All About Pocket Knives

He says, So you think you know about handsome, I'll show you handsome.

Who's a pretty bird?
You're a pretty bird! Yes, you are!
You're a pretty bird!



Probably doesn't appreciate that as much as the family pup would.

Great pic, for sure!

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 8:51 pm

TPK wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 6:07 pm He or she is a handsome little fella! Nice pictures!

Brown-headed Cowbird, male.

Cowbirds, both male and female, are target practice here. They’re “ brood parasitic” birds - they lay their eggs in the nests of songbirds (bluebirds and others) to be brooded by the songbird parents. The cowbird hatchlings typically hatch first and are bigger than the songbird babies, so they hog the food and crowd the legitimate babies out of the nest. Most or all of the songbird babies die. Sometimes the cowbird female will even destroy the host bird’s eggs, leaving the cowbird egg which is then hatched and raised by the songbird host.

So I have no use for them. I “dispatch” as many cowbirds as I can. They show up around here in late winter, usually part of the flocks of starlings and redwing blackbirds at feeders. Easy enough to pick them off (along with the starlings) with a pellet rifle.

Ken

Just doing what God created them to do.
They used to be predominantly in the prairies and grasslands here in North America. We, man, are responsible for their surge into the city and suburbs.

Just facts. Can't say I get all excited when I see them at the feeder. They're often in company with starlings, for which I have no love.

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:13 pm Just doing what God created them to do.
They used to be predominantly in the prairies and grasslands here in North America. We, man, are responsible for their surge into the city and suburbs.

Just facts. Can't say I get all excited when I see them at the feeder. They're often in company with starlings, for which I have no love.

I understand. I am on the prairie grassland. I have a bluebird trail here on the ranch, and have found cowbird eggs (I destroy them when I find them) in the bluebird nests. The bluebird population in North America is diminishing. We, man, are responsible largely due to destruction of the bluebird habitat and competition for nesting cavities from introduced species (starlings, English sparrows). While the cowbird is native, the cowbird population range is spreading and the species is not threatened. And of course the starling is an invasive species. I prefer bluebirds and other songbirds. I’m trying to help them survive.

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:35 pm

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:13 pm Just doing what God created them to do.
They used to be predominantly in the prairies and grasslands here in North America. We, man, are responsible for their surge into the city and suburbs.

Just facts. Can't say I get all excited when I see them at the feeder. They're often in company with starlings, for which I have no love.

I understand. I am on the prairie grassland. I have a bluebird trail here on the ranch, and have found cowbird eggs (I destroy them when I find them) in the bluebird nests. The bluebird population in North America is diminishing. We, man, are responsible largely due to destruction of the bluebird habitat and competition for nesting cavities from introduced species (starlings, English sparrows). While the cowbird is native, the cowbird population range is spreading and the species is not threatened. And of course the starling is an invasive species. I prefer bluebirds and other songbirds. I’m trying to help them survive.

Ken

Sounds like as long as you can sight down a barrel and pull the trigger, the species is threatened!

Well, maybe not the species, but certainly those few that are in the somewhat limited range of my pellet rifle!

Ken

Mumbleypeg wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:35 pm

Steve Warden wrote: ↑Sat Feb 22, 2020 11:13 pm Just doing what God created them to do.
They used to be predominantly in the prairies and grasslands here in North America. We, man, are responsible for their surge into the city and suburbs.

Just facts. Can't say I get all excited when I see them at the feeder. They're often in company with starlings, for which I have no love.

I understand. I am on the prairie grassland. I have a bluebird trail here on the ranch, and have found cowbird eggs (I destroy them when I find them) in the bluebird nests. The bluebird population in North America is diminishing. We, man, are responsible largely due to destruction of the bluebird habitat and competition for nesting cavities from introduced species (starlings, English sparrows). While the cowbird is native, the cowbird population range is spreading and the species is not threatened. And of course the starling is an invasive species. I prefer bluebirds and other songbirds. I’m trying to help them survive.

Ken

Those are some nice photos of the Cowbird, Doglegg. But generally I agree with Ken. I guess I really turned against Cowbirds when I saw a Summer Tanager (a very desirable bird to me) feeding a young adult cowbird and realized that the Tanager had reared a Cowbird instead of it's own species.

I am fortunate that in my particular neighborhood we do not have any Cowbirds or Starling, or House Sparrows. They are all in my city, just none in my subdivision. Pretty much every morning I get to enjoy the Eastern Bluebirds on my walk around the neighborhood.

There have been a few posts about eagles lately. A couple of days ago I was fortunate enough to spot a Bald Eagle over my driveway. Not too good a shot, but notice the massive beak and the almost plank like wings that characterize this raptor.

I have seen a bald eagle or two down by the creek, but certainly not over my driveway.
That's gotta be exhilarating, Mel. Nice shot.

The brown headed cow birds seem to just pass through here as I don't see them in Summer or Winter. They must be in the cuckoo family in allowing others to raise their offspring.
Mel, I'm envious of your seeing eagles so close!

I guess I have to admit to a bit of specie bias. Beause of their parasitic nature Cowbirds are not welcomed by me. Am seeing the occasional Kestral along the road; perched on wires.

Nice Eagle shots Mel..
John

Thanks for the comments, fellows. Eagles are fairly common in my area in the winter: I often see one or two when I am out fishing or kayaking. And I always get kind of excited when I see one! It is unusual to see an Eagle in my subdivision.

Awesome eagle shots Mel . Wish mine we're that good ...

First Red-Winged Blackbird stopped for some food a little while ago? Maybe a scout?

So the Red-Winged returned today with a partner and a couple of Grackles. It appears to have a peculiarity I noticed yesterday: he only has one red epaulet. On the other shoulder only the thin yellow line shows.

Great pictures Mel & QS!

Mon/Dad are taking turns sitting on the eggs.. We got some cold/snowy/wet weather supposed to hit late Weds into Thurs AM.. Then cold breezy after.. They got their work cut out..
John

Eagle report.. Snow showers and windy.. Mom is on the nest hunkered down..
John

Rock dove/ pigeon came by for a snack.

A Flicker and friends at the feeder this morning.

Steve, I believe what you have there is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker rather than a Flicker. No?

Really cool visitor Steve!!!

Quick Steel wrote: ↑Sat Feb 29, 2020 2:22 pm Steve, I believe what you have there is a Red-Bellied Woodpecker rather than a Flicker. No?

There ya go!
You are correct, Sir.

Nice feeder birds, Homer, QS, and Steve. The birds are pretty sure it is spring in my area. Mourning doves and White Winged Doves are really cooing today.