April 4, 2008
Backyard tip of the week:Another mention on how to identify the new spring birdsong you've been hearing in your yard. The best way is if you can spot the bird who is singing, then find it in your bird identification book and check for the voice description. This way you'll know for sure just who's lovely voice you're hearing. Oh, and another mention about how to recognize the song of the northern cardinal - just think John Belushi - "Cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger, cheeseburger." (there ya go!)
Take a moment today to hear what delicious sounds are coming from your backyard. You're sure to love it!
Backyard sightings for last week:
Including northern cardinals, dark-eyed juncos, Carolina wrens and American robins. White-throated sparrows, eastern goldfinches and house finches. Red-bellied woodpeckers, downy woodpeckers, white-breasted and red-breasted nuthatches. The tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, blue-jays, American crows, a couple of grey squirrels and some bunnies. Also, house sparrows, European starlings, common grackles, red-winged blackbirds, bronze-headed cowbirds, a bunch of mourning doves, and a sharp shinned hawk!
Cool sighting of the week:
As briefly mentioned, a sharp-shinned hawk was spotted in the backyard.
On Sunday evening, the bird feeders were suspiciously quiet. Upon further investigation, the "Sharpie" was seen to be perched, high in the willow tree. About eleven inches in height, it was identified by its plumage - blue gray above, light below, with reddish-brown barring, short rounded wings and a long narrow tail. I grabbed the camera, headed outside, and was able to get a few good shots before he left for easier hunting grounds.
A first time sighting for the backyard! Having a close encounter with a sharp-shinned hawk last Sunday was very cool!
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