Bird Watching in the Yard - Ahhh, Retirement.

[Chechem]

Looks like a stink bug on steroids.

I thought it was a type of stink bug when I saw it.
My buddy said the name WHEEL BUG comes from that wheel-like thing on its back.  I thought it should have been a SPROCKET BUG.
 

[bama57]

 I plan on making me a platform feeder what do you suggest I make it out of what kind of lumber? I've got some extra Cedar and I thought about making it up and Cedar

[Chechem]

I plan on making me a platform feeder what do you suggest I make it out of what kind of lumber? I've got some extra Cedar and I thought about making it up and Cedar

   Funny.  RE and I just discussed this last week.  He just built one too.

I always use plywood (at least 1/2"), usually about 2.5' X 2.5'.  They sell squares of plywood at Lowe's and Home Depot, so you won't have to buy a whole sheet.

But prolly cedar would work.  And I line the margin with some strips of wood to keep the seeds on when it rains (leave a gap for runoff).  You can paint it with any kind of paint; just slap it on thick to protect the wood.  If it's for the yard, buy a piece of threaded galvanized pipe, and mount it to the plywood with a flange.  It'll last for years.

[Hannibal Lecter, MD]

I've seen one of those wheel bugs before but had no idea the name.

[Chechem]

I've seen one of those wheel bugs before but had no idea the name.

Really a cool bug.  Looks like something from another planet!

[SUPERCOACH]

Sunday:

No pics from yesterday.  I sat out for a few minutes before my phone rang.  A friend asked if I'd come over to help them identify their birds and trees. 

Before I left I saw the grosbeaks were still at the feeders (all females), no hummers, several pileated woodpeckers, several female tanagers, and the usual robins, jays, chickadees, etc.  I didn't see any warblers or vireos.

Those males better not show up with alcohol on their breath. 
So I guess the hummingbirds are probably gone for the season?

  Yeah, the male grosbeaks are out there somewhere having fun.  Two of the females were in the bird bath together yesterday.  That will end when the guys arrive!

Yep, the hummers are gone.  I doubt I'll see any more, unless they're ones that didn't establish enough reserves for the trip south.  Lots of reports over the years of hummers with pesticides that screwed up their navigation systems (brains).  So seeing them after mid-October isn't always a good thing.

Prolly over at the female red-headed woodpeckers house. 

[Chechem]

Sunday:

No pics from yesterday.  I sat out for a few minutes before my phone rang.  A friend asked if I'd come over to help them identify their birds and trees. 

Before I left I saw the grosbeaks were still at the feeders (all females), no hummers, several pileated woodpeckers, several female tanagers, and the usual robins, jays, chickadees, etc.  I didn't see any warblers or vireos.

Those males better not show up with alcohol on their breath. 
So I guess the hummingbirds are probably gone for the season?

  Yeah, the male grosbeaks are out there somewhere having fun.  Two of the females were in the bird bath together yesterday.  That will end when the guys arrive!

Yep, the hummers are gone.  I doubt I'll see any more, unless they're ones that didn't establish enough reserves for the trip south.  Lots of reports over the years of hummers with pesticides that screwed up their navigation systems (brains).  So seeing them after mid-October isn't always a good thing.

Prolly over at the female red-headed woodpeckers house. 

Hmmm.  Being named a "female Red-headed Woodpecker" has a different connotation when she's throwing a party!
 

[Chechem]

Tuesday:

Overcast all day, and not a lot of bird activity.  I had several appointments, so I didn't watch much, but I saw the female grosbeaks (still waiting).  Also saw redstarts and a kinglet.  The robins and tanagers are still atop the gum tree.  No hummers.

[Chechem]

Thursday:

Saw 2 Indigo Buntings, a Yellow-billed Cuckoo, several kinglets, a Solitary Vireo, and the lonely female grosbeaks.  Not as much bird activity as last week, though.

[Chechem]

Friday:

A flock of Yellow-rumped Warblers arrived today, mixed with a bunch of tiny kinglets.  Both will be here for winter.  Also saw a Wood Thrush and a Black-throated Green Warbler.  Nice, warm day with lots of sunshine.


Yellow-rumped Warbler in winter plumage.  He just sat and watched me.

[2Stater]

....and the male grosbeaks?

[Chechem]

....and the male grosbeaks?

I could post a photo of them taken during April.  They were here then.
 

[Chechem]

Tuesday:

Beautiful day, but still no grosbeaks.  Most of the migrants left on the cold front.  I sat out this morning and attracted vultures.
 


Great Blue Heron


Turkey Vulture

[Chechem]

Wednesday:

Beautiful, sunny, and blue skies.  But not many good birds.


Downey Woodpecker

[2Stater]

Wednesday:

Beautiful, sunny, and blue skies.  But not many good birds.


Downey Woodpecker

All those male Grosbeaks have chased them off. 

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