Ornithology (Bird) Thread

[Paladin]

Shrikes are not uncommon but it’s unusual to see more than one or two around. What you see more often is their signature of leaving grasshoppers impaled on barbed wire. They catch them and then stick them on the barbs, and leave them there. So you can tell when a shrike has been around because they leave that “signature” even if you don’t see the bird. Not sure if any other bird species does that but the first time you see a grasshopper in that predicament, you’ll be curious how it got there.

Hope you enjoy the coffee with chicory. It adds a distinctively different twang. Drink a few cups over a few days, then let us know what you think.

Ken

The Shrike is also known around here as a "butcher bird" because of the practices that Ken described. In addition to grasshoppers, they also will hang small frogs and lizards on a fence barb. Lacking a fence they will impale their prey on plants with heavy thorns.
Treefarmer

Yep,, they will use mesquite and other thorns hereabouts.

Ray

[Dinadan]

Very nice Dickcissel photo, Ike. And Kingbird!

When I was young I also heard the Shrike called a butcher bird locally. These days, not many folks in my area live around barb wire fences: I have not heard the term in decades. Shrikes are not common in my area, but not really rare either. Mainly I just have to watch the fences and wires when I am driving out in the country. Same for Kingbirds, another bird that I love to see.

Here is a Shrike I spotted in a pine when I was kayaking.

[Quick Steel]

Two very nice shots. The last time I saw one he was using some barbwire on a security fence around an airport in California.

[bighomer]

[Quick Steel]

Very nice, appealing shots, bighomer. We had a female Ruby flit by here yesterday. Hope to see more.

[TPK]

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Look at all those Hummingbirds & Turkeys! You breeding those? LOL!
Wonder what you'd get if you could crossbreed em. Humkeys?
They probably couldn't fly very far but they could flap their wings fast enough to hover.
And you could sell em with this slogan..., "Honkys LUV Humkeys!" "Fastest Breast Meat You've Ever Seen!" Sorry, got carried away.

Nice pictures Buddy! Thanks for posting!

[doglegg]

Thanks for the pics bh. Love to watch them both.

[Quick Steel]

Just read the following information.


If you are feeding hummingbirds it is critical to use a good feeder.

If the bottom section of the feeder cannot be opened for cleaning do not use it. The bacteria build up will become enormous and ultimately kill the hummingbirds using it.

It is not adequate to simply unscrew the bottom from the bottle, swish some water around inside it and then drain it through the spout. The bottom must be opened into two halves for complete access and thorough cleaning every couple of days.

[Mumbleypeg]

Just read the following information.


If you are feeding hummingbirds it is critical to use a good feeder.

If the bottom section of the feeder cannot be opened for cleaning do not use it. The bacteria build up will become enormous and ultimately kill the hummingbirds using it.

It is not adequate to simply unscrew the bottom from the bottle, swish some water around inside it and then drain it through the spout. The bottom must be opened into two halves for complete access and thorough cleaning every couple of days.

Good advice. And I clean mine with white vinegar to kill bacteria and algae every time I refill it.

Ken

[cudgee]

Just read the following information.


If you are feeding hummingbirds it is critical to use a good feeder.

If the bottom section of the feeder cannot be opened for cleaning do not use it. The bacteria build up will become enormous and ultimately kill the hummingbirds using it.

It is not adequate to simply unscrew the bottom from the bottle, swish some water around inside it and then drain it through the spout. The bottom must be opened into two halves for complete access and thorough cleaning every couple of days.

Good advice. And I clean mine with white vinegar to kill bacteria and algae every time I refill it.

Ken

Great tip, i would never had thought of that.

[WillyCamaro]

Thank you for the info Gary, would of never thought of it otherwise.

[Waukonda]

This isnt much of a bird picture and I am not a Starling fan, but they are starting to "bunch up" and I thought this made a neat photo.

[Quick Steel]

I enjoy seeing starlings when they have a "murmuration." This is when hundreds or thousands of them swirl and twist thru the air in intricate patterns. They all seem to be instantly aware of the changes being made.

[Waukonda]

There isn"t much to see around these parts (in the way of birds), nearly all non year round species have migrated. However, on this morning's extended dog walk, at least I saw this Least Flycatcher.

[Quick Steel]

Good shots Ike. I am mostly hopeless at identifying the small flycatchers, so congrats on your l.d.

[Waukonda]

Thanks, Garry, but I am never 100% sure on Flycatchers unless it is a Great Crested, Kingbird or Phoebe and I guess a Pewee but only if it is making it's namesake call.

Thanks also for teaching me a new word, murmuration, sounds like a cardiac issue. I gotta agree with you on enjoying the "aerial ballet".

[bighomer]

The photo of the Starlings reminded of a story about the purple Martin's in Nashville. Seems they are congregating downtown at the Schemerhorn arts center and are pooping all over the place. They are getting together for their trip to South America. It must take them a long time to congregate, they left my houses about 6 weeks ago.

[Mumbleypeg]

I’ve seen starling “murmuration” (never knew that’s what it was called). I enjoy creating it - with a 12 gauge shotgun.

Ken

[Waukonda]

I’ve seen starling “murmuration” (never knew that’s what it was called). I enjoy creating it - with a 12 gauge shotgun.

Ken

[Dinadan]

Nice flycatcher, Ike. I also find the small Flycatchers difficult to identify.

We are starting to get some migrants in my area. A lot of our summer birds like Cuckoos, Flycatchers, and Kites, have already left, or else are keeping a low profile. Here is a welcome visitor that I spotted in my garden yesterday, a Yellow Warbler.

[Waukonda]

Very nice photo of a good looking bird, Mel. Normally, the only warblers that I see much of are the Prothonatary and the Myrtle. There are others around but I suppose I am in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I saw a Cuckoo about a week ago here and was still seeing Blue Grosbeaks earlier in the week but I think they are gone now. Yesterday I counted 18 Kingbirds in a group perched on a power line, so I think they will be moving on right away. Pretty much down to the winter population here. Always enjoy your pics, thanks for your comments.

[Paladin]

Very nice photo of a good looking bird, Mel. Normally, the only warblers that I see much of are the Prothonatary and the Myrtle. There are others around but I suppose I am in the wrong place at the wrong time.

I saw a Cuckoo about a week ago here and was still seeing Blue Grosbeaks earlier in the week but I think they are gone now. Yesterday I counted 18 Kingbirds in a group perched on a power line, so I think they will be moving on right away. Pretty much down to the winter population here. Always enjoy your pics, thanks for your comments.

Where are you located, Ike? General location, I mean.

Ray

[Waukonda]

Southern Illinois, about 5 hours South of Jerry midway between the Ohio and the Mississloppy, tri state region (Il, Mo, Ky)

[Paladin]

Southern Illinois, about 5 hours South of Jerry midway between the Ohio and the Mississloppy, tri state region (Il, Mo, Ky)

Thank you, sir! You know you could add an abbreviated version of that to your profile but thanks for the info.

Ray

[Quick Steel]

Mel and Ike, you fellows surely have wonderful birding opportunities being on major flyways. A little envious right now.