@Bower "What do you think?"

'Round these here parts, we have a problem with mink, raccoons, and both feral, and free roaming domestic cats.

The latter? Despite crystal clear city ordinances prohibiting Mittens from being allowed off leash, owners feel their precious felines are just toooooooooo special to be kept indoors.

Last year something got into a Robin's nest above one of our motion lights and absolutely obliterated the Mother, feathers everywhere; the lovely and long suffering Mrs. Gotch took it pretty hard.

The Gotch

Neighbor cat has been mysteriously absent for several weeks... but I did hear the neighbor calling her this evening, and the sound of the little bell as she went running...
I would think that the bell would be of help to any birds, although she must be a good pouncer because there are no mouse or rat problems since the feline is about, and this itself is quite a boon...
Cats are somewhat delicate about where they step, I have never seen one climb a compost pile or anything like it... Still I may cut more little trees in the area to see if that helps - reduce places to hide.

I'm not sure what kind of duck this is. Perhaps a Cayuga?

Beautiful ducks.

I had a flock of at least 30 ravens flew over today and settled not in the garden but somewhere near by, where various commentaries were heard to be uttered by the birds. Some combination of mocking and disgusted. I really DK the subject of their meeting, but they don't have this big a gathering normally for intruders or predators so I'm guessing local politics.
There's been a crew of four ravens regularly scouting the area since the small bird deaths this spring. They are young single birds with no nest responsibilities, and also spend some time playing when they're not actually routing the unknown predator. They make a good bit of noise about their task and also in the playing. Sometimes they are quiet too, lurking in the shade getting a peck of this or that, or silently showing off their flying skills between the tight trees and low branches.
One day a couple weeks ago they were making a kerfuffle and I decided to try and snap some pics of them as they flew by.
(1) They failed to appear in any of the attempted shots of them
(2) My old camera jammed and the lens would not open until later when the pics had been downloaded
(3) Instead of pics of them, I ended up with a trick shot of myself reflected in the window and looming over the garden.
Afterwards they came into the garden and perched on various trellises and branches as if posing. Just daring me to get the camera out. They clearly came to perch so that I would be able to admire them, but I don't believe for a second they would let me take a pic.
I'm not sure what if anything I could do to get them photo friendly. Or maybe I should just mind my own business.

My bro is currently invaded with Canadian geese. In between these two pictures is a huge pond that is covered with geese. His house blocks my view of the pond.

Today a blue jay came and flew right up to the window, twice, and did quite a bit of yelling (okay, call it 'singing' if you like). I wasn't sure why he wanted my attention but then thought about it. I was out earlier and cut and bundled some buckwheat that perhaps they had their eye on. Then again I had also left some row cover and wire around the garden beds that are done, where there were a few things left for them to glean. So I took a break from work, went out and opened up those beds, did some composting etc. Hoping to appease these pretty friends. They came back this evening and perched on seed stalks and on a rose bush right outside the window. It was too much for me, so I went and got the camera and tried for a few shots. They were not entirely camera shy, at least they stayed close for a few more minutes but constantly in motion and setting everything else in motion. Drat, this is the best shot among em. I need a video camera for these guys.

Happy Holidays!

SpookyShoe wrote: ↑Tue Jul 19, 2022 8:11 am I'm not sure what kind of duck this is. Perhaps a Cayuga?

I'd guess it's a hybrid. Probably a bee cross between a mallard and a Cayuga.

The kazoo bird. Sounds just like a kazoo.

Golden Eye .... I think these are Barrow's ...... fascinating to watch them swim away from shore, turn back to shore, dive, repeat .....

This Catbird flew into the window the other day knocking itself out cold, but later took off apparently recovered.

Hermit Thrush.

quite the snow day yesterday ....

Sadly these two nesting doves will have to move.
They're taking the crane down they're nesting on.

I have been following this eagle cam for a few years. Harriet, the mother left and never returned and is assumed dead. Her mate M-15 has been caring for the babies and now he has 3 ladies vying for his attention. I find it quite fascinating.

https://www.wtsp.com/article/life/anima ... uTb2tO0qF4

can't seem to get right orientation for pics unless clicked on ...... anyhoo ....... two pics from trip to my favourite park .....

Great Blue Heron and Bushtits ..... Bushtits have the deluxe sock nest version ,,,,,,, berries and lots of fluff

There’s at least a dozen Yellow Crowned Night Herons in this pine by our house. They have been nesting here for 4 years and the colony grows a little every season.

I have had problems to identify birds in my area.Seems they hide and are too fast.Found a site that can listen,record and give you results.
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q ... VqnpWov6Pt

A lot of bird action here this week. Saw two eagles one morning, flying high, and today a Whiskeyjack came and perched very close to me to get a good look. But mostly it's grouse in the garden. She's here to nip little green things, evening primrose that overwintered, a few shallots. Possibly nesting close by. There's still snow in the woods, but grouse has the perfect camo for the late winter/early spring brownscape in the garden.

Hen and Drake Wood Ducks taking a stroll across the front lawn. Impossible to slip up on these ducks are so wary and sharp sighted, but I was inside the house and had some helpful cover. Still, they saw me anyway so I retreated after the photo to let them relax. They have a nest in one of the trees on the lot, but I’m not sure which one.