#backyard birds

[esmereldaschicken]

We have the cutest juvenile Stellar's jay coming to our yard recently.

He's been pulling peanuts from the crow feeder and then just kinda... holding it in his beak before dropping it somewhere and coming back for another. Doesn't seem like he's figured out how to open a peanut yet.

He's also been trying REALLY HARD to figure out the songbird feeder. So much intense staring and flutterbys

[ostdrossel]

It's been a rough week, and these Redwinged Blackbirds perfectly illustrate the mood. (Second one is molting.) I am so thankful for birds.

[ostdrossel]

In Michigan, we only get the Rubythroated Hummingbirds (except for VERY rare exceptions), and people often get confused when they either see a female that does not have the red gorget or when a male moves so that the red appears black. I slowed this clip down so you can see how the colors are changing, it is quite magical.

[ostdrossel]

Things have slowed down a bit and the humidity is a bit bothersome with cameras too (sorry for the foggy livestream lens - I keep changing the camera out but they all seem to let moisture in now) but here is a young Cardi from the other day. I saw the parents feeding it and hoped to get a close-up look, so this was wonderful. For ID, check out the not-yet-red beak and the overall more soft and cute look. Happy weekend!

(Yes, this was during a thunderstorm!)

[notyourguardian]

I genuinely feel so lucky birds like this come to the yard 🤍🩵💙

[growingwildgardens]

Pretty sure this little one is from the recently hatched robins that had made their nest in the front of the garden - he gets pretty close to me, and will just sort of run around the yard and garden from spot to spot collecting bugs while keeping an eye on me

Every time I see a Cabbage moth I'm just like yes, feed my generations of robins

[ostdrossel]

Summer is a great time to freshen up on your bird ID skills because you can study birds in all age groups. Blue Jays are a species where the babies are easy to be recognized as such, but can you spot the adults from the youngsters? Look at the base of the beak - the soft, often rosy edges are one indicator. And of course their behavior - like other babies, they often just sit and take it all in and enthusiastically beg for food. and of course their overall adorable look. (Last two are adults.)

[wildbirdwarble]

As wildfire smoke becomes an increasingly common part of Colorado summers, many people wonder how it affects the birds and other wildlife visiting their backyards. The answer is both fascinating and hopeful. In our newest Wild Bird Warble blog, you'll learn how birds respond to wildfire and smoke, why fire is a natural part of healthy ecosystems, and simple ways you can make your backyard a safe refuge during fire season. From providing fresh water to keeping feeders clean and watching for wildlife on the move, even small actions can make a meaningful difference. Whether you're an experienced birder or simply enjoy watching wildlife from your window, we hope this article helps you better understand the incredible resilience of the natural world. Read the full blog here: https://wildbirdwarble.wordpress.com/

Wildfire and Wildlife: How to Help Birds and Other Wildlife During Wildfire Season