I took a quick four-wheeler ride to both of the ponds today just to see if any ducks were on the water. There were none at the new pond, so I went to the old one. There were no ducks on our side, but I walked to the dam and just inside our property line, a Green-winged Teal flew out from under one of the trees. He makes property bird #190 for me.
So far for 2008, I've added ten new property birds. Getting ten more will be tough. I'm looking forward to trying!
Monday, December 22, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Property Bird #189!!!
Today as I was working in my garage, I looked out in the yard and saw the familiar silhouette and walk of two American Pipits. I have wondered why I had never seen them in my yard, since they seem to like short grassy areas. I would see them at the Cedar Hill Park on the north shore of Lake Charlotte every year. So, I finally got American Pipits for my property list.
Another surprise was looking out at my feeders and seeing a yellow parakeet sitting on the fence behind them. He stayed there for a few minutes and flew off just before I was able to get the camera to take a picture. Maybe he'll be back.
The House Sparrows are increasing in numbers very quickly. I may need to get my trap out again soon.
On Sunday, I looked up and saw 20+ Tree Swallows flying overhead. It's kind of surprising to see swallows here in the winter, but Tree Swallows stay and I see them every winter.
Another surprise was looking out at my feeders and seeing a yellow parakeet sitting on the fence behind them. He stayed there for a few minutes and flew off just before I was able to get the camera to take a picture. Maybe he'll be back.
The House Sparrows are increasing in numbers very quickly. I may need to get my trap out again soon.
On Sunday, I looked up and saw 20+ Tree Swallows flying overhead. It's kind of surprising to see swallows here in the winter, but Tree Swallows stay and I see them every winter.
Friday, December 12, 2008
More Sandhill Cranes
Sandhill Cranes flew over the property again today. I heard a total of three flocks. One flock was so high that I couldn't see them. The other two were in range and had 20 to 25 birds in each flock. I wonder if the dry summer is making the cranes go further east than they have in the past. Something is different since I have never seen Sandhill Cranes from the property before this year.
I went down to the pond yesterday morning in the snow and flushed a couple of Wood Ducks. I've been trying to get some cattails to grow around the edge, but the cows keep eating them. I am sure there are ducks down there more often than I see them, but I just don't see them very often. I'm going to build a nest box for the Wood Ducks and have them up this winter. Hopefully they'll use them and I'll see them around a little more.
I've got several American Goldfinches at my feeders. I didn't put any thistle out this year, but they're coming to my oil sunflower in good numbers. It's fun to see them and hear them call to each other.
I went down to the pond yesterday morning in the snow and flushed a couple of Wood Ducks. I've been trying to get some cattails to grow around the edge, but the cows keep eating them. I am sure there are ducks down there more often than I see them, but I just don't see them very often. I'm going to build a nest box for the Wood Ducks and have them up this winter. Hopefully they'll use them and I'll see them around a little more.
I've got several American Goldfinches at my feeders. I didn't put any thistle out this year, but they're coming to my oil sunflower in good numbers. It's fun to see them and hear them call to each other.
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