Lots of bird activity in my back yard lately. Migrants surprise me daily. A quick look at a White-breasted Nuthatch was photographed by my husband through the window as seen below. The next day a Mountain Chickadee made a brief pass through the yard. And at least 100 Cedar Waxwings have gathered and were caught bathing several days in a row. The Varied Thrush made its appearance, and was heard singing its flute-like notes. The Dark-eyed Juncos have decided to make my backyard their home year round. They have chosen a brushpile that is slightly smaller then the Song Sparrow and Towhees prefer. I recently “fluffed” up both piles so they can duck into the branches during winter storms. Today, a Red-tailed Hawk was sitting in the Doug Fir surveying his kingdom. Later I found a pile of American Robin feathers on the compost heap. I will never know if it was the Red-tailed Hawk or a Cooper’s Hawk that made his meal of the robin.
Sue and I did our October LBP bird survey, dodging rain drops. It was unusually quiet birdwise at the park. Not many species were seen, but we did find our trusty Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, and Anna’s Hummingbird. One Red-winged Blackbird was still singing. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were abundant giving their low raspy call. For the November bird survey, we failed to locate either the Bald Eagle, or the Great Blue Heron. But we did find the first winter Western Grebe and Horned Grebe.
Sue and I did our October LBP bird survey, dodging rain drops. It was unusually quiet birdwise at the park. Not many species were seen, but we did find our trusty Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, and Anna’s Hummingbird. One Red-winged Blackbird was still singing. Ruby-crowned Kinglets were abundant giving their low raspy call. For the November bird survey, we failed to locate either the Bald Eagle, or the Great Blue Heron. But we did find the first winter Western Grebe and Horned Grebe.
The hummingbird feed is fresh with syrup, and the warmer is in place so that the sugar water does not freeze.
Other unusual sightings from friends near Island Crest School have a Scrub Jay in their yard. These birds have been reported on the Island before, but none seem to be nesting.
The Audubon Christmas Bird Count will take place December 27th this year. Mercer Island has participated in this count since the early 1970’s. Over forty years of birding data!
Good birding to you all!
Judith Roan