Great Backyard Bird Count-Fri 13th

My first day of the Great Backyard Bird Count went pretty well despite the cold temps and wind we had here in New England. I spent most of it in my yard and all of the regulars came as well as a couple of surprises, the most notable being pigeons. EEEEEKKK!! There were about five of them walking around my yard nibbling on leftover seed and I prayed that my neighbors (who are selling their house), wouldn't have any potential buyers coming over to check out the digs. All I could picture were perspective buyers going to look at a house and glancing in my yard to see pigeons, seagulls and starlings. Real curb appeal I tell you. ;o)

The red bellied came today and stuck around for a while which allowed me to get pretty good pictures.

One of two mockingbirds who are now regulars in my yard. The one above has spunk with a capital S. The starlings love to come and bully the other birds and they usually succeed, not with this bird though. It flaps its white wings and actually goes after the starlings with its beak!!! Just for that I am doubling up on the suet so the two of them will stay. It's about time someone stood up to those bullies. Now maybe I won't have as many of them and my bird bath will stay a little cleaner.

I decided to go to a few other places and most were devoid of birds. I did have some luck at the cemetery though, as you will see below.

A picture of a titmouse poking it wee little head in a tree to forage for food. It was actually fun to watch it and I hope it succeeded.

Speaking of success, check out what this little guy found for lunch!! Again, very cool to watch and it makes me feel more at ease to see that yes, there is still protein rich food out there for the birds should they need it. The nuthatch got this from the tree so I am guessing it's a grub of some sort??? I saw two nuthatches today which was awesome because I have not seen any of them since last year so another species to add to my 2009 list.

Have a great and lucky Friday everyone!