Birds - Endlessly Fascinating

[Heatherwantspeace]

SD, maybe you can explain some bird behaviour to me. Every spring, at some point, we have a bird land on the railing of our balcony facing the door. They tweet in a way that makes me feel they're yelling at me. They do that for about 10 minutes, and me standing a few feet away behind the screen talking to them doesn't startle them in any way. About halfway through, another bird lands next to them, facing them, as if they also wonder what this bird is doing.
What is this bird doing?????
Heather

[snoringdog]

Hello Heather,

Do you know what bird it is? In the spring the males sing and display to advertise for mates and to defend territory, so this probably relates to what you're seeing.

We have cardinals bumping against our windows thinking they're seeing a rival, and I've heard of birds pecking at side mirrors on cars, same thing....

Here's a few more from this morning. Love this time of year, but it won't last long, they're on the move!

Ruby crowned kinglets
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bir ... ed-kinglet

Magnolia warbler
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bir ... ia-warbler

Black and white warbler
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bir ... te-warbler

American redstart
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bir ... n-redstart

Brown thrasher
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bird/brown-thrasher

White throated sparrows
https://www.audubon.org/field-guide/bir ... ed-sparrow

[snoringdog]

Hello TonyM,

My pleasure, glad you're enjoying it!

Birdwatching is a pleasure and can be done anywhere.
All you need is a pair of binocs, a book, and a little patience.

I find it relaxing and invigorating at the same time. Really helps me be in the moment. And most bird watchers are quite friendly and helpful when you meet them!

Regards

SD

[Beany Boo]

I approached a shrub in the cafe garden at work, mid-morning.

As I got close, it seemed to gently explode with a high-pitched trill.

About 20 green finches (pollen-eating birds 3 to 4 inches long) escaped the shrub at once. I’ve never seen anything like it. They were the same green as the shrub. I wasn’t exaggerating the number. I counted them the next day.

I know it was just one of those things. It did feel like it happened for a reason though.

[snoringdog]

Hello BB,

Been off for a few days, thanks for the bird alert!

Were they these little guys?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/European_greenfinch

There have been times when just noticing a bird "just going about its business" was enough to lighten my mood and break the rumination....

Be well.

SD

[Beany Boo]

Yes, that’s the one; ‘introduced and naturalized’ in Australia.

Also, uncannily, I am now seeing the Willy Wagtail everywhere. There’s a couple (as in ‘a couple‘) at my train station, another couple at the train station near my work. I’ll also be standing at random places with coffee and turn to leave and notice a WW standing in my path.

[snoringdog]

Hello BB,

Sorry, I dropped for awhile.....

Hmm... So either the birds are following you now..... (probably not) or you may be getting hooked!

[rivergirl]

The green finches have such lovely eggs.

Also, I'm happy to know there's a bird called a Willy Wagtail and that it is making appearances for you, BB.

[Beany Boo]

I’m in the botanic gardens on a Monday morning with the new binoculars. My ears are like radars for birdsong right now.

I think I might be leveling up

No WW’s yet today.

[rivergirl]

If I make it to the post-Covid world, I'll never take a botanic garden for granted again.