 |
 |
|
|
|
|
Many young birds. The Bluebirds have fledged 5 young and have
started making another nest. Magpie young following parents around making
the most racket begging for food. We discovered a quail's nest under a bush
in the front yard on June 7 containing 10 eggs and now has at least
14. Mom started sitting on nest yesterday and it takes about 21 days.
All the young Orioles come to the fountain and syrup feeders. There must be
a total of about 6 and I think there are 3 or 4 adult prs. Hummingbirds still
are lower in number. Probably about 10.
 |
This has been an usual spring. Weather changed late, just now getting warm.
Our native oak trees have been attacked by the oat moth caterpillar which have
eaten all the leaves. The Dept of Ag says the leaves will grow but but meanwhile
I feel it has had an affect on the birds. Very few hummingbirds still around after a
hopeful start. They probably have gone to areas to nest in trees with leaves.
The Bluebirds have 5 eggs in the nestbox. If all goes they should hatch next week.
The orioles are back visiting the syrup feeders. They will try to use the hummer's
feeder but I so have some up that are for orioles. I use the same sryup formula for them
as I do for the hummingbirds. Starlings nesting next door.
 |
Not enough rain. Sometimes March is the wet month. More birds
arriving. The finches are beginning to get their yellow coloring.
The Nutall woodpecker still visits the suet feeder several times a day.
Just the female so far and I have hopes the male will show up. Mouring doves
are here with their soft coos. Magpies are the noisy ones. An Acorn woodpecker
vocalizing in the front yard in a tall juniper bush. The humminbirds are starting to
arrive. The males to set up territories. 3 seen feeding at kitchen feeder and 2 in the back.
 |
|
Winter is arriving fast. Below normal temp averages and so far
little rain. Still many goldfinches around on the thistle seed feeder.
Other small birds have moved on. Jays and Magpies arrive every morning
for the daily serving of peanuts. At the suet feeder in back there was a Nuttall's
Woodpecker and a gray Titmouse. Up to a week ago there were many Humminbirds.
Probably 30 at the 3 feeding areas. Since it has turned cold many have left. About
6 now. They may stay all winter except if it gets very cold in Jan/Feb. A few sightings
of Bluebirds as they stay through most the winter too.
|
This has been an active month amoung the birds.
Sadly we had a day with unusally high temp [115] for this time of year.
The baby Bluebirds did not survive. Normally such hot weather is after
nesting season in Aug and Sept. Many new Oriole fledgelings. There are feeders
in the front yard and back. Between the hummers and Orioles I go through about
1/2gal+ of syrup mixure a day. The Lesser Goldfinches are starting to reappear at the
feeders. Each morning I put out peanuts [in the shell] for the Jays and Magpies. The jays
have started stashing peanuts in the planter covering them with woodchips. I then see them
retrieve the peanuts during the day.
  |
Tempature in the 100's this week. All the bird baths are busy and
need water added daily. Even if you don't want to feed seed, a
bird bath or dish of water is always appreciated by the birds and will
bring them to your yard.
A new clutch of 5 Bluebirds eggs have hatched. Mom and Pop BB
appear to be very busy. A White-breasted Nuthatch was seen on
lattice over bird area outside the window. Two pair of Orioles drinking
out of the hummingbird feeder so I added an Oriole feeder and it was
used right away, also by the Hummingbirds which is a fair turn about.
There is one pair each: Hooded Oriole and Bullock's Oriole.
  |
The baby Bluebirds have fledged and are zooming around in the Oak tree on the back hill.
Mom and pop BB are starting to build a new nest. We cleaned the old nest out of the
box. 3 does with 4 fawns between them are hanging out on back hill. The House Finches
are feeding fledged young at the seed feeder. A few more hummingbirds but still not the
normal count. A Roadrunner was spotted racing out of the arroyo at the end of street and on up the
street out of view. My first sighting of a Bald Eagle in the wild, circling over head. There is a
nest down by the lake.
 |
Mother Bluebird is sitting on 4 eggs for about 2 weeks. The Goldfinches
are plentiful this year. They are very colorful and noisy but have a nice sound.
The Mourning Doves cleaning up the dropped seeds. An Acorn Woodpecker
making a hole in the neighbor's house. Then "laughing" as he flies away.
Two fawns on back hill this morning. Twins I think. They were racing back and forth
with a lot of jumping and leaping at each other while mom quietly continued
eating.  American Goldfinch |
| Suddenly many visitors to the yard. Magpies, Woodpeckers and Jays grabbing as many peanuts as they can. Magpies also hogging the suet feeders. A little grey Titmouse also eating peanuts. A male Oriole at the sugar-mix feeder. He was one of the finest I've seen. Very bright deep orange. A Bullock's with a black head. Later 2 female Orioles were at the sunflower chips feeder. A Red-winged Blackbird "clincking" in a way they sound like dripping water. On the ground looking for dropped seed was a Mourning Dove and serveral White-crowned Sparrows. The Goldfinches covering the thistle-socks and sunflower seed feeder. One Hummingbird flying around the fountins. It looks like it was "hawking" [picking insects out of the air] |
So far no Bluebird nests although they are around and checking the nest
box now and then. A herd of 15-18 deer were grazing on front hill. Mourning
Doves have returned. I enjoy their cooing. The male Goldfinches are beginning to
show their breeding colors. There also has been a Bewick's Wren sighted in a shrub.
 |
| LATE UPDATES: So far a mild winter. No rain and it is needed. A few hummingbirds still visiting feeders in front yard. If it doesn't get too cold they will stay all winter. Christmas week about 40-50 vultures were roosting in the large oaks on front hill. Spreading wings and soaking up the sun. Hope to post pictures. Bluebirds have arrived. Checking out the nesting boxes. A warm winter could mean an early nesting season as long as they don't get caught by a late freeze and lose the 1st brood due to the lack of insects. |
Deer checking out the bird seed. This time of year is the breeding
season. There has been a 6 point buck [3 on each antler] in area.
Still many hummingbirds. The Anna's will be here during the winter.
Bluebirds also seen in yard. They also remain during the winter and
will start nesting as early as February depending on the weather.
About 10 magpies feed each morning at front feeder. They are like crows
and will eat most anything. Favorite is the suet and peanuts. Temperature
running in the 40's at night and up to the 80's during the day. A little
warmer than normal.
  |
Hummingbird days of summer. The youngsters now act like hummingbirds,
a few migrants starting to pass through. Many buzzing and humming around.
Outside computer room window there are 3 feeders with about 15 hummers
fussing, "fighting" and putting on a show. Climate still below normal summer temp.
Everything seems to enjoy the relief. Many birds, about 8 jays visiting back feeder
cleaning out peanut feeder in about an hour. All plants doing well.
|
|  |
| Summer has settled in and all baby birds are now young adults. The Jays are the liveliest group fussing and fighting over seed. I have added a peanut box that requires them to lift the lid to get to the peanuts. It is interesting to see the differences in their abilities. Out of 8 Jays only 2 understand the process and will immediately lift the lid with their beaks. The others peck at the plastic front and wait until it is opened. I wonder if it is an adult vs youngster in the thinking ability. |
 |
| The second clutch of Bluebirds have fledged. I saw one leave the nest on June 30th and by yesterday morning they were all out. There had been 5 babies hatched. Cleaned out the old nest material now to see if adults will have another family. Miss all their cheeping. About noon yesterday a couple of Acorn Woodpeckers landed on nest bac and check out the hole Pecked at it a while noisily then left. Today I saw a young woodpecker trying to fly and and barely keeping above the ground so it must have just left the nest. Woodpeckers are not good flyers anyway. They don't seem as smooth as other birds. |
|
 |
| This week the Orioles have been visiting the surup feeders. They will use any feeder large enough to accommondate them. A Hooded Oriole male brought two youngsters with him and all three balanced on feeder while drinking. There are two species of Orioles in this area. The males are easily identifiable. Young and females look similar.. Orioles have a chattering scolding sound that makes it easy to know when they are around. |
|
 |
| June Madness~~~Many babies out and about. 3 or 4 Fawns roaming area with their moms. You can tell by their sizes some where the early babies and at least one was recently born. The Bluebirds have another clutch of eggs, 5 this time. Their first babies are still in the area too. 3 young Jays at the back feeder. Chasing and playing with each other. The young Hummingbirds are fun to watch. Like little jet pilots they hor dog around, dog fighting with each other. Clicking their warning sound at others trying to feed. |
| The Bluebird pair have started making their new nest. They are using the same nest box that has had the old nesting material removed. The four babies, now young adults, still follow the parents around begging for food. The picture shows both the male and female. One missed Kodak moment had Mom, Pop and 4 youngsters on top of the nest box *sigh* More Bluebird information |
 Phoito by Chloe |
| Two does with fawns were on back hill this morning. The fawns racing around and having a great time. The Bluebird babies left nest last Monday [May 2nd] I didn't see them leave but saw them being fed early in the day and by noon there was no activity around the nest. The family was on the roof of a neighbors house this morning flying down to hunt insects on the ground. |
 Mule Deer |
| The male Bluebird sitting on the typical design Bluebird nest box. There are 4 babies now with their eyes open and almost feathered. Mom and Dad are very busy feeding. It is possible, since it is still early, they will raise another clutch. More Bluebird information |
 Phoito by Chloe |
| A pair of Califotnia Quail have been visiting the front yard. There are many Quail in this area but they don't come into the yard often. I like the ground feeders, they help clean up the seeds that fall to the ground. The baby Bluebirds have hatched right on schedule. Mom and dad making many feeding trips. Finally warm...84d today. |
|
| Orioles have appeared at the surup feeder outside the kitchen window. They will use a hummingbird feeder when it is a size that will acommodate them. There are feeders made for the Oriole... [[To the Oriole Picture]]...It is a pleasant surprise to see a large orange bird outside the window. Also noted at the large seed feeder and suet feeder in the front were 2 Acorn Woodpeckers, probably a pair. The Woodpeckers will also drink surup when they can. Light rain over the past 2 days. |
 |
| Bluebirds of Happiness~~~~ After checking the nestbox we are delight to tell there are 4-5 eggs. Momma bird dutifully sitting on them and Dad flying in to check on things...Hatching should be between April 10th-15th. Click on picture to read more information about the Bluebird. Weather still coolish, littlr rain. |
 |
| Rain off and on over the past week. Birds seem to love it. Very Noisy. The Oregon Junco is a pleasant surprise. This is the first year I have noticed one here. They are nice to have around as they like to eat at ground level and they help clean up the seeds that the other birds drop. Link has a sound clip. |
 |
| The first part of February we built 2 nest boxes designed for Bluebirds. The past few days a pair have been seen going in and out with nesting material. The Finches are beginning to show their yellow coloring. |
|
|
Sounds of spring outside. The Doves are cooing and eating the seed that falls
from the feeders. Doves have hollow feathers that whistle when they fly. -------------Get your Hummingbird feeders ready---------- Surup= 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water..red color is not necessary..feeder will have enough color on it the little birds are very smart....You do not need to buy the surup mix sold in stores. |
 |
| A small flock of Western Meadowlarks in Oak tree, feeding on the ground. Filling the air with their wonderfull flute-like song. |
  |
| Still very little rain this winter. An American Kestrel hunting from top of Oak tree. Seems to be catching large insects... grasshoppers?? Deer still stealing seed from bird feeders. |
 |
| There has not been much rain so far but the birds seem to love it. Many Goldfinches, they really keep the thistle seed socks empty, two socks in the front yard and one in the back. Last year with the heavy rains it was February before so many were here. They are still in their winter garb so it is hard to tell them apart. We have three types in this area: American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch and the Lawrence Goldfinch. |
 |
| Warmer days for a while. up to 70's. Many small birds, the same that have been here plus woodpecker, magpies. Many goldfinches. A western bluebird bathed in the water fountain then sat in a tree, fluffing and drying feathers. Many deer roaming around. They will try to steal seed from feeders. I place wire mesh over the dish-type feeders. | |
|
Small birds mostly Finches at feeders. Woodpeckers, Jays, Magpies. Still about 4-5 hummers coming to feeders. Picture shows Finches at a THISTLE SOCK, one of the best ways to feed thistle seed. Made out of net-like cloth. the birds cling to the side and pull the seed through the holes. DUNCRAFT a good place to get bird supples, by mail or over internet. |  |
|
The number of birds has diminished. The seed lasts longer. Although there is still quite a bit of singing and noise. The Woodpecker and Magpies still come to the feeder for the big birds. Visit this site for a live picture of a feeder: BIRD FEEDER If you are lucky, there will be some birds feeding. |
|
END OF SUMMER: Birding this summer has been very poor Only 6-8 Hummingbirds in the yard. Still many Sparrows, finches, jays and magpies. The flowers planted for the Hummingbirds are all in bloom. Although there are surup feeders they do enjoy the trumpet shaped flowers. My favorites are PENSTEMONS they are easier to find in nurseries now. The Hummingbird favorite area wildflower is call MONKEY FLOWER |
|
Weather very hot 106 .... Birds out early singing and chirping Fewer Hummingbirds this summer/ Only 3-4 in the front and 3-4 in back. Last summer up to 25+ at feeders They winter in Mexico where this winter was colder than normal The Orioles are through nesting and back with the young. Not many deer roaming around. The "El Nino" weather has made a difference in the wildlife. Many birds stopped coming to yard during nesting but now they are slowly returning. |
|
I saw the first fawns actually their ears they [twins] were were following the doe up the hill and all that showed was their ears above the grass. There is a pair of quail visiting the yard. Still 3-5 woodpeckers eating at the feeders..regular seed and out of the orioles surup feeder and a special woodpecker seed block. |
|
I hang lint from dryer in a small basket for nesting material. Today a female Oriole has been taking some to her nest [I assume] There is a large piece of tree trunk in the front yard a woodpecker was hunting bugs on it and chased away any hird that got near |
|
|
The heat is here this week, 90f. The birds are courting and singing. It is a joy being outside Hunners are very active, Anna's .. Rufous [still here]..Allen's..Blackchinned.. There has been 4 Woodpeckers at once at the feeder. A great deal of chasing and cooing by the Mourning Dove. |
|
|
The Bullock's Oriole has arrived and has been eating at the feeder. An Oriole feeder is like a hummers' with larger holes. Orioles like sweeten water too. The male Goldfinches are turning their bright yellow color. |
|
|
First day of spring. A Rufous Hummingbird appeared at feeder. Sadly it won't stay as it is migrating north. This is the first time I have seen a Rufous here. They seen to vary their route due to the weather. All plants are growing rapidly. Even ones I thought were lost are putting out leaves. I am waiting for the Orioles to arrive. |
|
|
The weather has improved and only few sprinkles over the past week. The American Goldfinch have arrived in great. number. Count maybe 25-30. I have nylon net bags made to hold thistle seed [their favorite]. About 10 birds can cling to the bag while pulling seed through the net. This seems to be the best way to feed them. 6 deer on front hill this morning. The other birds remain the same. Quanities have increased but no new variety yet 2-3 male hummers, very active and fussy, chasing each other. |
|
Yesterday a pair of WESTERN MEADOWLARKS were across the street chasing bugs. Today a pr of loggerhead shrikes also dining across the street. 2 woodpecckers are at the feeder daily. 'They' say birds are nesting earlier this year, due to the rains there will be more insectcs. |
Western Meadowlark |
|
Every other day rain..the sunny days are warm. Regular birds still active at feeder...about 14 Finches and Sparrows at any one time, 2 Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 6-10 Doves, 2-4 Magpies. Today a flock of about 20 Quail. 2 Male Hummers zooming at each other , fighting over feeders. |
|
|
Every other day rain..the sunny days are warm. Regular birds still active at feeder...about 14 Finches and Sparrows at any one time, 2 Woodpeckers, 2 Jays, 6-10 Doves, 2-4 Magpies. Today a flock of about 20 Quail. 2 Male Hummers zooming at each other , fighting over feeders. |
|
|
Rain again today. Busy morning at feeder The usual small birds,,2 Acorn woodpeckers eating seed and suet while the small birds sat in tree waiting for them to leave. Then 2 Scrub Jays showed up and a Mourning Dove eating seed on the ground under feeder |
|
|
More sun today so outside to clean yard and bird feedrs. Birds had eaten almost all the suet. Oak tree was noisy with birds Woodpecker,Kestrel, Loggerhead Shrikes, a hawk [unk] circling overhead. |
|
|
.Not too much new..Much rain rain RAIN. The birds eating heavily at feeder. It is easier than hunting for seed in thr wet grass. They are really going though the suet as it is a high energy food and will help them stay warm. One evening there were 6 deer on back hill eating in the rain.. |
|
Strong rain & wind during the night. A real feeding frenzy at the feeders this morning Suet was very popular. Birds: Sparrows, Magpies, Woodpecker, Red-winged Black- birds, Hummingbird. Birds use so much energy keeping warm they must feed heavily to maintain body temperature. |
 |
|
Rain-off and on All birds hungry. An ACORN WOODPECKER has been at feeder the last few days. Eating seed and suet. Looks awkward at feeder since he was designed to sit on tree trunks. Also a PLAIN TITMOUSE has been feeding frequently. |
|
|
Tues was almost spring like. Rain today. Wed. hung a new hummingbird feeder out- side kitchen window. An Anna's Humming- bird found it immediately. They are a joy to watch. The seed feeder needs filling about every other day. A hungry bunch. |
|
|
Light fog and sun out by noon. No new birds at feeders. In the big oak tree across the street an AMERICAN KESTREL perches severl hours in the mornings and watches for prey. |
|
|
Morning fog.[boring] but sun is coming out. WHITE-CROWNED SPARROW is showing up at the seed feeder now. There was a female GOLDFINCH but not sure of variety . |
|
|
Same Same ..early fog but clearing. A GREAT BLUE HERON on back hill this morning. Looking very regal. We are by Lake Nacimiento and there are many water type birds in area. Still an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD coming to feeder. Cleaned and refilled feeder. |
|
|
Sun finally shining through the fog. You can always tell when the MAGPIES are at the feeder. Their shrieks are easliy heard in the house. They are a beautiful bird. In full sun their tails are a dark metalic kelly green. |
 |
House Finch
Heavy rain last Sunday, fog this morning.
PURPLE FINCHES at seed feeder. Noisy birds
on back hill outside window but can't see them
|
Sun trying to peek through..Seen a few DEER in distance 4 MOURNING DOVES sitting on neighbor's garage..usually I only see them on the ground. A few HOUSE FINCHES at feeder and an ANNA'S HUMMINGBIRD back flying around surup feeder. |
|
|
-------------------------------------------------------------------- Surup= 1/4 cup sugar to 1 cup water..red color is not necessary..feeder will have enough color on it the little birds are very smart.... | |
January 13
Sunshine Sunshine .... A DEER at top of back hill early this
morning. At noon a doe and twin yearlings in the front.
January 11
High clouds..63F..10 DEER on front hill at 5pm..Looked like
9 does and only one yearling. A very striking group
.
Grazing as they moved up the hill. Coats looked very heavy.
January 8
Fog and high clouds..55F..3 deer on back hill at 3pm..2 does
and a yearling
January 6
The most commom bird at feeder is the WHITE CROWNED
SPARROW. The YELLOW-BILLED MAGPIE loves the suet bars.