As We Enter The Fall Season

As we enter the fall season many birders are out scouting the fields for the arrival of new species of sparrow that may be passing through.

Lincoln's Sparrow is one that we keep  our eyes open for. Sparrows can be a little tricky to identify, especially if you are new to birding. I always notice a caramel wash on its breast. It has that eyeline that works its way back to a sort of triangle, and a little grayish on the side of the face. There are other things to look for as well but the most important thing is to remember as many details as possible before looking in your field guide. If you're still not confident, you can upload your photo to a birding website like Birdforum.

The birdbath continues to work out well. Recently, there has been 5 bluebirds that take daily baths which I am pleased about. 30 years ago there were very few bluebirds around. Now I see them everywhere! At the same time. House Sparrows seem to be in decline. They used to fight with bluebirds over nestboxes.

While out looking for sparrows in the fields, I come across other surprises here and there like this Merlin with its intimidating scan across the field. 

I'm much looking forward as we move further into fall as more sparrows pour into the fields. I must say, the weather has been overall excellent over the summer and into the fall. We had a couple of very hot weeks but overall the weather has been very comfortable! I am  hopeful that real fall weather hangs on now before winter takes hold.

Repurposed Birdbath Visitors Finally Arrive

I like it when I can make use of things that are just hanging around waiting to be thrown out. I bought a fire bowl for 35 bucks many years ago. The thin metal bowl part rusted out in less than 2 years but the base had a heavy duty metal braided design. I always felt like I might be able to do something with it so I never got rid of it.

An idea finally came to me. I turned the base upside down and it had a bit of a dish design on the bottom which was too rusty to hold water for birds. I found a plastic terra cotta dish that matched the size and placed it inside. Small birds don't like deep water, preferring a water depth of about an inch. This one was about an inch and a half so I placed some flat rocks on the bottom. Birds also like the sound of moving water or dripping water so I took a gallon sized water jug and poked a pushpin sized hole in the bottom. I finished it off by putting a branch between 2 ornamental garden fence pieces and set it up so it was just above the bath so birds could perch on it.

The first birds to show up were actually goldfinches but I wasn't fast enough getting the camera. The chickadee hung around a little bit longer.

The Tufted Titmouse is a relative of the chickadee and he showed up a few minutes after his cousin.

It's always nice when a plan comes together!

Sparse Birding While Waiting For Migration

I haven't been doing much in terms of active birding this month. Just poking around here and there. I caught a Bald Eagle which is still waiting for fully white head feathers.

I also see a few things here and there down by the shore like this Willet while looking for a local breakfast diner.

 I'm looking forward to the major hawk migration in mid-September as well as some new sparrows and warblers that will soon be showing up.