Archive for backyard bird watching
Backyard Bird Watching: First Oriole of Spring
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We saw our first Baltimore Oriole this morning. He was unmistakable and beautiful – bright orange, black and white, a small bird – only about 7″ overall.
Our nectar feeder has been ready for nearly a month, and that was his first stop. In backyard bird watching, as in most hobbies, preparation pays off!
The Birds of Wisconsin Field Guide
Other helpful resources include The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Birds. We have both the western and eastern editions, and having lived in the western US, as well as the midwest – have put them both to good use. I find them a bit more difficult to navigate than the Wisconsin Field Guide, but they do cover more territory and would be invaluable for the traveling bird watcher.
Article continues below bird watching book recommendations.
Summer Bird Watching Adventures
We’ll be taking our field guides with us this summer when we camp in Wisconsin’s north woods. I’m hoping to spot my first Scarlet Tanager; the male is a bright scarlet red bird with jet black wings and tail, which I’ve learned prefers mature, unbroken woodlands, where it hunts for insects high in the tops of trees. I’m also hoping to find the secretive indigo bunting; the male being a vibrant blue and seen most often at woodland edges.
Please leave a comment and tell me what birds or other wildlife you’re hoping to see this summer.
Photo Credit: My first picture of a bird by carriecha on flickr
Backyard Bird Watching
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We’re newcomers to the hobby of birdwatching. Although we’ve always enjoyed a diversity of birds in our backyard, it wasn’t until this past winter that we became interested in the details surrounding our winged and colorful visitors.
Now, with spring in full swing in Wisconsin, we’re finding it fascinating to observe our backyard and neighborhood bird population. For instance, last week we learned that Cedar Waxwings do everything in flocks. They arrive en masse, filling out the still bare branches of one or more of our backyard trees. One or two braves ones will venture down to the bird bath, then five or seven more quickly follow. A quick drink, then they’re off to the same tree tops – a pattern repeated about every half-hour all day long.
Our first Brown Headed Cowbird arrived last week also – a fairly nondescript bird at a distance, but pretty up close. Their call is interesting – it’s almost a squeak.
Have you ever watched the bright red male Cardinal court his female? They’re nearly inseparable this time of year. He feeds her. We’ve witnessed adult Cedar Waxwings feeding one another as well.
The Red Winged Blackbirds returned from their winter migration shortly after the Robins. Did you know that the male Red Wings perch high, throw out their chests, lift their wings and warble for all their worth while they’re seeking a mate?
We’ve watched the male Goldfinches exchange their drab winter feathers for bright yellow summer plumage.
Our backyard is also frequented by a variety of Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, Blue Jays, Bluebirds, numerous House Finches, Sparrows and Doves. Each have distinct mannerisms and calls. It’s been fun learning to identify these few backyard birds by size, color, habits and call.
Do you have a favorite winged backyard visitor? What is it and why?
