Feeding Wild Birds

[ValerieJ]

That is so sad, but the way of life for these wild flocks. We keep watching the duck families on the river diminish. We mostly have Common Mergansers this year, so I'm sure the fishermen are not missing the lost ones at all. They compete for fish by eating the baby salmon. But we love watching them. Everyone has their own way of looking at nature here. We are probably the odd man out.

 

[Molpet]

Everyone has their own way of looking at nature here. We are probably the odd man out.

Yes I know my way of looking at things has changed.
I used to have a pet raccoon as a kid and later a coyote in the early 90s.
Nowadays I don't let them stay around. Especially the racoons. So much damage to soffit, attic and stuff stored. BBQ grill hoses chewed. And of the poultry.

 

[ValerieJ]

That is so sad, but the way of life for these wild flocks. We keep watching the duck families on the river diminish. We mostly have Common Mergansers this year, so I'm sure the fishermen are not missing the lost ones at all. They compete for fish by eating the baby salmon. But we love watching them. Everyone has their own way of looking at nature here. We are probably the odd man out.

Just to clarify, by "here" I mean my own neighborhood, not BYC. I am often not very clear in texting. Old lady trying to learn new tricks, is my excuse. But that doesn't mean I get the BYC thing right all the time either.

 

[R2elk]

Keeping watch over the currants.
Western Kingbird

 

[R2elk]

Just for laughs.

Merlin ID.

 

[alinas2010]

Just for laughs.

Merlin ID.
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That doesn’t seem right

 

[R2elk]

That doesn’t seem right

Not even close.

 

[Gill-b]

A pair of Egyptian Geese have been spending time in the play-park at the end of our road. I am guessing that they are resting up after their migratory flight. I have been spotting more and more Egyptian Geese as they arrive down South for our summer months here.
Now the Guinea Fowl and the geese have been having "yelling" competitions in the mornings. Normally the Guineas are not that vocal. I don't know who sets who off?

...but on a whole they seem to get on fine.

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[fuzzi]

"Get outta my yard!"

 

[Gill-b]

For the past few weeks I have been closely watching one of my succulent plants produce a flower stem. This particular succulent has not produced a flower stem in years, and I have been waiting in anticipation for the flowers to open. Today two of the flowers did. Now I am hoping in great amounts for a certain species of little bird to come eat some nectar from the flowers, and that I am able to take photographs of at least one of them eating. Please keep your fingers crossed for me. These type of bird, that I am wanting to photograph, have been visiting my garden so there is a good chance that I may succeed. I'm excited. I just have to be vigilant and patient.


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The two open flowers.

Meanwhile, in the tree, a little way from and above the succulent, Mr and Mrs Mostart (the pair of Cape Sparrows) are still nest building...

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I hear Mrs Mostart giving Mr Mostart a lot of instructions!, while Mr Mostert gets on with all the heavy lifting.

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The thorn tree that their nest is in, is sprouting its spring leaves and soon it will be difficult to see the nest amongst all the new green foliage.

Also, I have stopped putting out fruit for the birds every day as winter is drawing to a close and spring brings natural food availability. But the Mousebirds call to me and, well..., they are just so adorable that I find myself giving in to their demands... I am such a pushover.