Bird Watching

[Shandeh]

We were visiting friends on New Year's Day and while we were enjoying brunch, this little fellow had a good look as us! I like juncos.

"I see you in there!"

Awwww!!! He's precious!!
What a great shot you captured.

[mittenmaker]

I love this picture! I have never seen a Junco, let alone such a charming shot of one! I don't think we have them in Michigan! Thank you!

[lialab]

What a year we had weather wise!!! even the birds are kind of lost I guess It was as surprised as I was when I opened the door to get the newspaper this morning.

[Shandeh]

Look at that! So glad you caught a photo!

[lialab]

Look at that! So glad you caught a photo!

It is still here after all day, it went up and down the street for a while but then it came back and is still laying in my flower bed, which is not ready for planting yet. I figure it is so cold and windy today it decided to rest!!!

[mittenmaker]

My neighbors in our sub have a wild duck that has a nest with 11 eggs in it, right up between the sidewalk by their house, and the house itself. Mr. Jingles, a friend and I were out for a walk last week and my neighbors called our attention to her, sitting among the greenery, on her nest. It is humbling and charming when God's wild creatures choose to commune with us!

[Shandeh]

I recently got a new app for my Nook. The Audubon Birds app. SO COOL!
It has photos of every bird, as well as sound files for their songs and chirps and calls.
I just love using that app in my backyard, to help me learn which birds are singing in my neighborhood.

[mittenmaker]

Wow, Shandeh, the Audubon Birds app sounds neat! I like the part about the audio of the birds' songs. I am always hearing new bird songs and calls and am constantly wondering what kind of bird is singing!

[Shandeh]

It is perfect for that. I will often hear a bird, and never see it. Last night, I heard an owl just outside my window, and looked it up on my app. Found a match right away. It's a Barred Owl, with a very distinct "Hoo Hoo Hoo Hoo, Hoo Hoo Hoo HOO-AH!" The sound file EXACTLY matched what I heard. So wild!

So then, I read the description, and wished that I could see my owl outside

Then, I looked up Barred Owl on Google, and learned that they eat mice and snakes. Yay!
The guy who cuts my grass found a copperhead last week, so I'm glad to have their predator around.

[mittenmaker]

Wow, Shandeh--I have never heard of a barred owl! And a copperhead in your yard. . .I don't think we have them in MI, but my husband's Grandma had them (she lived in southern PA/western MD area, in the mountains) -- and she killed one while she was in her 80's!
I hope your owl keeps the snake and rodent populations under control.