Some Newcomers

Often when I see birds at a distance, and I have camera in hand, I will zoom in and view the photos later to see what it is that is not clear to my naked eye.  Recently, I did this and although the images are blurry, I seem to have an American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla, (an immature male, I think)  and three cedar waxwings (Bombycilla cedrorum).  

American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla:

cedar waxwings, Bombycilla cedrorum:

I was totally unfamiliar with the redstart, but have seen waxwings not only in field guides, but also about a mile from me while I was out walking.  I'm thrilled to have sought out information to identify the redstart.  The male (in his adult plumage) is quite striking.  I hope to get pictures (and clear ones) some day.

All of this has me wondering if it were a male redstart that I mistook for an oriole chasing that crow (as described in an earlier post).  It all happened so fast, that I can't be sure.  However, I did see an oriole while I was out walking four miles the other day.  Either way, I'm happy to have such a variety of birds in the yard.  As what I've planted matures and I add more natives, I expect to seen an increase in bird diversity.  One of the black gum (Nyssa sylvatica) seedlings is now almost as tall as me.  Now that will definitely be attractive to wildlife...the female for the berries (and pollinators) and the male trees for pollinators alone. <...but I know  Nyssa sylvatica  by heart. :) >

The Wait is Over

For the past couple of weeks, I've checked the now empty and cleaned nest box hoping to see the bluebirds building a second nest.  Two days ago, I noticed that they had begun a new nest.

It took them quite a while to start--but I guess they were busy with the "teenagers" (read fledglings).  Yesterday it rained all day long...not sure they felt much like building, but today I found a completed nest (but then again, they are earlier risers than I so maybe they completed it this morning).

I'm looking forward to witness them raising another brood.  I'm already thinking about adding yet another nest box (I added one earlier this spring after seeing four tree swallows and only one available box).  I know bluebirds need quite a distance between nest sites, but I think I have enough room to encourage another pair...assuming their numbers are increasing.  They should be. :)

World of Wonder, World of Weird

After taking a photo of something attached to the underside of a milkweed leaf, spotted a similar structure on a nearby pokeweed, but this one was doing something that the other one was not:  moving.  I quickly realized it is a camouflaged critter.  The sticks surrounding this little guy may act as camouflage, but it also seems to act as armor.

Seeing that a photo wouldn't do, I took a video:

World of Wonder

I almost called this world of weird, but world of wonder is probably more accurate.  Aside from attracting birds, butterflies, and cute critters, when one opens up their eyes to the insect world, there is even more to see, admire, and enjoy.

Holes in the leaves indicate to me that I'm providing sustenance for insects, which in turn provide food for birds raising their young as well as insect predators and such.  The holes do not bother me, and for the most part, I have to look for them.  Definitely at a distance, the trees look fine.

Although, I've seen tree hoppers/leaf hoppers before, these seemed to mesmerize me.  Not only the color, but how many that seemed to congregate on the stem of one of the quaking aspens.   It excites me to wonder what new forms of life I'll encounter in the months and years to come.  The more diversity in plants I provide, the more diversity in animal life will appear.

Butterfly weed (Asclepias tuberosa), one of the milkweeds, is the host to monarch and queen butterfly larvae, here's hoping this means I'll be spotting some caterpillars before too long.

Sassafras is a host plant to spicebush butterfly, tiger swallow-tail, Palamedes butterflies, and pale swallowtails.  New leaves will replace those with holes. :)

Although, I've seen this "flying fuzz" insect before, I've never been so lucky to get a photo of one.


...And one more that puts the "weird" in he wonder:

What is it?    (...more to come)

Yesterday's Encounter

Yesterday, I witnessed a Baltimore oriole pursuing a much larger crow.  I've seen smaller birds chasing off hawks and crows before, but this was the first time I witnessed it fairly close...what surprised me the most was that the male oriole actually made contact, either pecking or at least slamming into the back of the crow.

This encounter makes me wonder if there might be a pair of orioles nesting in the yard.  If I ever notice their unique nest, I'll be sure to post a follow up.

Cute Newcomer

A couple of weeks ago, I spotted this little fellow making his way through the grass.  Although I've seen adults along the side of the road at times, this is the first time I've spotted an opossum in the yard--and a cute young one at that.  (I have to admit that I find the adults a bit unattractive and almost "creepy" looking...but still welcome.)

Even though it is out of focus, I'm adding the first picture, because he looks so cute looking at me with the camera.

And here is an unedited video of the little guy as well:

New Life

Despite my silence, things are happening in the yard...some nature's doing...and some mine (but many projects of mine still remain undone).

It is hard for me to believe that the bluebird pair not only built a nest, but also laid eggs, fed the young, and fledged them...and I've yet to post about it.  Well today, that finally changes.

Trying to keep things in chronological order ended up causing me to delay some posts until I'd posted what happened earlier.  So, chronology be damned.  I'm finally posting SOMETHING so that I can give this blog some new life.

Speaking of new life, aside from the bluebirds, I watched robins go from eggs to fledging.  Currently there is a pair of chickadees with seven--count 'em--seven hatchlings...and two pairs of tree swallows with nests.  Unfortunately, I'm limited on pictures.  Some of the egg pictures didn't turn out well with my new cell phone, and others are "misplaced", but I'll share a few.  Hopefully, after this post, I'll get back to posting more regularly again.


Robins:

Bluebirds

 Chickadee: