Wicked Wings

Red-tailed Hawk

2011-08-01T17:11:00.001-04:00

I saw this beauty at Hawk Mountain. She was about 10 ft. away from us.

My New Chickadee Birdhouse

2011-07-10T09:44:00.000-04:00

Hi Folks, I just wanted to post some new pictures of my new Chickadee birdhouse. I know its a pinkish red color but I have to say it looks mighty cool hanging up in the tree. I was a little hesitant to get it because of the color but in my opinion it worked out well. What do you want for a $12 piece of hand-made Pennsylvanian craftsmanship!

I know its late in the season to be putting up a birdhouse but I figured by the time next year rolls around it should be ready to go. I can't wait! I think my son will also enjoy the experience once a family of chickadees move in.

Bake Oven Knob

2011-06-19T00:34:00.002-04:00

Today I drove over to Bake Oven Knob which is part of the Kittatinny mountain range. I went totally unprepared carrying a bulky camera bag, a bottle of water and wearing mocs. The terrain was rocky but worth the hike for the view. I didn't see any hawks nor any unusual birds but like I said the view was great. If u get a chance visit the knob and you'll be amazed!

This picture doesn't do justice to represent how steep and rocky the way up was!

Rain Isn't So Bad After All

2011-06-12T08:27:00.000-04:00

Yesterday in my "Rain!" post I thought I wasn't going to have a good day birding but to my surprise it actually turned out to be a better one. In between the periods of rain a pair of American Finches, a Cardinal and a Blue Grey Gnatcatcher. The Blue Grey Gnatcatcher is still up for debate because my wife thinks I identified it incorrectly. She may be correct but if you asked me it was a Blue Grey Gnatcatcher.

The pair of finches were beautiful. They came up to my window feeder and I was able to snap some pictures of the happy couple. The camera I used is a Nikon D50 DSLR with a 300mm lens. I have the camera for a few years now and although there are smaller ones with more capabilities I still enjoy using it.

I saw the Cardinal just after arriving home from our food some expedition. I say expedition because with two kids in tow thats exactly what it turns out to be, an EXPEDITION! The cardinal came up to my feeder with the hulled sunflower seeds. It did a smash and grab, leaving little time for me to grab my camera a take snap off some quick photo's. Even though I didn't have time to take a picture I still appreciate seeing him.

Happy Birding!

Rain!

2011-06-11T07:23:00.000-04:00

Well the forecast for my birding weekend doesn't look so hot since it's supposed to be raining all weekend.We'll just have to see how it plays out.

Last week I placed some dried meal worms in some of my feeders with hopes of seeing some Bluebirds. To no avail I didn't see one nor did I get any action at the feeders. Actually I saw less birds so I replaced the meal worms with a seed mix. At the very least I should start seeing more Chickadee's!

I also purchased a hanging bird bath from Lowes because of the brutal hot weather we are having here in the Northeast. By the way I saw the same one at Walmart and they are roughly the same price, around $12. I personally haven't it seen it being used but then again its near a door so I really don't expect to see much action at it while outside. The good thing about it is that it doubles as a tray feeder if I decide to go that route.

I find the Squirrels brutal this year. They literally have stolen one of my suet feeders more than a couple of times. I guess I can't blame them because food is food.

Happy Birding!

The Simple Suet Feeder

2011-06-04T14:21:00.000-04:00

One of Mine in Action!

I have three suet feeders and I love them. For less than $5 you can enjoy a wide range of avian life that a suet feeder will to your backyard or garden. Another plus is their small and inconspicuous, just in case you live in an apartment or development that doesn't allow bird feeders.

The suet I prefer is the non-melt variety. Its more of a dough, which is good because if you live in an area where the summers are hot you may experience some suet melt. I recommend the berry mix or nut variety. Woodpeckers love both of these. The plan suet was recommended to by a Wild Bird store owner but I find the birds don't seem to have a fondness for it. Squirrels will go after it so securing is a must. The ones that I have seen come with a chain that is pretty durable.

Good Luck and Happy birding!

What Does a Woodpecker Peck?

2011-05-29T09:31:00.001-04:00

This morning I decided to take some pictures of a local Woodpecker haunt. Of course I had to add a little drama to the picture. Today I saw a Downy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Wood Pecker (I think), catbirds, Robins, Starlings, Black-capped chickadees, and a Cardinal. Did I forget the Squirrels!

I LIke RedHeads....

2011-05-28T08:44:00.000-04:00

....that is when it comes to Woodpeckers such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker! On my morning walk I spotted one of these jems of the eastern woodlands. I grabbed my knockers (binoculars) as my 3 year old son calls them and headed out for a short jaunt. Lucky for me I live next to an historic area that is loaded with healthy and vibrant trees as well as some decaying old ones. Within minutes of starting my journey I heard a distinct call coming from one very tall tree over looking the creek. Wondering what it was I scanned the tree with my binoculars and low and behold, there it was, a Red-bellied Woodpecker. At first I could only see the birds silhouette because I was facing in the direction of the sun. From a profile view I knew it must have been some sort of Woodpecker. It wasn't until it flew over me a to a dead tree that I noticed it was what I believe to be a Red-bellied Woodpecker. It must have frequented the decaying tree because it was loaded with holes. One of the holes went actually through the tree. What a funny sight. I observed the red belly until it flew away. I guess he/she needed it's privacy.

2011-05-28T07:16:00.003-04:00

Today I awoke to find my feeder being pillaged by squirrels! The picture on the right isn't my feeder because my feeder no longer exists! Sadly it was destroyed. The good thing about this whole situation is that I get to go out and get a NEW feeder. This time it will be squirrel proof.

Downy Woodpecker

2011-05-22T09:36:00.000-04:00

I woke up this morning determined to spot a woodpecker and I'm glad to report I did. If you read my profile you would know that I'm fairly new to birding so I'm in the process of learning the in's and out's of the hobby.

At about 9am I decided to go for a stroll so I grabbed my binoculars and headed out. Lucky for me I live next to an historic area that borders Saucon Creek so finding a varied amount of bird species shouldn't be a problem. Within minutes of of starting my journey I heard the rapping of a woodpecker. Now I know I'm new to birding but the sound of a woodpecker rapping on a tree is unmistakable. I headed off in the general direction I thought from where I heard the sound coming. When I arrived I could hear and see varies other birds and wildlife but no woodpecker. Luckily for I was within 50ft. of a house that had bird houses and feeders all around the location. Approximately 10 minutes had passed when I heard the rapping within feet of my location. I aimed my binoculars in the general direction where I heard the sound coming from and there it was a Downy Woodpecker. How sweet it was! It was a beautiful black and white specimen. How in the world it doesn't have a headache puzzles me. I watched her for about 10 minutes and then wondered home in full glory!

Sharp Shinned Hawk

2011-05-21T18:55:00.000-04:00

One day while standing out on my front stoop I heard something crash into my neighbors storm door. The sudden kaboom made me immediately look over to see what all of the commotion was next door. The picture to the right is what I saw. I immediately ran and grabbed my Nikon D50, attached a 300mm zoom lens, and fired of some quick shots. Little did I know that I really didn't have to rush. This hawk was taking his time. The only thing I know about the prey is that it was some sort of bird. This was an unforgettable experience!