Easy Bird Identification

CHRISTMAS BIRDING

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Sun, 23 Dec 2007 16:24:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

CHRISTMAS BIRDING

It is less than a week until Christmas and for nearly everyone, it is the one of the busiest times of the year.

There are Christmas cards to be addressed and mailed, Christmas presents to be shopped for, purchased, wrapped, delivered. Cookies must be baked, holiday food purchased and on and on it goes. I have a dozen reminder notes stuck here and there, so I won’t forgot some small, but significant thing that needs my attention.

Certainly there is no time left over to think about birds or bird
watching-----or is there?

For me personally, THERE IS ALWAYS TIME FOR BIRDS! It may be only a glimpse at the feeders as I hurry by the window, or watching for roadside birds when I’m on my way to the mall, but birds are on my mind throughout the day, Christmas season or no. I doubt I am alone in this. Birders everywhere are probably sneaking peaks at birds, despite the demands of the season.

I hope you have a great and Merry Christmas, and I hope you find a few minutes to kick back and watch birds. Good Birding.

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

MELTING SNOW OBSCURES BIRDS

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Thu, 13 Dec 2007 02:57:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

MELTING SNOW OBSCURES BIRDS

After our five inch snow fall a few days ago, rain and some warmer than expected temperatures brought the expected results,
melting snow.

My morning walk was a wet one. Activity along the my walking trail was very slow. After a mile or so, I finally heard rustling in the undergrowth but the noise makers were difficult to find. The snow had melted in some spots, leaving dark areas in the surrounding snow-covered vegetation.

I could see a bird or two flitting across the bright snow patches, then seeming to disappear into the bare, wet patches. It was just a matter of my eyes adjusting to the background, and finally I was able to find the birds after they dived into the exposed areas.

What did I find? Well, not much if, I were counting species, but on a fairly quiet day, a couple Song Sparrows and a Carolina Wren added some excitement to my walk. It was fun to watch them and to observe how easily the exposed ground helped camouflage the birds as opposed to when they were picking around in the snow.

Guess it doesn’t take much to amuse me…Good Birding!

Cheeps and Chirps!

Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

CLUSTER of CARDINALS

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 23:55:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

CLUSTER OF CARDINALS

A few days ago we had our first significant snowfall of the season. The snow began around midnight and continued through most of the daylight hours, netting us about five inches of the white stuff.

This snow was of the wet, heavy variety which mounds so beautifully on fences, porch rails, tree limbs and bird feeders. It is the type of snow provides perfect photo opportunities, no matter your level of expertise, or what direction you aim your camera.

All very nice if you are interested in photography, but for me the biggest thrill of a heavy snowfall is that it acts like a casting call for Northern Cardinals. Boy do they come out of the woodwork!

Cardinals are no strangers in our yard. We always have a few males and females feeding on sunflower seed, darting in and out of the bushes. But bring on a few inches of snow and presto … cardinals by the dozen.

To my eye there is nothing as breathtaking as the bright, vivid red of the male cardinal against dazzling white snow. Multiply that by 30 or 40 cardinals, and it is truly a sight to behold.

Hope you had some good bird sightings today too.

Cheeps and Chirps!

Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

PINE SISKIN...MAYBE TOMORROW!

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 13:59:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

PINE SISKIN … MAYBE TOMORROW!

I continue to EXPECT, I continue to HOPE, and of course I continue to WATCH my feeders, but as November draws to a close, no sighting yet. Not one single Pine Siskin has come to call, at least not while I’ve been looking.

My backyard feeders are swamped by American Goldfinches. They come in by dawns first light, and linger until dusk, bringing with them an insatiable appetite for black niger thistle seed. I love to watch them as they jockey for position, eight or nine per thistle sock.

There seems to be no hierarchy, no one bird who is at the top of the pecking order. When the feeding socks are covered by clinging finches, other goldfinches perch in the nearby crabapple tree, waiting for a place at the table. The less patient ones, sit directly under the feeders on the rails of the deck, occasionally jumping up toward the sock as if to hurry the dining process. All in all, goldfinches seem quite mannerly and polite, for rarely do I see them going at each other or causing a disruption to the feeding ritual.

About the only time during the day that the finches disappear, is when a Cooper’s Hawk decides to perch in the yard, then disturbance and disorder reigns. Goldfinches explode from the feeders and are gone in an instant.

Now, I better get back to viewing my feeders. Who knows, this may be the day a Pine Siskin comes to call. Good birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com
Posted by Marjie Gemmell

ANTICIPATING A PINE SISKIN

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 22:44:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

ANTICIPATING A PINE SISKIN

Once we are into November, watching the thistle feeders looses some fascination for me. Gone are the eye-catching, bright and beautiful American Goldfinches of spring and summer. Oh, not really ‘gone’, but having transformed from golden yellow and black to drab olive and black, they are not nearly so conspicuous or pleasing, at least to my way of thinking.

Thankfully, while they may have lost their bright plumage, the molting process does not affect their songs and calls. Through fall and winters cold temperatures, chilling rains and no matter how much snow piles up, I will still hear the sweet cheery notes as they faithfully come and go at the feeders.

The saving grace and a very good reason to continue to keep an eye on the thistle feeders is the possibility of another winter visitor who, like goldfinches, is very fond of thistle seed. In Ohio, the most likely prospect is the Pine Siskin, which often flocks with American Goldfinches. Many winters we have only a few spotty reports of siskins at Ohio feeders. This year however, I’ve received numerous reports of pine siskins in several areas of the state.

In my desire to add a siskin to my yard list, I am dashing to check feeders at regular intervals throughout the day, scrutinizing each bird in the goldfinch flock and hoping to find one or two birds with prominent, fine streaking and conspicuous yellow feathers in tail and wings. Wish me luck!
Good birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

VULTURES and BUZZARDS

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 01:52:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

VULTURES and BUZZARDS

The clouds came and went all day, with stiff breezes scooting them across the sky in ever changing gray on blue patterns. Mid-afternoon though, brought a couple hours of sunshine, perfect for taking a walk.

As skies turned to blue, the winds continued steady, creating currents just right to coax out a group of Turkey Vultures. Soon the sky above the river trail was host to 18 Turkey Vultures, a sight I always enjoy.

When I was a youngster, vultures were always called ‘buzzards’, and no one of my acquaintance found them very desirable. We (my family and friends), did not know much about them back then, except that they were a revolting and rather repulsive sight with their naked red heads, feeding on the gory remains of a road kill. A more gruesome sight was hard to imagine.

When I became interested in birds, about my 4th decade, I was quite surprised that the yucky buzzards of my youth were the very respectable Turkey or Black Vultures on my bird list. And now, seeing them became a good thing, as they counted as a new species for my year list, or maybe a new tick for a state list. But more than just a bird to list, the more I learned about them, the more I appreciated them. Well, I think that’s a story for another day.

Today was simply a day to watch the Turkey Vultures. To enjoy their natural, easy soaring flight and marvel that it all appears so effortless when you’re down here, looking up. Good birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

RESIDENT BIRDS BACK IN FOCUS

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Sun, 28 Oct 2007 19:25:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

RESIDENT BIRDS BACK IN FOCUS

Most bird watchers will agree that spring is the best time of year for pure bird watching excitement. Just thinking about migration brings a rush of adrenaline. When migration is in progress, my binoculars are permanently attached to my neck!

Do I really think there’s a chance that while picking up a loaf of bread at Kroger, I might see a flock of warblers hanging out in the parking lot? Perhaps an early thrush or vireo might stop off at Starbucks? Ah, there is always ‘the possibility’!

Sadly, spring migration is long gone and even fall migration has lost its luster by this nearly November date. Warblers, vireos, thrushes and catbirds are pretty much missing from the river trail. In their absence, I have begun hearing our resident birds again. Of course they have been here all along, but somehow I don’t concentrate much on them when the summer breeders hit the woods.

Walking today I enjoyed watching and listening to my year-round birds. The songs and calls of Northern Cardinal, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers rang out clear in the crisp October air. For the next few months, these little bits of feathers and songs will accompany me on every walk --- am I a lucky lady or what! Good Birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Sat, 20 Oct 2007 12:20:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

WALKING IN THE RAIN

Is there anything nicer than curling up on the couch and listening to the rain’s pitter-patter on the windows? Isn’t it just the coziest feeling? Yes, it is! But even better, though not exactly cozy, is going for a bird walk in the rain. Unless, of course, a thunder storm is in progress or the rain is like a cloudburst. All in all, rain and birds are good together!

This morning was a perfect example. I grabbed my rain hat and binoculars and headed for the woods, not pausing to think about the cozy couch thing!

Lucky for me, the rain had dwindled down to a drizzle by the time I began to walk. I could hear the leaves gentle drip-drip-dripping, and an occasional louder plop of bigger drops. The forest floor was a bit soggy, but that served to muffle my footsteps, which helped me approach the birds without alerting them to my presence. I needed to get as close as possible to the birds, as my binoculars were not easily accessible. I usually tuck them into or my shirt, or cover them with my jacket, in order to keep them dry as long as possible.

Birding in the rain causes the ‘bird watching lady’ to become a ‘bird listening lady.’ When that happens, this lady is happy and pleased to be able to identify so many birds by hearing their songs and calls. I have taught birding by ear to many, many folks over the years. It isn’t as difficult as you think, and unquestionably adds an extra dimension to bird watching.

This morning for instance, I identified sixteen birds by ear, before I saw the first one! A list of ‘heard’ birds included Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, Carolina Chickadee, American Robin, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Blue-headed Vireo, Mourning Dove, White-breasted Nuthatch, Pileated Woodpecker, Belted Kingfisher, Mallard Duck and American Crow.

Eventually, I did observe several of those ‘heard only’ species and in addition got to view Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker, House Finch, American Goldfinch, Eastern Bluebird, Tree Swallow and a Great Blue Heron. The swallows and vireos are near the end of their summer residence here, and many have already migrated.

So, the next time you hear the pitter-patter of raindrops on your window, and if you have a choice…opt for a bird walk in the rain. I think you’ll enjoy it.

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification and bird song go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Commentary? E-mail Address: marjie@easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

LOOKING FOR BIRDS & KICKING LEAVES

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 20:41:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

LOOKING FOR BIRDS & KICKING LEAVES

With winds blowing strong through the night, this lovely autumn morning seemed a good opportunity to get out and search for some south-bound migrants who might have set down to rest along the river.

The trail was alive with bird chirps and cheeps. Sparrows seemed the order of the morning, as I heard White-throated Sparrows at every turn. Their call is a clear whistled, “poor sam peabody, peabody, peabody”, or, if you’re north of the U.S..border, I’m told the White-throats sing “oh,sweet, sweet Canada, Canada, Canada” !

Not to be outdone, the Song Sparrows were giving forth also, easily identified by their 3-note introductory whistle, followed by a pretty little song. I really like Song Sparrow because they never make me hunt for them by hiding in the brush or slinking around behind trees. They are in-your-face singers, popping up atop a twig or branch, as if to say “look at me”!

Yes, this was a pretty ‘birdy’ morning for a walk, but I confess I missed a few birds. You see last night’s breezes, brought down bunches of leaves. I think the kid in me must have taken control, because the first thing I knew I was scuffling leaves, then kicking leaves, and finally skipping and plunging through piles of leaves.

Suffice it to say that this morning the ‘bird lady’ forgot about her binoculars and her quiet walking manners. She was undone by the kid in her, making such a racket it was impossible to hear the chirping birds. So, I missed a few birds, but tomorrow’s another day.

Frankly, the bird lady and the kid had a ball this morning! Hope you’ve had some birding fun today, too!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell
To learn more go to:
http://www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

ABOUT THE BIRD LADY

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 19:46:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

ABOUT THE “BIRD LADY”

My name is Marjie Gemmell. I’ve been sharing my birding thoughts,via this blog spot for a few weeks, and figure it’s time to introduce myself. Here’s a bit of history about the “Bird Lady” (a name given me by my students.)

I’m an Ohio native, and have always lived in Ohio. I love the changing seasons in this part of the country. Each season brings a change in the weather, the landscape, and most exciting in the bird population!

I’ve been hooked on birds 30 years. My 21 year career as a naturalist blended perfectly with my ever growing infatuation with feathered creatures. I taught elementary students and adults a variety of natural history subjects, with lesson plans on trees, ferns, wildflowers, insects, mammals, butterflies and moths, reptiles, fungus and stream studies. I was enthusiastic about all the subjects…but my passion was and is ornithology. Having spent thousands of hours in the outdoors introducing others to birds has been very rewarding.

Early in my naturalist days I obtained state and federal permits in order to collect and preserve dead birds. This enabled my students an up close and personal look at many different species. Few were the kids or adults who weren’t fascinated by the embalmed specimens. It is one thing to watch a chickadee (for instance) a few yards away at a feeder, but it conveys a whole new dimension to the chickadee, when you can observe one in your hand!

The love of birds and bird watching has lured me down many paths of delightful discovery. I have traveled the United States, including Hawaii and Alaska, and nearly every other continent in the world, on my quest to observe and identify birds. Looking back, I can only be very grateful that I was so beguiled by birds. Happy Birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

Bird Walk Highlighted By Kingfishers

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 23:25:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

BIRD WALK HIGHLIGHTED BY KINGFISHERS

These past few months of near drought-like conditions have altered the amount of water in the river that flows along-side my bird walking route. Normally it flows swiftly, rushing on its merry way, bank high. Due to the lack of rain however, the topography has changed. Sand and gravel bars and shallow pools with exposed rocks are evidence of the lack of water.

Nearly everyday I hear Belted Kingfishers (Ceryle alcyon) along the river. Most often their loud rattling call alerts me to their presence. The calls ring out for long seconds, and I play ‘find the kingfisher’ by sound. But today the Belted Kingfishers were easily viewed as they took advantage of the low water to perch on stubs of long submerged trees, not available to them when the current is high.

It was delightful to watch them perching in quiet vigil. The sunlight showed off their slate-blue breast band and punk-looking, ragged head feathers. These are two great bird identification field marks by the way. Male and female birds were present, often vying for the same perch. The quiet was often broken with some raspy rattles of complaint when one couldn’t convince another to move on. But, the food source was apparently plentiful because I saw kingfisher after kingfisher plunge in head first and make a yummy catch. They have some seriously wicked bills and it was fun to watch them use their sharp spears on the unwary prey.

It just goes to prove that even when nature’s ways are not beneficial to us, as when we lack adequate rainfall, nature often makes up for the lack in other ways. Case in point my up-close observations of the kingfishers today. We have only to be observant enough to see what is before us. Keep your eyes open! Good Birding.

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

An Autum Farewell To Summer Bird Visitors

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 01:14:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

AN AUTUMN FAREWELL
TO SUMMER BIRD VISITORS

August, September and October bring poignant farewells to some of our most cherished feathered friends. Many of our summer breeding species are on the wing, heading south to warmer climates and richer winter food sources.

The Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are all but gone from my backyard feeders. Perhaps a few late migrants will stop to feed on their way south, but the whir and squeaks of our summer hummers is sadly missing from the feeding station. I will leave the feeders up until the end of October, because many migrants depend on feeders as late fall food sources.

Along my river trail this end of September, many species have already disappeared. American Redstarts, Common Yellowthroats, Yellow-throated, Parula and Yellow Warblers, along with my favorite warbler songster, the Louisiana Waterthrushes are heard no more. The number of vireos has diminished also. During spring and summer I hear White-eyed, Yellow-throated and Red-eyed Vireos from one end of the trail to the other. Today I heard one song in four miles – that from a Red-eyed Vireo.

The chorus of breeding bird species is winding down fast. Scarlet Tanagers, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, House Wrens, Indigo Buntings, Wood Thrushes, Yellow-billed Cuckoos, Great-crested, Acadian and Least Flycatchers, Eastern Phoebes and Eastern Wood Peewees are among the missing.

Autumn is a time of farewell for sure, but without the gloomy goodbyes, how could there be the profuse joy of spring migration when we welcome them all back to our yards and woods? Guess you can’t have one without the other! Good birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!

Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

Butterfly Bushes Attract Hummers & More

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Thu, 20 Sep 2007 21:20:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

BUTTERFLY BUSHES ATTRACT HUMMERS & MORE!

The past few weeks I’ve found myself spending a lot of time with a field guide – and it’s NOT my trusty bird book. Usually bird identification takes up my free time, but now bird watching is sharing the spotlight with butterfly identification!

Last year, while visiting a friend, I was astounded by the number and variety of butterflies on a large butterfly bush planted a few feet from her patio. When planting season rolled around this spring, I purchased two butterfly bushes (Buddleia davidii) for my backyard. I chose a “Black Knight” variety, and a “Nanho Blue”.

Both bushes thrived through spring and early summer and once the sweet-scented, purple and blue flower spikes began to appear, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds found them. Between visits to the sugar water feeders, they lazily roamed from spike to spike, wings whirring as they sampled one spike after another.

Now it is mid-September and the female hummingbirds are still enjoying the butterfly bushes, but they are far out-numbered by literally dozens of butterflies!

I’ve long been acquainted with Monarch Butterflies, having led many groups of children and adults on Monarch tagging forays. In my area Monarchs are everywhere, especially in the fall, so I was not surprised to find many Monarch’s feeding on the bushes. – sometimes half a dozen or more at one time.

To my great delight other vibrant, multi-colored butterflies began to visit and feed on the bushes. I was familiar with a lot of the varieties, but usually only catch a quick glimpse and have seconds to identify the species as they float by, or rest for a moment on a flower. Having them come to feed on my bushes gives me long moments to check out their patterns, spots and colors. What a thrill to observe the flashy swallowtails -- Zebra Spicebush, Eastern Tiger, and Pipevine Swallowtails -- up close and personal! Not so flashy, but equally cool to watch are American Painted Ladies, Red Admirals, Red-spotted Purples, plus various Fritillary and Sulphur species.

All told, I’m having a ball watching the hummers and the butterflies. They arrive in early morning and are active most of the day until near dusk, keeping my deck area alive with color and movement. I sure am glad I added those butterfly bushes to my landscape!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

Shorebirds & Mud Flat Birding

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 02:32:00 +0000

copyright©MarjieGemmell

SHOREBIRDS & MUD FLAT BIRDING

Crisp autumn mornings in my home state of Ohio, are the perfect time to venture out onto local mudflats in search of shorebirds.

Many birders don’t give shorebirds ‘top billing’, nor indeed even try to identify them. But, to me observing and identifying waders and shorebirds is the ultimate bird watching experience. It is also the birding experience that takes the most patience, in my estimation.

Drawbacks to watching shorebirds are numerous. By reputation, “they all look alike”, in fact, they do not. However, feathered in subtle shades of browns and grays, and taking into consideration their many molts and plumages, they can be tough to identify. Habitat can be a sticky-wicket too. They seem to congregate several hundred yards out on a mud flat that is not only mushy to walk on, but as the temperature climbs the decaying odors of the mud flat rises around you like a ‘sweet perfume’.

This morning I had the pleasure of mud flat birding for several hours. Beginning just after dawn, the sun’s early rays, made even the mud look good, and I found several small pockets of shorebirds. I saw nothing exceptional or rare, but rather the usual suspects which today included Least, Semi-palmated and Spotted Sandpipers, Killdeer and Semi-palmated Plovers, Lesser Yellowlegs and a small flock of Sanderlings. Causing a bit more excitement were four Buff-breasted Sandpipers, flying low and circling before settling down. Of course, they were just about as far away on the other side of the mud as they could be, but with the scope readily identifiable.

A couple other highlights of the morning included watching a Merlin chasing after Monarch Butterflies! It was quite a sight to see him wheeling and diving after the illusive prey. Also, not so ‘pretty’ to observe, but very interesting, the remains of a shorebird which had probably been last night’s dinner for the falcon. All that was left of the bird was its wings, two legs and feet, the head & bill. From the shape and size of the bill and feather coloration I made a preliminary identification of Stilt Sandpiper, but after conversation with other birders, we all agreed it was more probably a juvenile Short-billed Dowitcher.

You just never know what you might find out on the mud! Perhaps that’s why mud flat birding is always an exciting prospect for me. Good Birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

Dead Trees Are For The Birds

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 23:52:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

DEAD TREES ARE FOR THE BIRDS!

Everyone who enjoys watching birds, getting to know the birds and identifying various feathered visitors, is always trying to figure out new ways to encourage and attract more species to back yards and surrounding environs.

One of the best and easiest ways is to increase the types of habitat and food sources you offer. Of course, the first thing that comes to mind is bird feeders and water sources, and there’s no doubt how important those resources are to wild birds. But let’s think outside the bird feeder/nest box mentality… LET’S THINK DEAD TREES!

If a tree dies in our yard, we call someone to cut it down and haul it away. That’s normal behavior! But, what if we did not? What if we
gave a thought to saving the dead tree (or part of it) to benefit wildlife, and especially birds? A snag of any height, or even a stump offers lots of advantages to birds.

Woodpeckers come to mind first, and who doesn’t want to attract such fascinating creatures, to observe up close and personal? From the charming little downy woodpecker, to the flickers, to the boldly colored red-headed woodpecker, or any of the myriad species of woodpeckers throughout the country…they all love snags and stumps!

And let’s not forget other cavity nesters, such as wood ducks and kestrels. Many of the gleaners (titmice, chickadees, and nuthatches) like the soft wood of an old snag - - - it’s easy to excavate.

Snags, stumps or even a couple logs left undisturbed, can yield a host of insects for foraging birds of all kinds. To add extra appeal plant some grasses and plants, to afford the birds a place to hide from predators. Birds appreciate the protection of a spot to duck in to!
All that’s left to do then is sit back and sharpen your bird identification skills as you watch your new birds!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 23:36:00 +0000

copywrite©Marjie Gemmell

THE CAT’S (bird) MEOW!

Has anyone else noticed catbirds can be difficult to observe in spring and summer? I walk along a river trail five days a week, and hear catbird songs and calls quite often, but only get a quick peek at them as they seem to stay behind the first layer of vegetation. Oh, occasionally I see one perched up…but not often. That makes a case for knowing your bird songs and calls! Sometimes bird identification takes “bird listening” rather than “bird watching”!

The experienced birder depends more on his ears than on his eyes. I am a big fan of birding by ear. In years of leading bird walks and teaching bird identification, I have become a believer in the method called “PARAPHRASING”. I think it’s the easiest way to learn ‘who’s hiding in the bushes’! One of the free bonus articles I offer with the purchase of my e-book, “A Blueprint for Bird Identification” (available on my web site), is entitled “Significance of Bird Songs and Calls”. It has good information on paraphrasing --- the act of interpreting a bird song with your own words.

Oh, and back to the Gray Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis), and my observations of his shy behavior in spring and summer. Early fall brings quite a change in that habit…at least on my river trail. Now, I see catbirds every few hundred feet, not only perched in full view, but nonchalantly feeding in plain sight on the trail, not even bothering to dive into cover! I am fearful of stepping on them! Is it the fact that nesting and parenting responsibilities are over and they are “free” to feed and cavort in the open? I really don’t have the answer…but I sure enjoy the Gray Catbird in autumn!
Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie Gemmell

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell

SO LONG, MR. RUBY-THROAT!

noreply@blogger.com (Marjie) — Sat, 08 Sep 2007 18:41:00 +0000

copywrite©MarjieGemmell

SO LONG, MR. RUBY-THROAT!

I knew summer was waning for certain when I awakened this morning, took my morning coffee to the deck and found female Ruby-throated Hummingbirds doing sentry duty at the feeders.

All summer it's the male hummers who have guarded the backyard food sources with a vengeance. From several good perches in a nearby smoke-bush and crab-apple, the Ruby-throated Boys surveyed their domain and woe to any other - male or female - who ventured too close! Demonstrating several types of aerial antics, including dive displays, tail-spreading and vertical flights, this territorial behavior often became quite aggressive. My husband and I passed many delightful hours watching and enjoying their acrobatics.

Here in the eastern half of North America, we are normally graced with only Ruby-throated Hummingbirds (Archilochus colubris), and welcome them back with great joy the last week or so of April. Then in late August to early September the males head south and the females quite enthusiastically take over the perches and give all comers a run for their money. When that happens, I know fall is near and winter not far behind!

Incidentally, if you live in the eastern half of the country, keep your hummingbird identification skills keen. For while it's true the Ruby-throated is the only breeding hummer in the east, several of the western species wander east, especially in the fall. Good Birding!

Cheeps & Chirps!
Marjie

To learn more about bird identification go to:
www.easybirdidentification.com

Posted by Marjie Gemmell