet I put out. I have the big suet holder--
holds 4 cakes at a time.
This morning, early, I saw the first Goldfinch at my Thistle feeder. YEAH! He/she was all drab. Probably-"she".
It is POURING rain here right now--after a nice day of 69*. Crazy weather!
I pruned/shaped up my WS shrub a bit. Getting it ready for its trip to terp's. Not yet--but eventually.
Gita
Lol - I was off work today (first time in years). Have some sort of bug that kept me up all night, but feeling better now. The feeder is done - I just need to find a box & get it in the mail.
Saw an eagle yesterday driving along the Saginaw River in the fog. It was perched only about 20' up on a snag and flew across thje road toward the river right in front of me.
Saw a fox sparrow over the weekend, too. A rarity for me - only about the 5th or 6th I've seen, and all were at feeders. Usually they're only here later in the year when they're in transit. It's VERY early for them to be moving toward their summer haunts, but maybe it's not so surprising, seeing how it reached the mid-60s here in MI yesterday.
An interesting story: My brother and I were standing on his deck in the fall. We heard "plunk", but thought nothing of it until we turned to go in. There was a part albino red breasted nuthatch lying on the deck, having flown into the patio door glass. I picked it up and held it for a few minutes, stroking the back of it's head. It wasn't long before it woke up. It sat on my hand for a minute or so & then flew up onto a nearby spruce branch to continue its recovery. I'd guess it was about half white & half brown & rufous streaks.
Al
Al--
Over the years, several Doves have killed themselves trying to fly away--but heading for
my 4 (now only 2) patio roof lights. They panic so when something disturbs them and fly like crazy.
Picking one up to dispose of it--they have a bit of weight to them!
I know they feed there--as my feeder sits under the roof and they always come to eat whatever seed
falls down from all the picky eaters higher up.
At least they are safe from hawks--as they cannot see them under my roof.
I sent you some pictures of my Patio on some other Post--D-mail?
We had 60 * today here. Nature just teasing us all...........Gita
Sally -- It is easy to render suet, and many groceries will give you beef fat for free.... $0 is better than $27.
Thanks Happy . I know you have my interests at heart, but thats just one cooking item i am willing to pay the $ and let somebody else do.
Hey bird lovers it'sFlowajens Birthday today!
A flock of good wishes for a great day and a blessed next year coming your way Jen!
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/1296300/
Sally -- you really made me laugh!
Tried to post a link--but it did not work...
deleted my post.
This message was edited Feb 1, 2013 9:36 PM
Playing some catchup here.
Ronnie thank you for that suet link! I passed it on to the ladies who fill the eight large bird feeders at the condo nearest to the eagle nest on my paper route. I know they have placed at least one order already. (How's Harper and things up your way?)
These ladies keep me updated on the eagles too. Yep, may have some hatchlings soon if all goes well, Seems the new nest location is not able to be photographed from any condo windows like the last one that came down tree and all in heavy snow wind two years ago. When Sallyg and I went looking for the downed nest (can't spell the correct name, nest easier) there was little left. I figure mom and dad eagle salvaged what they could for new abode, Rough estimate is that new is about a third the size of old. Of course, they add on every year!.
Last week's warm(70++ degrees and sunny) afternoon, I saw both adults soaring above the nest, one returning to nest, the other flying out over the water. Must have been warm enough for both parents to have a little egg hatching break together.
Do you think I have anything to be worried about??????
I did some errand running yesterday. So while I was sitting in the parking lot at one of our Bank's branch offices I noticed a good size flock of Vultures (7) circling over the bank. There is a near by car dealer and church (I am sure it wasn't the church) and a stand of good size trees. Really they were pretty centered over the bank. LOL
Local Hawk just put on a pretty good show in the yard. Not too big mostly grey with a buff colored chest. First he was hanging out in the tree across the drive then on top of one of the bird feeders and now he has moved to another tree. I don't think he has had much luck hunting this morning but I was pretty surprised to see him craw into the Holly Hedge. Not sure if he went in after a smaller bird or just though he could hide in there. Little birds are back so he must a moved on or is well hidden.
vultures circling the bank...Too funny
Heard an alarmed bird call yesterday, followed by a glimpse of a hawk leaving the yard.
For me, an eagle sighting is the most fascinating of all bird sightings. I guess because they are so majestic and were so endangered at one point. Even with a comeback, I think they are usually only spotted around rivers and out west - definitely rare in my neck of the woods. Since we put the pond in 10 years ago, I have been lucky enough to see an eagle fly over on three occasions (I think they were scoping out the fish).
On a sadder note, a few years ago one of the nearby immigrant farm workers that Mike is friends with called very concerned and not knowing what to do about an "american bird" that was in the field and not flying away, even when he got real close to it. We went over to the farm, and sure enough it was an eagle. I called our vet to find out if there was a wildlife rescue that we could call, got the info, and a rescuer was there within 30 minutes. She said the eagle was showing all the signs of lead poisoning which was becoming more and more common with birds of prey that feed on animal carcasses that have been shot with lead bullets. She was hoping that we may have gotten to this eagle in time to save it, but it was iffy. Within 24 hours, the eagle would either show signs of recovery or not. Unfortunately, this eagle did not recover. What an experience to be within 3 feet of an eagle in the wild for about an hour, but to this day it makes me sad to know that even though we tried, it did not make it.
This message was edited Feb 2, 2013 6:25 PM
Teri--that is so sad. I have never seen an eagle close up. From a distance--yes! as I have
been to visit my sister in AK three times. Bald eagles are common there....
Holly--I cannot refuse to make this joke-----
Eagles circling the Bank? Must be looking for all the people who have not paid their mortgage....
=)...
LOL Gita, Not Eagles, Vultures, you may be right about looking for the poor homeowners.
My first thought was Vulture Capitalists...catching the thermals from all the rising hot air....
Thats REALLY clever!
THey might be over DC as well
Glad you could use the link Judy! Things are good here, cold just like everyone else! Harper is great and has a new playmate named Winston.
We have a few Bald Eagles at the park a few miles from me, was lucky enough to see them a few weeks ago. Such magnificent birds!
Vulture capitalists!!!! Cracking up