With the changeable April weather, we've been taking care to keep the birdfeeders well stocked.
It's the tree swallows I worry about: those beautiful swift fliers that hunt on the wing. Not many insects to be found with snow on the ground! They were nowhere to be seen the past week, but they were back today, twittering on the hydro lines. (and probably NOT limiting themselves to 149 characters per tweet)
The Juncos have been back for about ten days. These handsome dark gray birds come in flocks. While there are five sub-species of the dark-eyed junco, we tend to see the slate coloured birds, with distinctive white bellies and two narrow flashes of white outlining their tails. With pale pink beaks, they are quite charming, and always welcome at the feeders.
Keeping them company are some purple finches. These are the birds that were described as having been 'dipped in raspberry juice.' They don't come in the big flocks that the juncos favour, and we do see them off and on throughout the winter. Again, always welcome!
Whether the birdss are those who tough out the long winters up north or only favour us with their presence seasonally, it is always fascinating to watch them. The killdeer came in this week, too. They won't be at the feeders, but there is something reassuring about hearing their long cry in the pasture or on the lawns.
Next, we're keeping an ear open for the Woodcock, who will soon be in their breeding flights come dusk.
Almost every day brings us a new bird.
Friday, April 22, 2011
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