Bird Feeder Update

“And they told two friends. And they told two friends. . . .”

The Nyger seed feeder traffic is definitely picking up. Several times a day, I see one or two finches feeding and one day, we saw a total of six! And they are showing interest in the suet feeder!

Six finches!

Six finches!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And one more, just because. . . .

Gotta love the symmetry.

Gotta love the symmetry.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I finally managed a photo (albeit terrible) of the elusive hummingbird as well.

Hummingbird at front feeder.

Hummingbird at front feeder.

For one brief moment, we saw a small bird resembling a chickadee at the Nyger seed feeder, but I couldn’t get a clear shot. That said, I know he’s out there and would feed if he could!

I am wondering if the finches scare away other birds. They fight pretty intensely among themselves. I’m thinking of redesigning the feeder configuration once the finches empty the Nyger seed to give more feeding stations to the finches and move the other types of feed further away. Most definitely, putting the suet almost under the most active feeder was not my smartest move.

Of course, I am not the only one enjoying this new adventure. Apparently, Stormie, Wiley and Moxie are budding ornithologist. Who knew?

Stormie, Wiley, Moxie observing the feeders.

Stormie, Wiley, Moxie observing the feeders.

New Friend!

We were re-stacking horse fencing panels yesterday when we discovered this little fellow, who, according to my field guide, is a Northwestern Garter Snake.

Northwestern Garter Snake

Northwestern Garter Snake

My middle son, the budding environmental biologist, immediately made a new friend on whom he bestowed the name, Dave.

Dave

Dave

Bird Feeders & Bath

It’s only taken almost three years, but I finally set up my bird feeders and bath. I’m pretty certain that I have too many feeders on one pole, but I’m on a fishing expedition at the moment to see who comes to dinner. The ornamental beds in front of the house provide beneficial cover for the birds who come to feed.

I will note that I designed and built the bird feeder stand, a project I really enjoyed. I also gave the bird bath a new coat of paint to match our front door. I’m pleased with the results.

Bird Feeders

Bird Feeders

Bird Bath

Bird Bath

Thumper, Bambi and his brother, Bob

Now that summer has arrived, I have more time to notice the wildlife in our own backyard. This past week, Thumper the rabbit came by to trim our grass at the same time Bambi and his brother, Bob, meandered through to trim our blackberry leaves. You really do have to appreciate helpful neighbors.

Thumper

Thumper

DSC_0112

Bambi and Bob

DSC_0122 According to my best naturalist skills and the National Audobon Society’s Field Guide to the Pacific Northwest, Thumper is probably a brush rabbit, while Bambi and Bob are mule deer.