Saturday, May 16, 2015

El Bandido - "The Bandit"

The raccoon continues to be active late every afternoon.  I got my first look at a second set of ears just a few minutes ago so she definitely has at least one offspring this year.  She is not letting the little one come out yet.

She is so much fun to watch however last night I forgot to bring in the bird feeder and it was completely empty this morning.  I feel certain she is the suspect.

A few shots of her.



Thursday, May 14, 2015

Waiting to Fledge

Yesterday and today, the young Bluebirds took turns peeking out of the box.  The parents have been very vocal today with soft murmurs almost as if to try and lure the chicks out.

One or the other adults will generally sit on a shepherd's hook that sits across from the box.  They have chipped all day.











I have watched several times as one of the adults would go to the box and look in but not feed.  Several times the adults might have an insect and tried to lure a chick out.  Guess they are not quite ready.  I expect within a day or two they will fledge.

Monday, May 11, 2015

Peek-a-boo

I spent last week trying to finish up projects before this last round of rain from T.S. Ana came through.  I got the deck stained/water sealed, all the bushes trimmed, stained the front steps and painted the handrails and last but not least, sprayed for poison ivy of which now I have a respectable case breaking out.

I didn't do much today other than get my drivers license renewed and a few simple things around the house.

Late this afternoon as I was grilling some pork chops, I noticed the raccoon peeking out of her tree.  I figured it was about time for her to start bringing out her little ones.  I didn't see any young today but over the last several years when she begins looking out during daylight, it won't be long before the little ones start peeking out.

Tuesday, May 5, 2015

Proud Prothonotary

Feathered sunshine!


Sunday, May 3, 2015

Grackles

They are obnoxious, loud, sneaky and their beak looks too large.  The only positive thing to say about them is that when you catch them in just the right light, the colors refracting off their feathers can be quite pretty.

Thankfully they don't seem to hang around too long.  I usually have them for only a short time in the spring and again a short time in the fall.

Friday, May 1, 2015

Female Rose-breasted Grosbeak

It has rained almost all day with only brief breaks.  During the breaks in the rain the female Rose-breasted Grosbeak would come to the suet feeder.  Unlike the male who preferred the Safflower seeds, the female never touched them and instead always went to the suet feeder.

She was quite aggressive towards any other bird that attempted to come to the suet feeder while she was eating.  The other birds gave her leeway seeming to sense she was not one of the everyday birds in the area.