tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33161883163037389422024-02-02T10:03:14.876-08:00Hummingbirds and Orioles in San Diego north countyObservations of the activities of hummingbirds and orioles in my backyard.Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-21063495859757097452023-06-06T18:35:00.002-07:002023-06-06T18:35:17.878-07:00<p>June 6, 2023 <br /></p><p>The Hooded orioles have been here now for a couple months. Usually they are very shy at the birdbath but this one splashed about for over 30 seconds! Must have had a hot date later that day LOL</p><p>A male oriole, the yellow feathers really glowing in the sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzKpTcMleRXwCYeKdGgGP_puxWR1CpoarDECFn-JHZ100xVzadl37sQgVzk1B7cxa7ZHktaa4xhMfV0fJsE9w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><p><br /></p>Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-29962201801197083272022-11-22T14:11:00.003-08:002022-11-22T14:11:57.249-08:00A slight chill in the air - Autumn is here<p> Fall is a time for a change in some of the birds we see. The Orioles are long gone (left by early September), hummingbirds are still here. The Anna's, Allen's, and Costa's hummingbirds stay all year long adding color and cuteness to the backyard!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pJHXIsJ548ymM3F_4L93uEQA4vXCyqehcHU8ukR99ocqaXM9r_mE7CHOiyVxQ_t73DP3uhuX3TWLy-VKjadYKrK-EhD89s3i0AgRDbCQ8efucuM_jt-RqhXcvVegEi3FGzkn1us8oaPP5Myb1gVDwEe-QU3VIkpfvsLLDA1z-vQNNY0rAWCMiMcr0w/s4608/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pJHXIsJ548ymM3F_4L93uEQA4vXCyqehcHU8ukR99ocqaXM9r_mE7CHOiyVxQ_t73DP3uhuX3TWLy-VKjadYKrK-EhD89s3i0AgRDbCQ8efucuM_jt-RqhXcvVegEi3FGzkn1us8oaPP5Myb1gVDwEe-QU3VIkpfvsLLDA1z-vQNNY0rAWCMiMcr0w/s4608/IMG_5080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8WINMh-OyfPE9raA59CaIUkx1FocdQQJuMqBPYsCU72Z_piGzhNFMVl_TNBzl6d39n2zjEUN3lhIzcN9FEb9mACAnxrzuy6M-3pFSFSQm-jCuDq_3TP5-TeJh8eTymfJxiGUHon3sHKL370CRCa47xIqdngdkWueizciGALedtHc7HPr5gVatoH3ew/s4608/IMG_5237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv8WINMh-OyfPE9raA59CaIUkx1FocdQQJuMqBPYsCU72Z_piGzhNFMVl_TNBzl6d39n2zjEUN3lhIzcN9FEb9mACAnxrzuy6M-3pFSFSQm-jCuDq_3TP5-TeJh8eTymfJxiGUHon3sHKL370CRCa47xIqdngdkWueizciGALedtHc7HPr5gVatoH3ew/w320-h180/IMG_5237.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1pJHXIsJ548ymM3F_4L93uEQA4vXCyqehcHU8ukR99ocqaXM9r_mE7CHOiyVxQ_t73DP3uhuX3TWLy-VKjadYKrK-EhD89s3i0AgRDbCQ8efucuM_jt-RqhXcvVegEi3FGzkn1us8oaPP5Myb1gVDwEe-QU3VIkpfvsLLDA1z-vQNNY0rAWCMiMcr0w/w320-h180/IMG_5080.JPG" width="320" /></div><p><br />One of the birds we had the pleasure of meeting this year was a Greater roadrunner! Quite the character.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2dm11tV5OjeEowHz42dCrMFT9aoSPm8oatX7ioHPCuCIZI13nnuPe44TlwErxSAwrk8Qqsagnj4dzGavhc_Y8hRJWGboDUZL7w5rpFcEPFZlcLDFQ3LFXFgw4ebkGM93rykZnoKpnoNkh7x5Ry2dapUm39o7XcMwHDJRzO96vNTU7ERlpMUupjzE0Q/s2048/scootie%20face.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS2dm11tV5OjeEowHz42dCrMFT9aoSPm8oatX7ioHPCuCIZI13nnuPe44TlwErxSAwrk8Qqsagnj4dzGavhc_Y8hRJWGboDUZL7w5rpFcEPFZlcLDFQ3LFXFgw4ebkGM93rykZnoKpnoNkh7x5Ry2dapUm39o7XcMwHDJRzO96vNTU7ERlpMUupjzE0Q/s320/scootie%20face.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVRGbh8Q8JLERR5DmHLlqepSxOGFDICLTezJukla2kMAEgqjZozIiT7udO3SRO33ePt1GQiaFAwVdCGMrvgXSuuUWvUwVsBmInPSOPYoemmZ1NPmLVkm5hsvFKvjq3uVMi8idbjFY5YOH9OekDFi08EctNBZZKfKe7_d9FwFecSCZkNR1ARFC6w59UQ/s2048/siii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVRGbh8Q8JLERR5DmHLlqepSxOGFDICLTezJukla2kMAEgqjZozIiT7udO3SRO33ePt1GQiaFAwVdCGMrvgXSuuUWvUwVsBmInPSOPYoemmZ1NPmLVkm5hsvFKvjq3uVMi8idbjFY5YOH9OekDFi08EctNBZZKfKe7_d9FwFecSCZkNR1ARFC6w59UQ/s320/siii.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>We also get somewhat regular visits from Cooper's hawks. Usually when one shows up, all the other birds head for the hills until the hawk leaves. <br /></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfkW2ZGsH00VwNmxiTF765pcyRhwub9vZBxXrzSaGyFhkWGKAaegce4pz8o8vj0wuEVxjndgB23z4yFz52HOt7e_dN-0qaZL51dUVpTF_dDQzARtVXdniHQqRiOfSWFTbpG3X_JotWlq_t2bts_dDKRmrMCYUXQAKBjZ2K13gy4Ej-1_351Yyz_OZ4A/s4608/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="4608" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfkW2ZGsH00VwNmxiTF765pcyRhwub9vZBxXrzSaGyFhkWGKAaegce4pz8o8vj0wuEVxjndgB23z4yFz52HOt7e_dN-0qaZL51dUVpTF_dDQzARtVXdniHQqRiOfSWFTbpG3X_JotWlq_t2bts_dDKRmrMCYUXQAKBjZ2K13gy4Ej-1_351Yyz_OZ4A/s320/IMG_5133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>More hummingbirds to come, I have been neglecting the blog for too long!<br /></p><p><br /></p>Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-19061285056569948372021-04-13T15:19:00.003-07:002021-04-19T15:18:08.566-07:00A good time to post an update - Spring birds are here!<p> This Pandemic has made for an odd 13 months. Fortunately there are birds to keep us company! Here are a few of the birds showing up in our yard over the last month, some for the first time since last summer.</p><p>It is mid April, Spring is in full swing and the birds are coming to visit! <br /></p><p>The blog title is Hummingbirds and Orioles - but I get a little off topic depending on who shows up ;-)</p><p><br /></p><p>We'll start with a male Allen's hummingbird - he is looking very sharp in his fine brown, red, and green. Allen's and Anna's hummingbirds are here year round - much to our pleasure!</p><p><br /></p><p>A viewing hint for those who might not know - click on an image to see a large view!</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihb6eTL6-f3rFafwEuUNJGDoHEP2rflv6j39Q5DtKOSbnQutONmPI5VnNcDmcyJCque47S5_yabHP-_wGsyJVihfBee0pMkxj6nQ0q9Is7LDJLjtSJIcPWi60haHAP1BLnXcgckwatLFL/s2048/Allens.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1248" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhihb6eTL6-f3rFafwEuUNJGDoHEP2rflv6j39Q5DtKOSbnQutONmPI5VnNcDmcyJCque47S5_yabHP-_wGsyJVihfBee0pMkxj6nQ0q9Is7LDJLjtSJIcPWi60haHAP1BLnXcgckwatLFL/s320/Allens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>The Hooded orioles have just recently arrived from their winter hangout in Mexico. They are so entertaining once several show up and get playful! First is a young male - noted by his dark gray but not quite black bib and his pale yellow and light gray coloring.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEjgzwUGIHYTaZH533UXeJfHvzV67dB0YVM3uE9dnuUi-cBnEsJG5HbGo4zXd2wdWwdvaXEUOBd2E23UYc8pQ58XFZBulGVWPaiZYFrnER-7J6RmetbyBKz7LLlQBFJC3t2UrieoJSqHh/s2048/young+hoodie.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoEjgzwUGIHYTaZH533UXeJfHvzV67dB0YVM3uE9dnuUi-cBnEsJG5HbGo4zXd2wdWwdvaXEUOBd2E23UYc8pQ58XFZBulGVWPaiZYFrnER-7J6RmetbyBKz7LLlQBFJC3t2UrieoJSqHh/s320/young+hoodie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Next - an adult male Hoodie in full color (bright yellow/orange with black and white). He seems to be deciding whether to go for the grape jelly - spoiler - he did!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFhK1ZH6V18iYPomQi1OV9xxuhDzowEKvndtBGbe83hchOjBMi6_hEy3LFORV2o9-V95FYSh3HcmMVGx5galFP8sdqzk68s_eqi2_GRkvtZ-BSbCgm5JZpf_FM01OjQ-WpGe5QVKA3FKl/s2048/hoodie+jelly.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsFhK1ZH6V18iYPomQi1OV9xxuhDzowEKvndtBGbe83hchOjBMi6_hEy3LFORV2o9-V95FYSh3HcmMVGx5galFP8sdqzk68s_eqi2_GRkvtZ-BSbCgm5JZpf_FM01OjQ-WpGe5QVKA3FKl/s320/hoodie+jelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Another favorite backyard bird is the California Scrub jay. Very vocal, friendly, and has a big taste for mealworms!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp-jzlTMjqtcbYw-Dl8VcTdNL6i-t9sMMP-9LuXq_zSM428eKRilz9nh2yumHP5q_iwic7sYrp4ZOhNoxQCHrf0eNA4lEO39lMLzMggG5_yXb7ta0uWZtpleXvdszjFytOTyxWfhy4xMP/s2048/jay.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZp-jzlTMjqtcbYw-Dl8VcTdNL6i-t9sMMP-9LuXq_zSM428eKRilz9nh2yumHP5q_iwic7sYrp4ZOhNoxQCHrf0eNA4lEO39lMLzMggG5_yXb7ta0uWZtpleXvdszjFytOTyxWfhy4xMP/s320/jay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Back at the jelly feeder, a Northern mockingbird has become very fond of the grape jelly as well! It seems to be singing its praise in this photo :-)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM2LwVpW-2SVe3bs1ISPKlJRlL4ugav-p0Iqtpl4iX5Kk5u0JaVDfjb45UQE9IxOWT20VIiB8VBD_TM-xSZvDiCYbZ1GfCLRYGY90Fqe0WKPFZCFYABvlhKIRs6fkyRFm9YFIqspst-0F/s2048/mocker+jelly.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTM2LwVpW-2SVe3bs1ISPKlJRlL4ugav-p0Iqtpl4iX5Kk5u0JaVDfjb45UQE9IxOWT20VIiB8VBD_TM-xSZvDiCYbZ1GfCLRYGY90Fqe0WKPFZCFYABvlhKIRs6fkyRFm9YFIqspst-0F/s320/mocker+jelly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Also just showing up - this male Black-headed grosbeak. I think this is quite an over the shoulder 'come hither' look! Probably using it on a nearby female grosbeak ;-)<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBlWoh3d-Cxf0JFu5OCIrS3VFlnbYtoAMA0HdZKnuTIkKuo8CqfIa_I-bAltMN75ONrgOwn2J5dLxWbIVoPMBLCiRKONzCayHLrDDrtdMIJ6HBolVtchEU_qw_16h_FdjLJvuvN_JQat0/s2048/Bhb.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbBlWoh3d-Cxf0JFu5OCIrS3VFlnbYtoAMA0HdZKnuTIkKuo8CqfIa_I-bAltMN75ONrgOwn2J5dLxWbIVoPMBLCiRKONzCayHLrDDrtdMIJ6HBolVtchEU_qw_16h_FdjLJvuvN_JQat0/s320/Bhb.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Still another bird just arriving from a winter home in western Mexico - a Lazuli bunting. I call him Mr Lazuli and I have been waiting since the end of last summer for his return.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzxAtaHUiEKHTeXFxLD0Bwt25mvzb1aGv5NlecgpKsHQRf62t3Zo5FlEcqnPsVD5tuz1BLVQHtfgElj-oL0Y_yxttdmNc6qFtSp9ppUmcQnHXvGI0lP593fxwrPYJb6vK28SLQXYnDBfB/s2048/lazuli.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzxAtaHUiEKHTeXFxLD0Bwt25mvzb1aGv5NlecgpKsHQRf62t3Zo5FlEcqnPsVD5tuz1BLVQHtfgElj-oL0Y_yxttdmNc6qFtSp9ppUmcQnHXvGI0lP593fxwrPYJb6vK28SLQXYnDBfB/s320/lazuli.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Still with wings - but a little off topic (I warned about that!), the first pale swallowtail butterfly this season! We will also get Western Tiger swallowtails. Hint: it pays to plant a nice butterfly/pollinator garden ;-) We also have a year round population of Monarch butterflies that visit. The Spring/Summer numbers are bigger than over the winter. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LGYyXC4XTvd8NdmH8HRhr-KBh2Mub9pe_gNwctyVDtlfmFFKU4654DH0e2q5ic8RwsV5KISFV33fElY5FqS1CspymZ7U8Emchfg962pHPVwK4SGwdcJUSiUqTtzNuqZaAvYNu7l_hP7g/s2048/pale+butterfly.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1380" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4LGYyXC4XTvd8NdmH8HRhr-KBh2Mub9pe_gNwctyVDtlfmFFKU4654DH0e2q5ic8RwsV5KISFV33fElY5FqS1CspymZ7U8Emchfg962pHPVwK4SGwdcJUSiUqTtzNuqZaAvYNu7l_hP7g/s320/pale+butterfly.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Back to the feathered friends - this is a juvenile Cooper's hawk, could be a juvenile Sharp-shinned hawk, I'm not positive. The young ones are harder to ID, so sometimes I just say a Shooper (combination of Sharp-shinned and Cooper's) ;-) We have a few of both species that will stop by the yard in hopes of a quick meal. Fortunately, for the smaller birds, the hawks miss most of the time. <br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQYyywp4slyAjiTs6b3bRmQ-5_fW0rHR1kYzB7LxaVv0KttG8kMOzjmx6RJAQelhBuLUmssG6OTdTOBFXEZaQd9FI_PlH0mbdkV3pWIqIU1Ew7AGIH2LqE6_ikHRUUOuuIuTKxsuVzBfU/s2048/young+coopers.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1308" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAQYyywp4slyAjiTs6b3bRmQ-5_fW0rHR1kYzB7LxaVv0KttG8kMOzjmx6RJAQelhBuLUmssG6OTdTOBFXEZaQd9FI_PlH0mbdkV3pWIqIU1Ew7AGIH2LqE6_ikHRUUOuuIuTKxsuVzBfU/s320/young+coopers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p>Thanks to all that stop by and peek 👀 at the various visitors we get! <br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-3654101898283144422020-08-07T14:27:00.001-07:002020-08-07T14:42:02.328-07:00A long step away from the blog<p>Has it really been 3 years?? Life happens - and for the last 6 months, Covid happens! Fortunately it has stayed away from our household, I hope all of you have been safe. The normal routine is not so normal anymore. Fortunately, many of the regular birds have been very regular. A welcomed constant to the changing world.</p><p>This has been an Oriole and Hummingbird blog from the start and they have been constant companions in our backyard - well, the hummingbirds are constant. The Hooded orioles, of course, are migratory but have been returning every year in pretty good numbers. This year we have around ten orioles - between the adults and juveniles. And as playful as ever.</p><p>Here are a couple photos of the Hooded orioles over the last couple months. They are such a pleasure to see as they arrive in March and stay through August - oh my, just realizing this is now August and I only have a few more weeks of their company 😞 </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DzRbu6J5aP_4il3t-ZhSaB-1O1fZAqdptmhN5KbO9O5e7EkqvdY5w2W9nF4he4pLpJ6tWjFYw1a9iW0XCIvy1H9ojvY9_M8ne3rfRe4NhKFjqfaCCBoViOm_-CeC3YJAO6W_Sqx3WGTZ/s1344/male+oriole.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="1344" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9DzRbu6J5aP_4il3t-ZhSaB-1O1fZAqdptmhN5KbO9O5e7EkqvdY5w2W9nF4he4pLpJ6tWjFYw1a9iW0XCIvy1H9ojvY9_M8ne3rfRe4NhKFjqfaCCBoViOm_-CeC3YJAO6W_Sqx3WGTZ/s640/male+oriole.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ThlDXZ9rpgp4HSPLvkyJutGnjW_ls9no2bhGComKowQ5tKFXjxCHQd1iXy6eqrMZjJ8Oswd4FETqkuHf3T3NUV-2nJTrt9f1cGc198AA8ZgXFm-BUG1PkkZhqCCkXM2QSqJN0BNlI0ed/s2048/oriles.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-ThlDXZ9rpgp4HSPLvkyJutGnjW_ls9no2bhGComKowQ5tKFXjxCHQd1iXy6eqrMZjJ8Oswd4FETqkuHf3T3NUV-2nJTrt9f1cGc198AA8ZgXFm-BUG1PkkZhqCCkXM2QSqJN0BNlI0ed/s640/oriles.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-qfxB3Mpz-plgWUOyp3YfbfpHX5Z_jHvwIp2YagRHzjRl2mE3z7cRBt5oLnTdWBvx9XigRK4eFGTz5T2G5YWoFm9dodn8PKMtaOFAMm9pkLhXK96z8YOAdgHg_3o8lgRJCUQ5hclWfhyphenhyphen/s680/oriole3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg-qfxB3Mpz-plgWUOyp3YfbfpHX5Z_jHvwIp2YagRHzjRl2mE3z7cRBt5oLnTdWBvx9XigRK4eFGTz5T2G5YWoFm9dodn8PKMtaOFAMm9pkLhXK96z8YOAdgHg_3o8lgRJCUQ5hclWfhyphenhyphen/s640/oriole3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The adult males are so striking in their bright yellow with the dark black bib!</p><p><br /></p><p>Here are a couple hummingbirds snacking. These are both Anna's hummingbirds, and both adult males with their dark gorgets (special throat feathers) that reflect brilliant colors when the light angle is right.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJx3aELHVtlbHHp22caC8nrozA1z-lg_dnm6YB_3ib7aD0lLvMxHGPVRgRSsYZov5y9TriJ9EXf1aJE2D-ZrnDNvVPBe7RRDE3FUQsXmEEGJS-9CgR0X1iImns33j66oCStrw6iqEzjk4/s2048/hummers.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1255" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNJx3aELHVtlbHHp22caC8nrozA1z-lg_dnm6YB_3ib7aD0lLvMxHGPVRgRSsYZov5y9TriJ9EXf1aJE2D-ZrnDNvVPBe7RRDE3FUQsXmEEGJS-9CgR0X1iImns33j66oCStrw6iqEzjk4/s640/hummers.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Some of the other yard birds that have been stopping by - male Black-headed grosbeak, a Dark-eyed junco who is fond of mealworms. Juncos usually are just here over winter, but a couple resisted the urge to fly north for the summer. Mr lazuli, as we call him - a Lazuli bunting. A favorite visitor over the summer. what great colors! the second photo is most recent and he is in the middle of a molt so he looks a little scruffy - still adorable though! And a Nuttal's woodpecker! A fairly rare visitor to the yard, but can be heard pecking on the nearby avocado trees, especially in the morning.<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDTTJlSv9Ycb3FLggsC89lYaB_l6iRcpgQ7bquC3xFa__3U9wGrY9TA6pvHi92ZS2gDil9cPtRBwHaFe042J_qSl4jDGHtjDgBimcpZaUyICv-4Rzqn8-mMBJwaB8vwADr_U8OrG9WHBL/s2048/grosbeak2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGDTTJlSv9Ycb3FLggsC89lYaB_l6iRcpgQ7bquC3xFa__3U9wGrY9TA6pvHi92ZS2gDil9cPtRBwHaFe042J_qSl4jDGHtjDgBimcpZaUyICv-4Rzqn8-mMBJwaB8vwADr_U8OrG9WHBL/s640/grosbeak2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfMrLgfh-g9fR1Pnl0YCJe7SmxOoIzwtT0b4ESSfj-djIeT1tpVaEJRRorD91ES0EsF71OhRQSmgza9chRhyphenhyphena_6CpNvkww5H1Yu5fs-x5JE3Ms3hPotmJeczjTFuigtTokEpRZPbxQo2s/s2048/junco.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxfMrLgfh-g9fR1Pnl0YCJe7SmxOoIzwtT0b4ESSfj-djIeT1tpVaEJRRorD91ES0EsF71OhRQSmgza9chRhyphenhyphena_6CpNvkww5H1Yu5fs-x5JE3Ms3hPotmJeczjTFuigtTokEpRZPbxQo2s/s640/junco.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLS5bH1ko-V-2NVpWcgKMUm9Vx3PVZjbWTWo2eqFFUbNuIYTYDyUgsOrgcDLgKfKgexpIw9lxTW5FlPqKOmhKHECzSFFGbhyuLDmmIYOc8_bEL_kOdOh7oj-Oad1gCN1D5zlASC9cIWYK/s2048/lazuli+1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMLS5bH1ko-V-2NVpWcgKMUm9Vx3PVZjbWTWo2eqFFUbNuIYTYDyUgsOrgcDLgKfKgexpIw9lxTW5FlPqKOmhKHECzSFFGbhyuLDmmIYOc8_bEL_kOdOh7oj-Oad1gCN1D5zlASC9cIWYK/s640/lazuli+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgcF3Oe9WuuvlY65HE_-7V4HltQkK0Ou6DIl7ewQK8YsXxlKtP0B3Z-EZGOqrPTWJE2y_nXI7JwcOguiAa-vVcvfFV3xQdp_P7TbGkAzNjBWRNzh2nB2sNRWFj1FLTOs0ka3QKsc8hgG3/s2048/lazuli+pinhead.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGgcF3Oe9WuuvlY65HE_-7V4HltQkK0Ou6DIl7ewQK8YsXxlKtP0B3Z-EZGOqrPTWJE2y_nXI7JwcOguiAa-vVcvfFV3xQdp_P7TbGkAzNjBWRNzh2nB2sNRWFj1FLTOs0ka3QKsc8hgG3/s640/lazuli+pinhead.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVIBnarCeyK043niN2O33sHRGAZkE8Yec12gzRrGaj2CDdZrgMmWLA72T3fpoFRu9-1iVz3C6v4RhCrpAYK_vg0najOyFrVLfcJAFudDP2-OI6mAWlqqkFU-XLIsyDwPRnvsy3RPhyphenhyphenZ1r/s2048/nuttalls.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRVIBnarCeyK043niN2O33sHRGAZkE8Yec12gzRrGaj2CDdZrgMmWLA72T3fpoFRu9-1iVz3C6v4RhCrpAYK_vg0najOyFrVLfcJAFudDP2-OI6mAWlqqkFU-XLIsyDwPRnvsy3RPhyphenhyphenZ1r/s640/nuttalls.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I'll finish off with a couple larger birds seen from the yard. First is a Sharp-shinned hawk! The smaller birds do not appreciate when Sharpie or Cooper (Cooper's hawk) drop by looking for a quick snack. next is a Red-shouldered hawk. This was just after a rain and it was enjoying the sun to dry out its feathers, putting on quite a display. And largest of the birds that land in the yard - a Red-tailed hawk. There are a couple that make our neighborhood home, quite impressive. The smaller birds don't pay them much mind as birds are not really on their diet.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79PG9ASnszbDhT8wPgzZ5n9wD0TDmWT4sxShsFEAM-WoK7xGntT8sLt1HzVgPYA34qogW_qkylv2F25YXlHCIPb1di0DM83MyRpX74b2bvsniQfp6OeFAsUeAAXI6bzyQeudTsNwjcxaV/s2048/sharpie+4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj79PG9ASnszbDhT8wPgzZ5n9wD0TDmWT4sxShsFEAM-WoK7xGntT8sLt1HzVgPYA34qogW_qkylv2F25YXlHCIPb1di0DM83MyRpX74b2bvsniQfp6OeFAsUeAAXI6bzyQeudTsNwjcxaV/s640/sharpie+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Ffi_US3IDojNIzRAlzXPFvoIy0KwCjU6mhv_xPsKGO7YaeVzRB1vT09sZ_Fk-UaS8Af-fC3hyVH-Yodsq1U-uB7FYOBV6Z2hA1ZCW2l8mhaLmaajteR3H8rFk8U-20KVpEtJFeai8AT/s2048/rsh.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs9Ffi_US3IDojNIzRAlzXPFvoIy0KwCjU6mhv_xPsKGO7YaeVzRB1vT09sZ_Fk-UaS8Af-fC3hyVH-Yodsq1U-uB7FYOBV6Z2hA1ZCW2l8mhaLmaajteR3H8rFk8U-20KVpEtJFeai8AT/s640/rsh.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwgvqvx9SkH-IH-uo1fLSwwrb7-bbBN8Ucr7nAo3DnxNtAUCptciVXuvlqDHynUFkD_GXWs5qgr14vKY0uY6lqKOh-4ONr7HyovVwafcyXJj9LA4liKenzAF_RVYgZSCvS1kX7C5RRdhN/s2048/redtail.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVwgvqvx9SkH-IH-uo1fLSwwrb7-bbBN8Ucr7nAo3DnxNtAUCptciVXuvlqDHynUFkD_GXWs5qgr14vKY0uY6lqKOh-4ONr7HyovVwafcyXJj9LA4liKenzAF_RVYgZSCvS1kX7C5RRdhN/s640/redtail.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p></p><p></p><p>Here is a short video of a Black phoebe who has been a regular for a week.</p><p></p><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/PimdN0u21Z0" width="320" youtube-src-id="PimdN0u21Z0"></iframe></div><p><br />Thanks to those stopping by to see a little of the birdlife that we enjoy in Southern California. <br /></p><p></p>Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0Escondido, CA 92027, USA33.1467885 -117.00878774.7538611346156152 -152.1650377 61.53971586538438 -81.8525377tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-70965317565400363312017-07-26T10:50:00.002-07:002017-08-07T10:22:35.048-07:00Where has the time gone??So this entry is a little past due :-) At least the webcam views keep updating!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">July 26, 2017</span> - middle of the <b>HOT HOT</b> summer!<br />
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Note: I see that an encrypted/secure page viewing is available at<br />
<a href="https://hummingbirdsandoriolesinsd.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://hummingbirdsandoriolesinsd.blogspot.com</a> - if anyone is interested ;-)<br />
Also Google says notice of google cookies is required, especially for the European visitors - so there it is...<br />
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Update - a few more summer birds added to the end!<br />
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Even though it is not evident by the postings lately, it has been a good summer for birds in our Southern California backyard. We have a very nice returning group of Hooded Orioles that did a great job of rearing families. I believe we have 5 adult pairs and hard to count the juveniles. It never gets boring watching and hearing them playing and chasing!<br />
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Here are a couple captures from one of the webcams.<br />
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We should have a solid month left before the males begin to leave followed a bit later by the females as they head back to points east/south for the winter.<br />
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After a hard day of play, a cool refreshing bath is in order ;-)<br />
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We've had several Blackheaded Grosbeaks join us this summer and I believe we got at least a couple offspring!<br />
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This little Blackchinned Hummingbird prefers this roosting spot near his favorite feeder, easy to guard it from there! Other hummers include Anna's, Allen's, Costa's at the moment. Mostly Anna's, as they do not migrate and there is a steady local population.<br />
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We are very excited about our California Scrub Jays this year. (They just were re-designated from Western Scrub Jay) We had a couple beginning last year, but late this spring we suspected youngsters - and we got at least four! So much fun watching them, though their appetite for mealworms is draining our checkbook ;-)<br />
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A new bird for us this year - a Greater Roadrunner has been coming to visit. Mixed feelings about this bird, it has been snacking on our hummingbirds! I understand that is Nature, but I don't have to like it. I am pretty sure there are two adult Roadrunners, because a month or so ago we saw what we are pretty sure was a juvenile RR, so now there are three. Though we have only seen two at a time, and mostly just one.<br />
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Hmmm, NOT a hummingbird or Oriole! In fact, when this guy showed up - other birds were few and far between ;-) Possibly a young Cooper's hawk, seems a little big - but too small for a red-tailed or red-shoulder, both of which we have in the area - but they don't often sit on the fence!<br />
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A young Kingbird, I think - maybe Cassin's.<br />
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Scaly breasted munia, Nutmeg mannikin, Spice Finch in the pet trade. Becoming naturalized in California because so many have escaped or been released.<br />
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Other birds visiting our backyard this year (photos to follow) - Spotted towhee, Dark-eyed Junco, California Towhee, Lesser Finches.<br />
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As a point of interest - though I have not been keeping receipts - our sugar water usage is about average for us and right around 2 gallons a day. Still buying 25 pound bags every couple weeks! <br />
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Thanks for stopping by, I'll try to be a little more consistent in my updates!<br />
<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-30163008052581659122015-08-23T09:42:00.001-07:002015-09-15T21:15:33.611-07:00Nearing the End of August - September updateIt's the middle of September, we've had hot spells and just got some unusual September rain!<br />
The orioles are still here, last year they were all gone a week earlier. Although, I have not seen an adult Hooded Oriole for several weeks now. I am pretty confident that the remaining birds are adult females and their young. Have not been able to tell if the young males have left with the adult males.<br />
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Quite a dinnertime rush at the feeders this early eve, here are a couple photos.<br />
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Here is a new bird type for me, have not been able to ID it yet, the black rimmed white breast feathers should be a big clue!<br />
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It's August 23rd, over due for a new post with what's new birdwatching in the backyard!<br />
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Some general thoughts of the summer so far -<br />
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Where are the honeybees?? By this time of the summer, I usually worry about the bees running off the hooded orioles by virtue of the bee clogging up the feeders that the orioles prefer. Most feeders designed for the hummingbirds are fairly bee proof. But this summer I have been able to convert a few hummer only feeders to oriole feeders by removing the small opening inserts leaving large openings that the orioles can use. This is good for the orioles, but I worry about the lack of bees and the service they provide to our crops. The photo shows the modified feeder, the darker red areas around the opening are where the 'flower' inserts were removed revealing a large opening. Bees could easily climb in, but no bees.<br />
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We have had a generous amount of rain over the summer, reminiscent of years past when we actually got rain (a little, anyway!). And the temps seem to have been a bit more mild, especially in August - though we had a couple of shots of HOT!<br />
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I saw pretty good evidence of a 'Brood Parasite' this summer. The phenomenon is most illustrated by the cuckoo, when the female cuckoo seeks out a nest of another bird species with eggs. The mom cuckoo will lay one of her eggs in the nest of the other bird (often removing one of the original eggs). She then leaves the other mom to do all of the raising of the mixed family. Often, the 'adopted' bird is larger than the host birds - to their detriment. In my case, the 'adopted' bird is a brown headed cowbird and was very likely left in a hooded oriole nest. The young cowbird and young orioles (and female adult orioles) are quite similar in coloring and size. The cowbird are seed eaters and so the beaks are more robust than the orioles. You can see the young cowbird begging for food, but the adult male is ignoring it.<br />
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I think it has been an above average summer for the orioles, probably average for the hummers, lesser finches, mourning doves. No rabbits this year, a couple of squirrels mooching on the birdseed.<br />
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Still having a bit of June Gloom this far into August (morning low clouds/fog keeping temps down around the inland valleys) so this morning as I sat outside checking feeders, photos are a little dull.<br />
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There seemed to be quite a morning feeding frenzy going on so I grabbed the cam and took these shots within 30 seconds, all of different feeder positions but there are several of the same kinds.<br />
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The lesser finch station <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndul7kHXR2ApxnYTdnRbtXF5J8CRhba0VdBlKLQlTLvhn8gnlmiRtVImsjkhOvoxXctkkoP0BX9w87l8seeLu1xnjIvj9a7Ai_n-H7Yp5jTV9qnjhXlA610uBHnzC4KAy8-8wCaofCnq3/s1600/feeding9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgndul7kHXR2ApxnYTdnRbtXF5J8CRhba0VdBlKLQlTLvhn8gnlmiRtVImsjkhOvoxXctkkoP0BX9w87l8seeLu1xnjIvj9a7Ai_n-H7Yp5jTV9qnjhXlA610uBHnzC4KAy8-8wCaofCnq3/s640/feeding9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I counted 52 hummers between all photos, a pretty good rush and there were others perched in trees and bushes around. Lots of Anna's, of course, quite a few Blackchins and I think I saw a Roufous.<br />
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I believe there is only a couple of weeks before the orioles leave for parts south and east - their winter haunts, oh well , it has been a great summer for them - I'll miss them when they leave!Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-41178267265368465152015-06-21T21:57:00.002-07:002015-06-21T22:00:43.566-07:00First Day of Summer or more globally correct - The Solstice!Happy Solstice everyone! And for those that qualify - Happy Father's Day!<br />
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It has been a couple months since the last update from the backyard, here in San Diego county, U.S.<br />
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Eventful in the backyard and work, as well - thus no updates recently ;-)<br />
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It has been a very big season for the orioles so far, though it seems of late, some of the families may have moved to a less crowded area! At one point, I counted a solid 8 maybe 9 adult male Hooded Orioles at a single time, very hard to keep track.This was after some of the fledglings began to show up, so not a huge leap to imagine 18 to 27 or more birds. At any rate, more adult males than I have seen before. The antics have been very entertaining :-)<br />
Here is a male caught just this afternoon.<br />
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From last post, the number of Rufous hummers was at a high, though I think now all I am seeing are Allen's. The Rufous are probably further north, may see them on the way back south the end of summer.<br />
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Another first for the backyard - though we have had a pair of Scrub jays hanging around snagging peanuts for a couple years now, this year we have fledglings!<br />
Here is a shot of the pair squabbling at the fence, as siblings do! They are notable for their gray heads, adults have blue head feathers.<br />
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Back to the orioles for a moment - another first is seeing 2-3 of them climbing around in a blooming Mallow plant in the yard. They seem to be picking bugs off the branches, clearly not getting near the flowers.<br />
Here is a shot of the mallow, have not managed to catch them while camera was in hand - of course! The mallow is the thin branchy? plant with purplish blooms. The orioles tend to weigh the branches way down almost curving to the ground, if they work their way too close to the ends!<br />
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Here is a shot of a few soggy lesser finches enjoying bathtime.<br />
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I'll leave with a comment - Ernie Cowen, longtime contributor to our local papers (now San Diego Union-Tribune) wrote a very cool article this weekend about Spotted Towhees, shy, but found in this area. I have not seen them for a little while, but have heard one regularly Saturdays at the Safari Park.<br />
<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-49546708987006973382015-04-19T20:49:00.000-07:002015-04-19T20:51:39.071-07:00Highlight on RufousLast blog spotlighted our visiting Hooded Orioles that are currently putting on quite a show. This afternoon, while bird watching from the backyard, I saw two adult male Rufous hummingbirds - a first for me! I got a few photos showing off their brown plumage.<br />
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A nice profile showing lots of brown. </div>
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Not super obvious, but both males show here along with another hummer.</div>
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Good shot of the tail fanned out with back lighting and a hint of the red gorget.</div>
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Male rufous and unknown female.</div>
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Here is a cranky old guy, an older Blackchinned male. Most of the time he is on guard near HIS feeder and will chase off all who dare try to snatch some of his food! For an old guy, he uses up a lot of energy chasing the younger hummers that get too close.</div>
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This shows him on the right, one of the two spots he guards from. At this moment, he is allowing a couple other birds to snack on HIS stuff!</div>
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A young male and maybe a young female from this year's visiting orioles. They have been chattering and beeping up a storm lately and chasing each other around. </div>
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-72052003454908780562015-04-05T18:10:00.002-07:002015-04-05T18:10:57.552-07:00April ActivityA lot of activity in the backyard early this month. Definitely seeing the new oriole youngsters showing up with the parents at and around the feeders. Always fun to watch the young ones playing, chasing each other around.<br />
It seems like the number of hummers in on the increase as well. A couple days ago I had the first ID on a Costa's hummingbird - a handsome male with purple gorget.<br />
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Here are a few recent photos -<br />
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Nice wing detail <br />
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A couple of hooded oriole males having a 'discussion' about who's turf this is ;-)<br />
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A bit of a long shot of the Costa's hummer<br />
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The pair of scrub jays that have been keeping us company for a couple years now!<br />
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Lesser finch cleaning up :-)<br />
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Spotted Easter Sunday - Turkey Trot - a wild turkey strolling through the neighborhood! <br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-63473431156164416942015-03-28T16:33:00.001-07:002015-03-28T16:33:18.886-07:00Last weekend of MarchIt still feels like Summer - March 28th and temps have been tickling 90 for the last several days. Should be around 75. No rain lately, of course, still about 50% of what we should have by this date.<br />
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We <i>do</i> have orioles, though! And confirmation of the fledglings coming around, I have seen at least one young male. Here are a couple captures from the feedercam today -<br />
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This shows the young male to the right. He has his black bib, but is not brightly colored like the adults.<br />
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This one could be 2 young or older females or young males center and right, they are facing away so can't tell ;-)<br />
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Plenty of hummers around, though none in these shots! There is at least one Male Rufous hummer hanging around. And I saw a Blackchinned yesterday, first for the year - I think. There should be lots of them later.<br />
It has been a very long time since I've seen a calliope, but we have a couple Allen's helping to keep the many many Anna's company! <br />
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Other birds stopping by lately include -<br />
red winged blackbirds<br />
California towhees<br />
lesser finches<br />
scrub jays<br />
mourning doves<br />
common ground doves (so small!)<br />
dark eyed juncos<br />
sparrows<br />
crows<br />
and still - sharp shinned hawk - the one I <i>don't</i> want to see!<br />
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Birds noted soaring lately<br />
red tail hawks<br />
red shoulder hawks<br />
turkey vultures<br />
ravens<br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-80463319253554080042015-03-14T20:48:00.001-07:002015-03-14T20:57:02.686-07:00March and the Return of the Hooded OriolesIt's the middle of March and almost Spring.... Well, it's felt like spring or summer all winter long. We have had about 50% of the normal rainfall for the season (July 1 to June 30) and the season really only has two more weeks. That is only slightly better than last year. Does that mean anything as far as migratory patterns of the orioles and hummingbirds that frequent this area?<br />
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The first Hooded Oriole returned to the backyard a couple weeks ago, right on par with the last few years. But confirmation of a second oriole did not come for two weeks, usually several show up within days. But that is only a couple weeks, may be not significant. Now I have seen at least four at once - 3 adult males and 1 female. This weekend was the first time they have been chattering up a storm as they come in for a drink. I have seen confirmation in the San Diego newspaper that others have seen the orioles coming in also.<br />
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I've seen at least one Rufous hummer over the last couple weeks as well, so the migrating hummers are showing up, too. Time will time if the whole migration season is per usual - I hope so!<br />
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The honey bees have really not taken off any time this year, usually they are not around in big numbers over the winter - oh yeah, we didn't really have winter this year. <br />
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I installed a new 'Hummercam' recently and am pleased with the image quality.<br />
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Here is a late evening photo of the rufous male, a bit grainy in the low light, but his brown back is evident. <br />
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The last several days have been unseasonably warm, let's call it hot since it has been in the 90s. Care must he taken to keep the feeders fresh - meaning cleaned every few days to keep the sugar water from going bad. I don't use commercial mixes that may contain anti spoilage ingredients for two reasons - I am not sure the hummers/orioles need anti spoilage ingredients and at 1-2 gallons a day it is too expensive.<br />
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A couple photos of male Anna's I have taken over the last few weeks. The Anna's have stayed in pretty large numbers of the winter - they are generally not migratory but some must shift their range around a bit judging by the summer/winter numbers of them.<br />
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Here is a fun evening photo of hummers at dinnertime.<br />
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Here are a couple of regulars around here, at least there are Red Tail Hawks to be seen here all year long. I have seen a couple doing close flying quite often lately.<br />
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None of the smaller birds (doves, hummers, orioles, juncos, red wing blackbirds) seem to be concerned at all when the big hawks are flying overhead. But the small Sharp Shinned Hawk sends them all heading for cover!<br />
<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-29190669953552407342015-01-04T16:52:00.002-08:002015-01-04T16:57:00.448-08:00Happy New YearJanuary is here and with it the new year. 2015 started out with very clear skies and a cold snap. Still fairly clear skies and now a warm up - mid 70s for the coming three days.<br />
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I have not see anything but Anna's hummers lately (that I could be sure of). I would expect to see an Allen's or maybe Blackchin every once and a while. Not sure which these are! Most likely female Anna's.<br />
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Here is a male Anna's at an angle showing off a little gorget color that makes them easy to ID.<br />
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This photo shows the full over the head color that Anna's males have - the light angle has to be right!<br />
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I caught one male Anna's doing a couple display gestures while sitting at a feeder, usually the displays are while aerial and hard to catch.<br />
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Not very impressive from this angle, but the male (center in photo) is fanning out his gorget (colorful neck feathers) for the female (lower right of photo).<br />
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Below, the same male fans out his tail feathers - not sure she is taking note ;-)<br />
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I took a quick survey of birds noted during lunch today - house finches, lesser finches, spotted towhee, California towhees, mourning doves, hummingbirds, red tail hawk, red shoulder hawk, scrub jay, dark eyed juncos, common ground dove. Unexpectedly missing - crow, raven, turkey vulture.<br />
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A first time sighting from a couple days ago - two Acorn woodpeckers! I think they close to a nearby park that has several old large oak trees. The one near the top of the photo is either playing or lost his grip - he hanging upside down!<br />
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A different angle to help in my IDing of bird online.<br />
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Somewhere in the water is a lesser finch taking a swim!<br />
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Here's one of the two scrub jays making regular visits to the backyard. They have stashed over five pounds of peanuts somewhere around the neighborhood!<br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-74862512846019345542014-11-30T13:11:00.001-08:002014-11-30T13:19:38.118-08:00Almost DecemberOfficial Winter is just three weeks away, we may be 2 days away from our first good rain of the winter season in Southern California - let's hope the forecasts are correct!<br />
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This time of year it's all about the hummers, the orioles are long gone of course. The winter population is about 1/3 of the summer crowd, a bit easier on my wallet ;-)<br />
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Most commonly seen now are the Anna's hummers, then a few Allen's and Blackchinned. Today, I am only sure of seeing Anna's, some of the males head and neck (gorget) feathers are quite showy - though today's overcast weather is not very conducive to showing off!<br />
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A couple of Anna's males</div>
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Lookouts! One male and three females perched over the feeders as if to keep an eye out for danger. <br />
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One male coming in to join three already feeding</div>
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The gorget on this guy is quite dark from this angle - like black velvet!</div>
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Here's one putting on a rainbow effect!</div>
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We still have a couple of scrub jays making regular visits, seems like he is looking for something.<br />
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Oh yes, a peanut!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M2V0qdVt3zsw8IlsuPjvd-BqSH1JgVr2tKtKST07Xi2sf3pCMW3MlsfR8fWX363Voa8NPQge1JjmhwFbjISFzowTYeiUSO_h6o-KBcvvyTQQYXpp2BTZvhOFcVo9NTKW0_v6Mz1pmg51/s1600/peanut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9M2V0qdVt3zsw8IlsuPjvd-BqSH1JgVr2tKtKST07Xi2sf3pCMW3MlsfR8fWX363Voa8NPQge1JjmhwFbjISFzowTYeiUSO_h6o-KBcvvyTQQYXpp2BTZvhOFcVo9NTKW0_v6Mz1pmg51/s1600/peanut.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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We get a pretty good breakfast crowd of doves, mostly mourning doves with a couple of much smaller common ground doves for good measure. And plenty of lesser finches still giving the finch sock a workout. Mr Sharpie, the sharp shinned hawk is also coming around occasionally - what can you do?<br />
<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-32373397451522771872014-11-11T11:59:00.002-08:002014-11-11T13:24:10.347-08:00The Visitors are Gone<span style="font-size: large;">The summer seemed to zoom by</span> - as a recap -<br />
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There were lots of orioles this summer with several apparent families of fledglings.<br />
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Lots of hummers, though the number of migrating visitors seemed down this year. I suspect the very dry weather shifted the routes home to places with more flowering 'fuel' stops. The occasional spotted towhee was the only 'new' bird this year.<br />
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This fall saw the return of Sharpie, the Sharp shinned hawk, to the backyard with fair regularity - much to the dismay of most of the regular birds.<br />
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Honey bees were less of a problem this year, partially due to changing feeder styles in some places. <br />
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We have a very regular pair of scrub jays that have been getting a supply of peanuts (along with pickings from the dove seed). But the peanuts have caught the eyes of some of the local crows. We are trying to adjust the peanut time for when the crows are not around ;-)<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Some of the non-hummer non-oriole visitors this summer/fall</span><br />
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One of the scrub jays</div>
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Roadrunner doing some grooming </div>
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Spotted Towhee</div>
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Red Shoulder Hawk, he was really talking that day!</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back to the hummers, from a week or so ago.</span></div>
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Female snacking</div>
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Young male, female, adult male - all Anna's, I think</div>
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Adult male Anna's</div>
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-85595797017999060292014-07-12T20:50:00.001-07:002014-07-12T20:50:13.429-07:00July AlreadyHaven't posted for awhile, geez - July already!<br />
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Possibly good news (unless bee population has crashed big time!), the new feeder array seems to be less desirable to the bees but still acceptable to the orioles :) Most all oriole feeders are now First Nature oriole (or hummingbird, the only difference is color) 32 oz feeders. No bee problem yet, a few bees around, but that's fine!<br />
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There is a good mix of hummers showing up and in big numbers - over 2 gallons a day of sugar water mix now, whew!<br />
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Pardon the photo blast! <br />
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I think we have a Blackchin, Anna's, and Allen's here<br />
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Same feeder - an Allen's, note green back <br />
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Not sure here, maybe Anna's, Allen's, and unknown female <br />
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Blackchin and female <br />
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Quite a crowd, in the shade so a bit hard to ID but the Blackchins favor this area<br />
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I am pretty sure the next two shots are Rufous, note NOT green back, but this time of year would be unusual as they are migratory and should be up north - as far as Washington and Alaska! <br />
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Lots of Hooded Orioles this year, enjoying their antics and vocalizations - they seem to know how to party!<br />
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Most of the birds partake in the fountain - hummers to orioles. Here a couple of lesser finches cool off in the water!<br />
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I am a little worried about a long winter judging by the quantity peanuts our two scrub jays are salting away ! <br />
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3-12 mourning doves usually visit each day <br />
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Only occasional visits by the sharp shinned hawk (fortunately) and regular visits by squirrel and rabbits - grrr... So except for that, it has been a great summer so far! <br />
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As always - a click on a photo will show full size!Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-22926757012853629432014-05-05T09:52:00.000-07:002014-05-27T14:18:27.072-07:00Return Of The Bees!<span style="font-size: small;">Early May has brought the Return of the Bees! I suppose one could not expect them to stay away from the feeders forever ;-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I have a new thought for bee excluders on oriole feeders - something has got to work.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Update May 27</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">A nice long weekend for watchin birds - the weather was just about perfect.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">I got one photo of a male hooded washing off a bit of dust - </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;">This has been a very good year, so far, for numbers of visiting orioles - and they are very vocal as well. </span> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large;">Update</span> <span style="font-size: large;">- May 20</span>, a few days after the big Santa Ana east wind event and many fires of last week.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Here on the north east side of Escondido there was not much effect other than the wind. Not so for those living on the west side near the new hospital or Harmony Grove. Here is hoping for a speedy return to normal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">I know he's not an oriole and is a bit of a pest - but a bit cute. Yeah, I see you all fat from mooching bird seed.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">Dive, Dive! A lesser finch taking a dive in the fountain.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlEpTjarVKZCo4NBOhjrEA7D6_tji0JZgwsTEwuZ4Cgh9RbhRQtWNlyVyg0ef8VCvFh3nyv1ieZhHKG4FjFYhgnz7KZT-wbFnOPvhXntXciOY8Kq4a5nqKHfMOPCxraV8wJRFllwHk3J7/s1600/dive%252C+dive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMlEpTjarVKZCo4NBOhjrEA7D6_tji0JZgwsTEwuZ4Cgh9RbhRQtWNlyVyg0ef8VCvFh3nyv1ieZhHKG4FjFYhgnz7KZT-wbFnOPvhXntXciOY8Kq4a5nqKHfMOPCxraV8wJRFllwHk3J7/s1600/dive%252C+dive.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Not colored for camouflage!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVwaDFTPHX4hRMmEgrj826LKkNtb3uSpDo5AbyGpXuxG3093_Od7rkVXPZH_9vBrnmWe25Tva0AxxTF5ij0hyphenhyphen0MipVs4SB54o5YNr59wpBopkhMxFkuOM2y-5oyJ2zZzW-rvE7fXK1UAv/s1600/not+camo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHVwaDFTPHX4hRMmEgrj826LKkNtb3uSpDo5AbyGpXuxG3093_Od7rkVXPZH_9vBrnmWe25Tva0AxxTF5ij0hyphenhyphen0MipVs4SB54o5YNr59wpBopkhMxFkuOM2y-5oyJ2zZzW-rvE7fXK1UAv/s1600/not+camo.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">What happens when you try to use a cell phone for video instead of a real camera?</span><br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwNdArZKDxKt_-aD5JtwMxtil8QCMoNg_te0PdbZ23liBYyX9ZtYZTDk_9IG4SmPDtwJZjr-2Uk26kPRkYR0Q' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Did anyone try the oriole audio at the end of this entry? It works for me but I don't know if it works in other environments.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Back to the original entry --</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">OK, this time for sure (maybe), this guy sounds like and looks like a Spotted Towhee. The tail is longer, the beak is thinner and dark, the eyes have a bit of the towhee glow. I have seen him a couple times now, only on the ground and shyer than the (for sure) grosbeaks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHqTHo-AspJSFvs-BmH9kurzahPkhDoekXIN0QeEXMphT-_mmWj2vU3TLxnmNSubHYuzLxI7-d2zvUGSxWjB4YUsAaCqMABEFddJEmKUdYrNGCLL3oYyEhCOXVEgAJRNYPFHLyj-DTgwX/s1600/profile+towhee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzHqTHo-AspJSFvs-BmH9kurzahPkhDoekXIN0QeEXMphT-_mmWj2vU3TLxnmNSubHYuzLxI7-d2zvUGSxWjB4YUsAaCqMABEFddJEmKUdYrNGCLL3oYyEhCOXVEgAJRNYPFHLyj-DTgwX/s1600/profile+towhee.jpg" height="588" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyY2xjrfd9IMqYFhI5R0pqIe68z2709fFsTSliRbOhPdyCNcPmArgQ5xqEXlkuubp3y53_WyTl3kEvB-ugT10Wp3WXDXdpFWxySCSyHVyDUSGYIg0kcfmVy7YD_GT95mG9yYqg5X6DmQN/s1600/long+tail.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcyY2xjrfd9IMqYFhI5R0pqIe68z2709fFsTSliRbOhPdyCNcPmArgQ5xqEXlkuubp3y53_WyTl3kEvB-ugT10Wp3WXDXdpFWxySCSyHVyDUSGYIg0kcfmVy7YD_GT95mG9yYqg5X6DmQN/s1600/long+tail.jpg" height="516" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a first for the backyard (so far as I know) - and not sure of the ID, possibly a Western Tanager. It's about the size and color of a female hooded oriole - except for the bight red blush.<br />
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Once again this year, we have a couple of common ground doves coming by for breakfast and dinner.<br />
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Great fun over the weekend listening to and watching the Hooded Orioles play. And among the many Anna's, Black Chin, and Costa's hummers - I spotted an Allen's male, lots of brown with the tell tale green back. A little blurry and in the shadow, sorry!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO4d97-GsE4U8-sqSu6M8qNBUdI17_oxp_zE5bgwgEf3H5_Kg4hfjEsyI_-Ej17kT5h7-doCfcaPoA0JD5LaDTn_5nH57W3-3NUpl2W0p6pSPErCKmLxCAUQNK3R9pCk9Q8e7g5-kdJUt/s1600/allen's.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixO4d97-GsE4U8-sqSu6M8qNBUdI17_oxp_zE5bgwgEf3H5_Kg4hfjEsyI_-Ej17kT5h7-doCfcaPoA0JD5LaDTn_5nH57W3-3NUpl2W0p6pSPErCKmLxCAUQNK3R9pCk9Q8e7g5-kdJUt/s1600/allen's.jpg" height="480" width="640" /> </a></div>
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Bright </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdfoURrYFR2s13ULAV2IKZklcKBbAE1iNGHnhn6qyQusMaFWLhc1gTtbo74HEICFbEz95x9rATuSeJ91PN9JJMbh9FrqLSLFWvwDIzUzqMyjptegdqOmukrjvw8kicNswRwCafsS0puAh/s1600/bright.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCdfoURrYFR2s13ULAV2IKZklcKBbAE1iNGHnhn6qyQusMaFWLhc1gTtbo74HEICFbEz95x9rATuSeJ91PN9JJMbh9FrqLSLFWvwDIzUzqMyjptegdqOmukrjvw8kicNswRwCafsS0puAh/s1600/bright.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Hang on! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnFeGIK693PECQnThH9D_lpHYGGidGrEvPSQd5AdwDj2ZsP7z6w0nZN7JzFFH6YfQMvPmqgrZg4pxKXSLxCLZzLLGo8DD3XT3fgvRqbdbQWrFQxHV0zbzM1JBuHb_FtAMcTSWiCMQllPQ/s1600/hold+on.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtnFeGIK693PECQnThH9D_lpHYGGidGrEvPSQd5AdwDj2ZsP7z6w0nZN7JzFFH6YfQMvPmqgrZg4pxKXSLxCLZzLLGo8DD3XT3fgvRqbdbQWrFQxHV0zbzM1JBuHb_FtAMcTSWiCMQllPQ/s1600/hold+on.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oV2vEpu16_bo9h10sPxDQVc9JJGEX-FdZGsPcVQRsgZlJ_txgUFtuWctNuzQG1rX5E03HV_u2GETG-3e7QzryD0PCmzxNXP1emc2Q4UBhBAlvIBnFU_BOyk5i6tmTkaGOUV3UrpP4AkZ/s1600/hummer+and+orioles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8oV2vEpu16_bo9h10sPxDQVc9JJGEX-FdZGsPcVQRsgZlJ_txgUFtuWctNuzQG1rX5E03HV_u2GETG-3e7QzryD0PCmzxNXP1emc2Q4UBhBAlvIBnFU_BOyk5i6tmTkaGOUV3UrpP4AkZ/s1600/hummer+and+orioles.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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No wings, no landing gear!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyPMw0NPzWP9soICatP-lP3wf7WfC86EYaVCngRC9QMcOPL0_nxHyxTFG8e0T-HODVxssrlZu6jfNM2TuiX-DE7u-d-IOqPD5oSV4cXwGMSe0TQ5cz_QCjlJhqINmQpq8fTICaCA0OHmu/s1600/in+for+landing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRyPMw0NPzWP9soICatP-lP3wf7WfC86EYaVCngRC9QMcOPL0_nxHyxTFG8e0T-HODVxssrlZu6jfNM2TuiX-DE7u-d-IOqPD5oSV4cXwGMSe0TQ5cz_QCjlJhqINmQpq8fTICaCA0OHmu/s1600/in+for+landing.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here is a sound capture of some pretty good chatter from Saturday, hope it plays for everyone - about 2 minutes worth.<br />
<iframe frameborder="no" height="450" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/148080221&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&visual=true" width="100%"></iframe>
Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-4875289203603562942014-03-04T14:03:00.000-08:002014-03-31T12:24:22.480-07:00March is here, So is the First OrioleMarch 31, 2014<br />
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Almost the end of March - looks like three families of orioles hanging out (3 adult males seen at once, anyway).<br />
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Here is a capture from the 'Hummercam' this morning -<br />
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<a href="http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w679/Watchinthesky/for%20WU%20gov/WU-gov-views/oriole_zpsffdd832b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w679/Watchinthesky/for%20WU%20gov/WU-gov-views/oriole_zpsffdd832b.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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March has arrived, seems like it has been Spring for a while. Finally, some rain for San Diego county. We have been woefully short of normal rainfall and March is really the last chance.<br />
The first sighting this year for Orioles was Sunday Feb 2. A bright orange and black male visited the backyard 3 times. That precipitated looking for a few good feeders, a little cleanup and fresh fill-ups. As a few more show up, I should get some fun new photos!<br />
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The hummers are still sipping 1-2 gallons/day, a pretty constant rate over the last 3-4 months. Still mostly Anna's. I did see a Rufous male zipping about a month or so ago. And I think I saw a Costa's male yesterday, those purple swooped back gorgets are striking!<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Hummingbird.jpg/220px-Hummingbird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2a/Hummingbird.jpg/220px-Hummingbird.jpg" /></a></div>
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Feb 14-17 was the Great Backyard Bird Count organized by the Audubon Society and Cornell Labs! I did a couple sessions in the backyard, and of course, the regulars made a good showing - common ground doves, mourning doves, lesser finches, hummingbirds, crows, ravens, red tail hawks, scrub jays, and turkey vultures. But a couple of new birds showed up - A dark eyed junco and a Great Blue Heron! He was standing on the neighbor's roof. He's almost 4 feet tall!<br />
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Sometimes, the hummers get very territorial, and here is an older male Anna's who is guarding 'his' feeder. All other males get chased away, I don't usually see them resting so close to the ground as this guy. The photo was from in the house, not very sharp image.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2U-cufr_V3ZgqV-0OiQnEfof600fyMDzVhmrIisseguu6Fn0VEeCjKhJ_thgaRgr88o_HmthdkY76UXEM8LqTOePJSyzi3tOjcegL6YkUNJjePZeqvNnmEatb9Q0M-o0Ytl6MV94LKcB/s1600/guarding+the+food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2U-cufr_V3ZgqV-0OiQnEfof600fyMDzVhmrIisseguu6Fn0VEeCjKhJ_thgaRgr88o_HmthdkY76UXEM8LqTOePJSyzi3tOjcegL6YkUNJjePZeqvNnmEatb9Q0M-o0Ytl6MV94LKcB/s1600/guarding+the+food.jpg" height="640" width="586" /></a></div>
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Here is a not too shy dark eyed junco catching a snack as I was walking by, he kept snacking!<br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-39455099470617094352014-01-31T11:17:00.001-08:002014-03-04T10:21:51.450-08:00February is Almost HereIt's been an unusual winter so far. Very little rain, in fact, January will end with less than 10% of normal. If not for about a quarter inch on the very last day, we would have gone the whole month with no rain at all. Jan, Feb, March are the rainiest months (practically the only months getting rain) and for a third of our rainy season - nothing.<br />
But what has that done for the backyard birds. Hard to tell for certain. The refill rate on the hummingbird feeders seems about normal (1-1.5 gallons per day) and the number of 'seeders' is close to normal.<br />
So far I have had no luck deterring a certain bird from hanging out. Here are two webcam captures from about five minutes a part. This is very likely the same Sharp Shinned Hawk that has been hanging around off and on for six to eight months. It has been getting the occasional hummer and last summer got an oriole.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSy-9Pn5xEy4x8sEZO1Qi4rOrxO4CcnU5vRUQXpWpGgh8BcVK_m4pu8zrEJNemPIaN3sEJmnROoYdP9piWW8DwzuP06j0Zg_LZQVGZ4HX9k3_sHygMBGUluOknUPo-F2CDC2XHGLKgqoc/s1600/sharpie+ipcam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxSy-9Pn5xEy4x8sEZO1Qi4rOrxO4CcnU5vRUQXpWpGgh8BcVK_m4pu8zrEJNemPIaN3sEJmnROoYdP9piWW8DwzuP06j0Zg_LZQVGZ4HX9k3_sHygMBGUluOknUPo-F2CDC2XHGLKgqoc/s1600/sharpie+ipcam.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
If you look carefully, just under the time stamp on the upper photo - there is a hummer on a branch waiting for the hawk to 'buzz off'!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4UYERAGAtz2QTAYh4AIShZ9Q8C3lUuaDXIAL4vM2mDZ93d7gb4B7aZxwwuH0Dr9Av2fjToQX_hR6g5ytz3-vuM3j60t56jJPusUZF4c1O_xCdmbYaGiFsCqw2kJAN0h_IBiJ8Bp89baL/s1600/sharpie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK4UYERAGAtz2QTAYh4AIShZ9Q8C3lUuaDXIAL4vM2mDZ93d7gb4B7aZxwwuH0Dr9Av2fjToQX_hR6g5ytz3-vuM3j60t56jJPusUZF4c1O_xCdmbYaGiFsCqw2kJAN0h_IBiJ8Bp89baL/s1600/sharpie.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
No hummers to be seen in this capture.<br />
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I did spot a male Allens hummingbird a few days ago. It seems like it has been just Anna's over the winter so far.<br />
Have got to come up with a plan before the orioles return - or they may not stay here.Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-19749253485952531112013-09-09T11:17:00.001-07:002013-09-09T11:17:41.588-07:00Hooded Orioles have 'Flown the coup'September is here, the orioles are not. They have left a little early from our neighborhood - not sure if the string of hot humid weather sent them packing or if this was just a year to leave early. The honey bees were not worse than normal. All the other non-migratory birds are around in the usual numbers.<br />
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It's noticeably quieter without their chatter. looking forward to next March!<br />
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We are trying to fill the gap by boosting the mourning dove / common ground dove population a bit. The only drawback - now a squirrel or two have been visiting the backyard cleaning out the dove feed. Grrr.. if it is not rabbits, it's crows/ravens or squirrels! I have started raising the bowls to see if I can get them high enough to keep the squirrels out - first round - squirrels 1, me 0.<br />
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Now that the orioles are gone for the fall/winter, it's time to change the feeder lineup more toward hummingbird only, this will reduce the bee scavenging some. And maybe another round of mods over the winter on the oriole feeders to make them less bee friendly.<br />
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If you visited during the spring, you might remember we had a 'problem' with a sharp shinned hawk taking up lookout in and around the backyard. That would be fine if he only went after the squirrels and rabbits (sorry to those who are fond of them, actually I like them as well, just not in my yard! Or at least, not eating all the bird food). Of course, sharp shinneds go after small birds - and that's not so great. Anyway, it looks like he is back after summering somewhere else for a while. At least the orioles are gone, though we won't encourage him to stay.<br />
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I hope everyone has a nice fall and plenty of birds to watch!Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-22427554415556476382013-08-26T10:05:00.000-07:002013-08-27T08:26:13.645-07:00September Draws NearIt's almost the end of oriole season for San Diego county. The hooded orioles that have been chirping, beeping, chattering over the summer will not be here much longer. Soon they will have all left for parts south and east - Arizona and Mexico mostly. But there are still a few showing up!<br />
The first sighting this year was mid March, now 5 months later it's about time to go - new families in tow. <br />
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Here is a capture off the 'hummer cam' in the backyard. Adult male (bright yellow with black and white wings and tail) and female (more subdued color).<br />
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Between the hummingbirds, orioles, and bees - the sugar load has stayed around 25 pounds a week for the last month. I expect that will drop a bit as the orioles leave and the weather cools leading to less bees. We should start to see a few more returning hummers from parts north as the migration south begins.<br />
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Here is an occasional visitor too the backyard - geococcyx califorianus - greater roadrunner, or speedipus rex meep meep, as the kids might know him as.<br />
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Although usually know for eating lizards, snakes, scorpions - but they are 'opportunistic foragers' and will go after small birds at feeders and nest boxes. This guy was setting up below a feeder.<br />
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He's not resting in the shade, but ready to spring up at an unsuspecting snack. I watched as he tried once, but the feeders are too high and the hummers get plenty of warning.<br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-55047656022097651672013-08-16T16:22:00.004-07:002013-09-16T10:24:14.261-07:00Summer's Almost DoneLast blog was at the end of May - What's changed? The Pepsis Formosa (tarantula hawk wasp) is still visiting the feeders looking for jelly or 'nectar'. The orioles are still here, have seen less adult males than earlier and have seen more juveniles.<br />
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Lots and lots of hummers! There have been a couple adult male Rufus hummers sighted the last couple weeks, this seems unusual to me since they migrate to Washington and Alaska for the summer and I don't think they should be on their way back south yet. Rufus hummers are always a little scarce around our yard any time of year. A nice treat!<br />
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Plenty of Anna's, of course and a good number of Costa's and Blackchinned. At the moment, we are mixing up at least 3 gallons of sugar water per day, thirsty birds.<br />
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We are finally getting some normal summer weather, which means it's getting warmer. That seems to be bringing out more honey bees to the feeders, especially the oriole feeders. <br />
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Below are a few of the visitors to the backyard lately.<br />
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Here is a hummer that looks like she is hunkering down for the evening, it was cooling a bit and she is fluffed up and stayed there 10 minutes or so. But I have not seen hummers overnight in this tree.<br />
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These are uncommon visitors to our yard - a common ground dove. About half the size of a mourning dove and a stubbier tail.<br />
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A his and her's matched set! More unusual to see 2.<br />
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Here is our regular mourning dove, longer tail, solid head coloration compared to the black tipped light feathers of the common ground dove. Much bigger also!<br />
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Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-980485338302910562013-05-25T20:35:00.004-07:002013-08-13T11:28:34.079-07:00Unofficial Start to SummerMemorial Day is almost here and the start of what usually seems like Summer! This year we have had a bit of 'Summer' weather but now through the first week of June will be very pleasant - mid 70s. Seems like the birds are enjoying the weather and the feeders are requiring 2-3 gallons of sugar water per day. That's a trip for 25 pounds of sugar once a week!<br />
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The hooded orioles are clowning around, we have 3-5 families buzzing the backyard. Seems like the fledglings are the most vocal and playful, chattering and beeping like R2D2. This year they seem to be enamored with grape jelly. Not so much last year.<br />
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Is that an Oriole??</div>
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Weather vane Oriole and one on the feeder</div>
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Oriole and Hummer sharing </div>
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Hanging around </div>
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A pose off between a young male and another oriole! </div>
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Hummers are very active, especially 7-8 in the morning and 6-8 in the evening.<br />
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Costa's hummer showing nice purple gorget</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93zl9oNqrc1_UdlJcSRthWAZUW4twvA-4mf6Gkt-1abHRST8vQU383E0KUc_Dpn3Rv5C5a5cBRZ47dWy5y9SIbsNgwmdJqy_T6VomM_FW_H2D6rsznML45FXpP3qCNBNSo78JuWIX-C33/s1600/Costa's+purple.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg93zl9oNqrc1_UdlJcSRthWAZUW4twvA-4mf6Gkt-1abHRST8vQU383E0KUc_Dpn3Rv5C5a5cBRZ47dWy5y9SIbsNgwmdJqy_T6VomM_FW_H2D6rsznML45FXpP3qCNBNSo78JuWIX-C33/s640/Costa's+purple.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Blackchinned hummer, from this angle, the neck feathers are black, purple iridescence is not showing. </div>
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Anna's showing nice color </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM9nImdA6VKwGpNNw6OqHXftErtopcailJpX2xYVnFBZsR-YAkrAI2WgV1OT0jH1XcxV5Xl6WEKiO1QaoBh98iwgf2ZEGl0SxqWftr927Cyxb_LzlFLWOYuVjQ9Vpp4w4yttiHFjh_7KX/s1600/colorful+Anna%27s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfM9nImdA6VKwGpNNw6OqHXftErtopcailJpX2xYVnFBZsR-YAkrAI2WgV1OT0jH1XcxV5Xl6WEKiO1QaoBh98iwgf2ZEGl0SxqWftr927Cyxb_LzlFLWOYuVjQ9Vpp4w4yttiHFjh_7KX/s640/colorful+Anna%27s.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A couple of Blackchins, the one flying has a nice purple neck band. </div>
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3 Anna's males and a female </div>
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Mourning doves are a common sight here in San Diego county. Here are a couple 'Luvy Doves'!<br />
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A lesser Finch on the fountain, a favorite drink and splash place.<br />
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A look up into the hills in front of the house, the orioles are often seen zipping up to the top of an avocado tree there.<br />
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-21158239702829091932013-04-22T11:53:00.000-07:002013-04-29T19:49:18.980-07:00Earth Day Orioles<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Update April 29<br />
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A capture off of a blog by Ylee on Wunderground weather site who is linking to the Hummer cam.<br />
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It's Earth Day 2013, a good day to reflect on nature - and post a few
photos of bird antics in the backyard. Bird activity is up as the
weather warms up a bit. </div>
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Lesser finches and hummers hanging out together at dinner time. </div>
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Mourning dove scratching around for some seeds. </div>
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Adult male hooded oriole snacking. </div>
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Birds in the Birds of Paradise! I did not see the female oriole at first, bonus 2 for 1! </div>
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It's getting late, the flash has given the hummers eye shine! </div>
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The elusive (and migratory) Rufus hummingbird. There may be one or two in the area, they are recent arrivals. Always nice to see visitors mixing with the local residents! </div>
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Adult male hooded oriole handing out on the back fence. </div>
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I see you! The orioles are very wary, peeking out from around the feeders after each sip. </div>
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Another? adult male getting a drink.</div>
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A blurry shot of a Rufus and maybe an Allen's (perching left side) and an Anna's perching right side. The Allen's are migratory also, but sometimes, one will seem to be here all year long. </div>
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A funny shot, possible siblings playing around with their food! </div>
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A young male hooded oriole, colors are not bright but his dark bib is showing up, not black yet. </div>
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<br />Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-25902910988930284322013-03-16T16:27:00.001-07:002013-04-16T08:37:08.517-07:00First Hooded orioles of 2013<div style="text-align: center;">
Update April 16<br />
Pretty good activity at the feeders lately, both orioles and hummingbirds. Feeder refill rate is going up a bit, getting closer to 2 gallons per day. On a sad note - said goodbye to an old male Anna's hummer this morning. He passed away overnight. I could see he was slowing down lately, but he would still guard his favorite feeder and chase away intruders!<br />
A fresh capture from one of the 'birdcams' in the backyard - an adult male hooded oriole stopping in for breakfast! Reminder - clicking on the image in the Time Lapse window will start a 24 hour video loop (maybe closer to 36 hours).<br />
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Update Saturday April 6<br />
A better day today. And a couple of first sightings. First Rufus Hummingbird seen at the feeders. First male anyway, females are very hard for me to tell apart. And first hooded oriole offspring this year. A young male, same story with orioles - I may have seen a young female, wouldn't have known.<br />
Also, First snake in the yard for several years. Probably 4 foot long gopher snake, very lumpy. Either carrying eggs or helping to keep mice population down. Hopefully, the latter - either way is OK.<br />
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A blackchinned and Anna's hummers snacking <br />
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A couple of shots of diving hummers! <br />
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Update April 5<br />
Sad day for orioles in the backyard. We heard a rustle then plaintive cries, then a female oriole was carried away by a sharpshinned hawk late this afternoon. Not an easy thing to hear and see. <br />
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Update<br />
Giving the lady orioles a little blog time..<br />
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Afternoon break <br />
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Update March 24<br />
Spotted 3 adult males this afternoon chattering at the feeder corner of the backyard. Hopefully that means at least three pairs/families this year. <br />
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Update March 17<br />
The first 'pair' of hooded orioles have been sighted, adult male and female flew up to feeder while I was relaxing in the backyard. A short while after, a fairly confident sighting of 2 females. Could be up to 3 returning birds from last year.<br />
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March 15-2013 Just sighted the first Hooded oriole of this year on March 15th, Friday afternoon. It was a brightly colored male at one of the feeders. The arrival is a week later than last year, but a day earlier than the year before that (2011). That's pretty consistent. </div>
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They have been sighted about 10 miles north a few days earlier and a day earlier about 7 miles to the south. I knew they were in the area, but I have been worried about the sharpshinned hawk who has been hanging out in the backyard for a couple months. The hummers are not bothered (though a couple have met their demise), but we will see if the orioles stay.</div>
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No photos yet!<br />
Still no photo - but a video capture from backyard webcam - not great resolution.<br />
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Hummingbird feeder has been 'converted' to oriole/hummer feeder by removing the plastic flowers on the base. This works fine until bees start showing up.<br />
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Ten days later, Lunchtime! </div>
Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3316188316303738942.post-70531091460774669482013-02-17T17:45:00.002-08:002013-03-13T09:37:22.653-07:00The Slow ReturnUpdate - March 4<br />
A couple new photos at the bottom. Countdown to Orioles returning has begun. Should be soon and the Hooded Orioles ought to be back! <br />
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February<br />
For almost a month the hummingbird population has been way down. Feeder mix levels went from 1-2 gallons per day to some days no need to fill, average volume was more like 1-2 quarts. No idea what the cause, may have been the small hawk frequenting the backyard - maybe not. There is evidence that it has caught at least a couple hummers.<br />
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Okay, so this is a Western Fence lizard and not a hummer. But he likes hanging out in the western bluebird box (that has never had a western bluebird in it). This is at least 2 years now he has made himself at home.</div>
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A Male Anna's</div>
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Bit of a crowd at the oriole feeder (too early for orioles), a couple of female Anna's and a male Anna's</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNdfzsV0syh3uDXfgsOwSliT9AIfLqLi0VfqG-0JEk_6bIowYuWj5p01IyOexR-lzi4gvD6H1Jz5WSJNc-ZWqZm9yBk4XtRZBymgvCa8HocB2UHAjjwWNxTUMYPIL6MLm8gcKe-DjH9ya/s1600/IMG_0010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNdfzsV0syh3uDXfgsOwSliT9AIfLqLi0VfqG-0JEk_6bIowYuWj5p01IyOexR-lzi4gvD6H1Jz5WSJNc-ZWqZm9yBk4XtRZBymgvCa8HocB2UHAjjwWNxTUMYPIL6MLm8gcKe-DjH9ya/s640/IMG_0010.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I just thought this was a cool wing shot.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxotDHDDr7DYdw0PVo_09PmOOj1j9Wr-ZUBuxCe2WG-FgRkXTSukgVl3Sbz4VqClqbLm06TZ9MskaedSH0TgBpLUllSo0y_EsH2hqJe_tRFGpcUIwnrF_Sf_Oh9onltgtsfMqTgHGIk7w/s1600/IMG_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxotDHDDr7DYdw0PVo_09PmOOj1j9Wr-ZUBuxCe2WG-FgRkXTSukgVl3Sbz4VqClqbLm06TZ9MskaedSH0TgBpLUllSo0y_EsH2hqJe_tRFGpcUIwnrF_Sf_Oh9onltgtsfMqTgHGIk7w/s640/IMG_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a couple female Anna's, Behind the birds is a manzanita is full bloom. The birds use the bush for cover as well as going for the flowers, small as the blooms are.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH0g6FJvAkdSZ2mvHg2mGMSReU3gsVWAe42LKwr1u-4H3jA_MW0scm46HxMFmFBa_-AEm_WtCcvNy1mqcnrapF3ai4sCe0i7oOCqntiQ9VxekX_-2NqvbSp328-SOVeXnAmegxzgv45Vf/s1600/IMG_0018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEH0g6FJvAkdSZ2mvHg2mGMSReU3gsVWAe42LKwr1u-4H3jA_MW0scm46HxMFmFBa_-AEm_WtCcvNy1mqcnrapF3ai4sCe0i7oOCqntiQ9VxekX_-2NqvbSp328-SOVeXnAmegxzgv45Vf/s640/IMG_0018.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Male Anna's showing some color as he sits in a favorite bush near the grouping of feeders.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1X4vYNlRT6oLC4PBzpG2fVWfZIJINgthDC1vVnF6bPjcE4_WhO_XSl0z-_RRHKrGSXyLUTnJIUAS961zSfgXHeok_gMMkcvu1DyxlS59nfqhnxh7KYbagXRDnkgrlKn-mhIRZ7AcYElA/s1600/IMG_0024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1X4vYNlRT6oLC4PBzpG2fVWfZIJINgthDC1vVnF6bPjcE4_WhO_XSl0z-_RRHKrGSXyLUTnJIUAS961zSfgXHeok_gMMkcvu1DyxlS59nfqhnxh7KYbagXRDnkgrlKn-mhIRZ7AcYElA/s640/IMG_0024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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A couple of male Anna's sharing. Since the Anna's don't migrate, they are the vast majority of hummers right now. Too early for the migratory hummers to be showing up.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI-F8ZTm7v2fEJgYH23oDFuvZKRs-scBVFYUe6TtaL5u8LT-1wAE-EG2Kv_XDUL74Evf73O2F0ubPw9wr2VnRN0L1ZcZZ7D0gcB1SoIKQ7zPuWaV8ZDoKwgd6ziUPDE9JrmuFPIEFg6p4/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDI-F8ZTm7v2fEJgYH23oDFuvZKRs-scBVFYUe6TtaL5u8LT-1wAE-EG2Kv_XDUL74Evf73O2F0ubPw9wr2VnRN0L1ZcZZ7D0gcB1SoIKQ7zPuWaV8ZDoKwgd6ziUPDE9JrmuFPIEFg6p4/s640/IMG_0026.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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He and his Shadow!!??</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVUZuT1xU7YL4pUtgJc46p8S8snY1_Bd60BSH19HGjcuYGrqZAdO3s_D88HhFiSJHFkG4ozf7GnjNJeRR4oC5Mp00BbtqPZosEX_iz7VN6IaCvS75oDhp6r37DTooqoLjQy98WRl6ZUbB/s1600/IMG_0019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVUZuT1xU7YL4pUtgJc46p8S8snY1_Bd60BSH19HGjcuYGrqZAdO3s_D88HhFiSJHFkG4ozf7GnjNJeRR4oC5Mp00BbtqPZosEX_iz7VN6IaCvS75oDhp6r37DTooqoLjQy98WRl6ZUbB/s640/IMG_0019.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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How many feeders can one hummer guard? This older male Anna's is turning away all comers from 3 to six feeders. The feeders are all within 5 feet of each other, but he has to stay busy to keep them all for himself!! The feeders in this corner of the yard are generally communal and this is the first time I have seen a hummer try to bogart this area.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO-C6bzwpIdmLWCLjdjdiLqIDChBRZKQmsIx_Oa_V-5hyphenhyphengTSrBG88QJXwvRtrvppP9USoBWBXvq9fUNcYMljD9SpFYhZJqYYog2fDv8KOfEWo9-GFZH4Bm240rOGTFv1ZZRgiXWNBum4T/s1600/pacific+chorus+frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMO-C6bzwpIdmLWCLjdjdiLqIDChBRZKQmsIx_Oa_V-5hyphenhyphengTSrBG88QJXwvRtrvppP9USoBWBXvq9fUNcYMljD9SpFYhZJqYYog2fDv8KOfEWo9-GFZH4Bm240rOGTFv1ZZRgiXWNBum4T/s400/pacific+chorus+frog.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
A Pacific Chorus frog in neighbors backyard pond. Maybe an inch - max 1.5" not counting the long legs. Very loud regardless of size!! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V1lHjPo1nT27ifUR_JcWT1VXAF8cUi_1ps3j6XEZixcs7ZZPJucbJk2CDDvpOuG-6ypjAk8vHzM0k5kbPJPtuhZe9NRM4EsBBNQoFZDaVKnC0z23Ld_gPrec60cFwML41es8kmIltkeC/s1600/sharp+shinned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9V1lHjPo1nT27ifUR_JcWT1VXAF8cUi_1ps3j6XEZixcs7ZZPJucbJk2CDDvpOuG-6ypjAk8vHzM0k5kbPJPtuhZe9NRM4EsBBNQoFZDaVKnC0z23Ld_gPrec60cFwML41es8kmIltkeC/s640/sharp+shinned.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Regular visitor to backyard.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3a919il1FYtBtrXSNjwEsq43NPGLmQXrMPsxsA-ZP4XpIQrRx6QYlSSyqwmyCd0n7TkwddOg_eajRYu68QaTq_ST3g5kvQE1k7d6EBQp3fkL91_hNMS6K2Wy5LnaIWN5jMSWc984lQW/s1600/olive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfe3a919il1FYtBtrXSNjwEsq43NPGLmQXrMPsxsA-ZP4XpIQrRx6QYlSSyqwmyCd0n7TkwddOg_eajRYu68QaTq_ST3g5kvQE1k7d6EBQp3fkL91_hNMS6K2Wy5LnaIWN5jMSWc984lQW/s640/olive.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Patrickhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10698630071004498780noreply@blogger.com0