Backyard Observations

Here are just some of the interesting observations I've made in my backyard in the recent days.
Rose-breasted grosbeaks- There were as many as 10 at one time feeding on the ground around my feeder and the interesting thing was that they were all males. I scatter seed on the ground in addition to putting it in the feeder. The females fed almost exclusively from the feeders. Also, I saw several males take a liking to the peanuts in the woodpecker cage. They'd come up and get those big beaks into those small openings and wrench out a peanut.But last night I think they all left on a strong southerly wind. They hung around for about a week.
White-crowned sparrows--They're still around and singing throughout the day. This is the latest they've ever hung around. I also have observed them pulling peanuts out of the peanut tower; not just once but as a matter of course. Like a chickadee they'd get one out and fly down under the spruce tree and eat it there.
Chipping sparrows- Quite a lot of Chippies this year but now they seem to have dispersed and are probably seeking territories. They stay all summer and their nests are quite concealed and very neat. They line the nest with hair (rabbit,squirrel,human,whatever.) and they like to nest in the Yews and other low growing evergreens.
The orange slices I put out for the Orioles are being eaten by the House finches. No Orioles have been heard or seen around here though I saw many out at the lake last week while I was fishing. Once all the Elm trees were cut down, the Orioles became very rare around here.
No warblers or vireos heard or seen yet.I do have a Red-breasted nuthatch still coming to the feeders quite regularly and I've seen her checking out one of my "up high" (20 feet) wren houses. Wouldn't that be something to have her nest there but I don't think it will happen. I'm just surprised a RBN is still around. The WBN are coming but they tend to nest locally.
Just a few observations.
Jimbo

Thanks Jimbo!

Catbirds, cardinals and happy surprise Pileated Woodpecker today. We do have woods and they like to stay there. Could hear the red winged blackbirds, but did not see any.

Hi, I'm new here and am hoping to find a new forum so that I can discuss my birdwatching with others without feeling like I have to be an expert.
I have been birding for about 3 years and have recently become interested in the photographing of birds as well.
I live in SE Arkansas and have Northern Cardinals year round. I have an Orchard oriole nest in a sycamore tree that I'm keeping my eye on and have some pics that I will try to post once I get home from work. I have a bluebird nesting in one of my boxes. My husband and I put 3 up but only had the one to get an occupant so far.
We also put up a purple martin house for the first time but no takers yet. We also feed the hummers but they've been kinda slow this year. Not sure why.
anyway I'll post more later after I've checked out some of the other threads.

Crazybirdlady...
Please see this thread:
http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/808378/

If you've admitted you're a "crazy" bird lady, that's the first and most important step to joining us here... right, Pelle?
Welcome!
— Judy

This message was edited May 14, 2008 3:27 PM

Thanks, I feel welcomed already! I am the only person in my family, and probably my community, who actively watches birds and keeps track of them and tries to ID them so sometimes I feel like an outsider but I love it so much I don't let it bother me.
I have actually fallen off my front steps in my excitment at seeing a new bird! I was OK though. Only hurt my pinky toe and my pride a little bit but I had to see that bird so it was worth it. HA!

Welcome Crazy!! You sound just like the rest of us!! Please stay and share your pics and experiences with us! I have the same problem with most of my neighbors, family and friends...if it ain't about birds than I ain't talking! LOL!