Bird Watching - The Outdoor Directory for Birding

I noticed the tell tale even rows of holes of the Red-breasted Sapsucker in the bark of a willow tree. The dull, light green bark of the tree had turned dark and shiny where the sap oozing from the dozens of holes was dripping down the side of the willow. I waited for the Sapsucker to makes its appearance which the bird did after a short time. Its beautiful red head darted back and forth feeding on the willow sap and the insects attracted to the sap. Turning its head to look at me, a mere 4 feet away, it flew off and a Rufus Hummingbird replaced the Sapsucker at the tree. The little hummer's tongue flitting in and out it feed until a more aggressive Rufus Hummingbird chased it away. As the two hummingbirds spun around each other the Sapsucker returned. For two hours I took close photographs of the Hummingbirds and the Sapsucker feeding. A few Black cap Chickadees also plucked insects off the willows wounds. A steady flight of various bees and yellow jackets and small midgy insects fed on the sap and flew off. Others insects became stuck and were held until they became food for the birds. I finally left this little microcosmic world created by the Sapsucker on the side of the willow with over 70 photos in my camera

Posted by bill@birdingguide.com at 06:13 PM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

While walking through the woods I was delighted to hear the beautiful sounds of Cedar Waxwings high in the trees. I counted 43 Cedar Waxwings. There were many more that I could hear in the distance. Their long, conspicuous crest, black mask and yellow tail band make these very striking birds. Fruit, berries, insects and sap are their diet. When searching the trees with for birds like these I prefer binoculars with a wide field of view and 6 to 8 power, never more than 8 power. In the fall when we are searching the distant skies for migrating hawks and eagles I will use my 10x40 binoculars but in the woods like a set of 8x32 binoculars works great.

Posted by bill@birdingguide.com at 10:29 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

We always get many inquiries in the Spring about birds people have found that appear to have been abandoned by their parents and about injured birds. Our Website Birdingguide.com has a good article on rescuing birds and links to Audubon Society Chapters around the country. Look also under our Menu, click on "clubs" for list of Audubon chapters nearest you for contact information and advice on injured birds. Young fledglings that are found on the ground are most often best just left alone. Their parents are nearby and many young birds do spend a couple of days on the ground before learning to fly. this is a time when young birds are especially prone to being killed by house cats and feral cats. Your Audubon chapter is a good contact source and also your State Fish and Game departments for injured birds. Just recently an injured Osprey was brought to our Audubon Care Center. The Osprey had gunshot wounds to its neck and wing. It was partially paralyzed and had to be humanely euthenized. A Red tail hawk was also brought in with gunshots wounds but happily it was able to be treated and released.

Bill@birdingguide.com

Posted by bill@birdingguide.com at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)