Catching Up

The last week has been a whirlwind of craziness.  For some unknown reason, walking became almost impossible for several days last week.  Tests came back undetermined and almost as quickly as the problem came on, it left.  I got out for a bit this afternoon however walking is still a bit stiff but I figure the best thing is to keep moving.

The birds are really coming in now which makes for great fun.  One of my favorites, the Great Crested Flycatcher has been hanging around the yard over the last week.  It is very receptive to responding to imitations of its call.

The Blue Grosbeaks are in adding another blue to the landscape.  Good to have them back.















Nest building is in high gear.  This female Common Yellowthroat brought in many a piece of small grass building her nest.  The Cowbirds are busy too scoping out and watching who is building what.











As I was quietly walking down the path, a fox walked out of the wooded area.  We both stopped looking at each other.  Always a thrill to have a close encounter.





 

Nature Oddities - Those Insidious Cowbirds

Back in the early part of spring, my friend and I watched as a pair of Common Yellowthroats were obviously building a nest. We watched them flying in and out of a blackberry patch bringing in nesting material. A week or so later when in the same area, we witnessed a pair of Brown-headed Cowbirds lurking about watching. My friend commented potential trouble.

More truthful words had never been spoken. Today I watched in amazement at the result of what happens when a nest has been parasitized. I stood for at least 45 minutes and watched the spectacle. What caught my attention was the considerable size difference. The fledgling Cowbird is twice the size of the Yellowthroat. What an absolute bizarre sight. A fledging Yellowthroat was also nearby but got no attention.

The adult Yellowthroat was working tirelessly trying to feed this young Cowbird whose appetite seemed endless and stomach bottomless. On a few occasions it would stop short trying to get the fledging Cowbird to move. It however was pefectly content to sit and wait for food to appear. There was the occasional preening to remove molting feathers and a stretch every now and then but would soon settle back down resting on the branch.

During one of the extended hunting trips by the Yellowthroat, the fledgling Cowbird stood up looking about then started makings its little pitty calls and ruffling wings. The term slothenly came to mind. This shot gives a good prespective and how large the young Cowbird is.

As it appeared it would be an all day feeding event, I took my leave. Whether it is imprinting or some other unknown connection of nature, it surprises me that the adult Yellowthroat continued to feed such a large bird leaving its on species off-spring to fend for itself. You would think that something in nature would signal that this is a bird of a different feather. I guess that instinct to feed when a mouth is gapping open is just too great.

Common Yellowthroat

After 7 days where high temperatures went from 83 to 40, today was a nice day before rain that is suppose to move in tomorrow. The server that operates the computer system I work on crashed and burned around noon today so home I went quickly to change, grab the camera and head out.

Was thrilled to see the Common Yellowthroats had returned to the area. I generally only see them in this area spring through summer. This male's bright yellow stood out and caught my attention quickly.

I saw the female but never could get a decent shot of her. Something for another day.