This and That-April 6th

No adventures for me today. There was too much to get done at work and the weather was lousy.

I have a bunch of photos sitting in my web album that I have been meaning to post, but have been too busy. The first picture you see is of the female Mockingbird that has been in my yard the past couple of days. Her mate has made my backyard his home for well over a month now so she comes over here often to search for him. Her partner sits on top of the bird feeders and searches for birds that are invading his territory. He goes after all of them and while it is funny to watch, I feel bad for the ones who come to my feeders to eat, to only get chased away!

Here is a picture of a very wet goldfinch eating very wet bird seed that I had just put out. The rain is making feeding a bummer because everything gets so wet. I am going to stop feeding in the next couple of weeks and am kind of looking forward to it. I want to give the station a really good cleaning and get the area prepared for the hummingbirds that I will feed. I will keep fresh water available for the birds but that will be all until October.

A picture of an American Tree Sparrow I took three weeks ago. Such adorable birds that I will miss when they head up north for breeding.

A Red Tailed Hawk taken at the cemetery in Grafton this weekend. If you enlarge the photo you will see a twig in its talons for nesting.

The Great Blue Heron leaves her nest in search for lunch in the wetlands directly below her dwelling.

Black Capped Chickadees were plentiful there too. This one was taking materials from the Cattails and I am assuming its for the nest??

Last but not least is a blurry photo of a Hooded Merganser taken at the cemetery yesterday. One of my new birding friends said to keep an eye out for them as most will be leaving the area soon for breeding. I guess this one is taking its time though. I did not see a female with it.

Finally, I decided to save the best for last. Allow me to introduce you to a 12 year old boy who loves to bird. In fact, he loves it so much, he has started his own blog to share with us all. You can read all about his adventures and his bird quizzes at Bird Lovers 101. I love meeting birders at all ages, but there is something special about being introduced to a young birder. I started birding only recently and I wish I had discovered it at an earlier age as there is so much to see and learn about. The author of this blog has an enthusiasm for birding and learning and reminds me of the stories I have read on Roger Tory Peterson. To be young again!!! Anyway, do visit his blog and introduce yourself!

Cheers all!