Wednesday, June 3, 2009

A Little of This and That

A quick post of some of the birds I have seen the past couple of days. Work has been intense but I have been able to get in some birding here and there. The picture above is of a male and female House Finch. The female was near my feeder begging for food and the courting gentleman was happy to comply with her wishes.
Here he is giving her some black oil sunflower seed. Of course he decides to turn around to do this!

Here she is fluffing her wings and acting all demure while he is at the feeder finding the best one for his gal pal.


A Song Sparrow photo I got at the Millbury Bike Path last night. Song Sparrows were all over the place yesterday.

I watched this bird for a while while it fluttered about with an insect in its mouth. I have a feeling its nest was nearby but it wasn't going to go to it until I had left.


Here is the misses. I have been fortunate enough to be introduced to a woman at Unum who has been tracking these birds for fish and wildlife. She gave me a ton of great information and knows these two birds better than anyone else. The female above was banded in Fairlee, Vermont 2001 E/O black over green right leg. The male was banded 06/08/05 at the Portsmouth Navy Shipyard in Kittery, Maine. 3 over 7, black over green left leg.

She too has noticed the differences in temperament between the two falcons and also sees the laid back nature of the male vs. the fierce nature of the female. Here is the female looking at her foot. Specking of feet, she also told me that the male is missing one of his talons! Not the misses though, check out those claws!


If you enlarge the picture you will see the number on her leg band that indicates the gender.


Getting ready for take off!!

Hopefully I will have more to post on Friday. I am hoping to get out there tomorrow night some and then I have the weekend obviously which will be solo birding again which means more testing on what I have learned recently. Bird activity has quited down considerably the past few days which will make this even more challenging.

Take care all.







22 comments:

Anonymous said...

Those finches are so cute!

Vickie said...

Its fun to watch birds interacting with their mates. So great that you have had a chance to talk with a biologist who knows the history of these falcons! I'm enjoying your observations.

A New England Life said...

Cool info Kim!

How on earth did that male go from the shipyard to downtown Worcester is what I would like to know! I guess he just has city in his blood ; )

Sharon

Jayne said...

I just love seeing your Peregrine photos Kim.

Kelly said...

...cool that you found out when and where they were banded and met someone else who has been studying them! Love the photo of the female checking out her foot...such a colorful foot too!

Kyle said...

Great shots, Kim. I especially love those close-ups of the Lady Peregrine. What a beauty she is!

Tina said...

You are so fortunate to be able to watch these peregrines and their nest!! I love your captures of them..
of course who can resist those little finches courting each other and all the antics they go to to..impress!!
Nice post..

troutbirder said...

Very interesting. I like the "what are they up" to stuff! :)

Lynne at Hasty Brook said...

Finchy cuteness!!

Warren and Lisa Strobel said...

Love seeing your pictures of the Peregrine! You so lucky!

Adrienne Zwart said...

Wow, I love the peregrine shots!

Richard said...

The female House Finch looks like a fledgling.

Rottlady of the Ozarks said...

I just love reading your blog and getting updates about the Falcons. The pictures of the House Finches are great, she does looks demure...
I like this post so much I'm going to share it with some friends. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Awesome that you posted a House Finch, they are everywhere this past week or so.
Hope all is well.

Chris Petrak said...

Nice photos of the finch courtship. Love your continuing series on the peregrine. Thanks.

Carol said...

You always have such interesting pictures on your blog. Love the cocked head on the finch. Sometimes there seems to be so much expression in their faces.

www.wildlifearoundus.blogspot.com

Anonymous said...

: )

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hi Kim, That's neat that you have met someone who knows SO much about the Falcons. How special is that!!!!

Love your House Finch pictures... Too cute!!!

Hugs,
Betsy

Rick (Ratty) said...

Nice bird pictures today, especially the falcons. I like the information about the leg bands.

Ginnymo said...

Great post Kim!! Love the finches.. I see the male cardinal feeding his mate all the time. It's so cute. The Falcon info is amazing! Funny how they traveled from those places and landed there. Love the photos!

Mary said...

Work intense here, too, Kim! It's been so long since I came here.

Don't you love that little flappy wiggle the female house finch gives to her guy?

LOL!

Keep your eye on that Falcon!

Shelley said...

Love the romantic finch couple! And great shot of your falcons! Especially the one where she's examining her sharp talons!

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