Ornithology (Bird) Thread

[Steve Warden]

And now I know what possumhaw is!

Between AAPK and Google, I've learned quite a lot!!

[Quick Steel]

Yes Ken, Titmice is the correct plural form.

[Mumbleypeg]

Thanks for the clarification on “titmice”, QS.

Steve, possumhaw is one of my favorite small trees. They’re native here in wooded areas, fence rows and creek bottoms, but many people transplant them into their landscapes, for obvious reasons. Several species of birds eat the berries. The one in our yard is guarded by a mockingbird who eats them but when it’s away others come to eat. If there’s any left when the cedar waxwings come through in flocks, they strip what’s left.

Not my pictures - from the internet.

Ken

[Quick Steel]

I realize this is a very poor photo, especially for the time and effort involved. So this is my white-tailed sparrow that showed up with other House Sparrows. Suggest you tap on the photo to enlarge it.

[TPK]

Check out the color variation on this Cardinal that just showed up for a snack. A quick bit of research tells me that it is leucistic, not a full blown albino but a partial lack of color pigment.

Wow! Cool picture! Makes me think of Mr. T.

[Waukonda]

I realize this is a very poor photo, especially for the time and effort involved. So this is my white-tailed sparrow that showed up with other House Sparrows. Suggest you tap on the photo to enlarge it.

That is bizarre, QS. I think I posted pics a couple months ago of Goldfinches with mostly white tails, but this Sparrow seems to have one that is 100% white. Has it been back?

[Quick Steel]

It was here for about a week. It may still be around but I haven't seen it the past two days. If you are seeing this in other birds then it may indeed be due to the genetic modifications of foods and seeds. Something to watch.

[Steve Warden]

Oh, great. Just what we need--Teenage Mutant Ninja Sparrows!

[Quick Steel]

Wait until we see teenage mutant Ninja teenagers!

[Waukonda]

On Dec 20th, pg 126 of this thread was when I posted the Goldfinch pics

[Waukonda]

Here is a new one for me, a pair of these Sparrows showed up 3 or 4 days ago. I am leaning toward calling it a Lincoln's Sparrow, though this is not their normal range. They Summer farther North, and Winter further South than my area. Anyone agree/disagree with my ID of this bird? Poor photos, but whaddya think?

[Steve Warden]

The Lincoln's Sparrow has a rounded tail.
Notice the "V" notch on this one.
I'm leaning towards it being a Song Sparrow.

But I've been wrong before.

[Waukonda]

The Lincoln's Sparrow has a rounded tail.
Notice the "V" notch on this one.
I'm leaning towards it being a Song Sparrow.

But I've been wrong before.

I think you may be right! I hadn't even considered a Song Sparrow, have never had them at the feeder, or even seen them in Winter. Thanks, Steve!

[Waukonda]

I saw a couple of Horned Larks today. They were once a common bird around my area but I seldom see them anymore.

[Steve Warden]

Cool!

Over the holidays I neglected to restock my supply of blackoil sunflower seeds.

I miss watching the birds.

[doglegg]

Thanks Ike, I never see them in my area. Thanks for sharing.

[Waukonda]

Thanks Ike, I never see them in my area. Thanks for sharing.

After I posted, I began to wonder why I don't see them much anymore. A quick bit of research revealed that they are the species most often killed by wind turbines. That fact, and loss of habitat, probably explains it.

[bighomer]

I don't know who named this bird but there ain't much red on that belly.

[doglegg]

Some great pics bh. Thanks.

[Waukonda]

BH It's about time we see that Pileated again!

I had a white streaked blackbird show up in my yard today

[bighomer]

Ike he comes every day, sometimes two or three times. He fuss'es at me in the mornings if I ain't fast enough getting the feeders out .

[mrwatch]

Today, 22 degrees with 8 + inches of snow. A Robin came to the heated bird bath at the deck for a drink. I have seen up to four Eastern Blue Birds their the last few days Junco's not the brights birds around. Down from Canada. Some are at the feeders, or at the bird food I put out chowing down, others scurrying around, stomping their feet in the now looking for food instead of joining their buddies.

[Quick Steel]

That is the third report of a bird bearing white markings in recent days. Something is going on in the environment to cause this most likely.

[bighomer]

I've enjoyed the heck out of the areial combat in my back yard this morning. Mocking trying to move in on someone's territory and popcorn .

[bighomer]

These fellers are shore nuff puffed up.