Bird feeder thread

Saw a Cooper's hawk today gliding in between the trees in the backyard. Went maybe 200 feet or more without a flap of its wings. Dodging trees all the way. Last year we had one come in talons out looking to hit the bird feeder, but it must have seen me and flew past.

 

I can only think of placing the feeders in the lower branches of small trees like lilacs and crabapples. The branches could provide some cover for the smaller birds and slow a predator down. Still a crap shoot when they break cover.

 

Squirrels are hawk snacks too.

 

Last year I got so tired of the squirrels and Grackles (an annoying type of blackbird) eating the feed that I bought a feeder with the screen around it that will only let in smaller birds. It worked.

 

They will work, but for the red cardinals. I try hard to keep them around. Haven't seen those nasty Grackles in a long time. My son pops off the squirrels and chippies. I just wish he would dispose of their carcasses where the dogs can't find them.

 

The buffet is always open around here.

The problem here is roaming cats that that think my yard is a litter box. I try to create a nice bird friendly yard with cover and a clean water supply, and the cats appreciate it more.

 

Ah, the orioles have arrived and staking out territory.

Black flies are here too.

 

The Grackles hang out in groups in the spring and fall. In the fall there could be hundreds in one tree. Looks like they're auditioning for the movie "The Birds." Lol.

We have plenty of Cardinals. One female just set up shop about a week and a half ago just outside our front door in an evergreen bush. She's about 2 feet from the door. Every time we open the screen door she flies off. I fell bad for her choice of a spot to build a nest. We try not to disturb her much.

 

Saw one Oriole last week. They are not as many as in years past. Black flies have been here a couple weeks already, but not anywhere near as bad as they used to be. Unless they're just waitin'.

 

Noticed that here too Dennis

 

Had some new visitors show up yesterday , haven't been here in a long time Mr. & Mrs. and still hanging around today

 

I've got evening grosbeaks for the second year in a row. Usually we only see them in my valley every ten years or so. Love em. I have racing pigeons and so far I've lost 8 to falcons, and hawks. The bops are so thick anymore.

 

Not in my yard, just a neat pic...