Breakfasting at Our Restaurant

This Cooper's Hawk visited our yard on a recent weekend morning.  I suppose it was thinking, "what to have for breakfast?  Mouse...no, lizard--that's what I'll have!"  And so it was.

Rufous Hummer

Rufous Hummingbird visiting Ruby Prism Feeder

Feeder available at http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/07RubyPrismtFeeder.htm ;

fun available in your back yard.

Buff's Your Belly

Anyone who has made a trip to the Rio Grande Valley knows one bird to look for is the Buff Bellied Hummingbird.  It is worth the trip if that’s all you see—but it won’t be.  There is plenty to see and a great number of spots to bird.

Most of us know the few species of hummers that visit our own neck of the woods.  I do everything possible to attract them to my yard.  I’ve gardened to that end, planting xerophytes and native plants over my plot.  I’ve placed three feeders of various types and capacities as well.  One must also provide cover, places where the birds can safely hide and watch their favorite feeder.

Yet, when I go to the valley, I want to see the Buff Belly.  The first time I was so amazed that I sat with my camera in my lap just watching.  Never did take a photograph.  This trip I vowed to get at least one good photograph, and I share it with you.

All About the Birds--Canada Edition

One just shouldn’t travel without their binoculars.  Luckily, I didn’t.  Of course, being a birder, one does travel with purpose.  In Canada, there were birds to be seen at every venue.



 

We noticed that there were several communities where houses were placed to attract and provide shelter for particular species.  In Golden, BC, we found a house near the airstrip housing a Tree Swallow.

 

 

Again, the community of Brule, AB placed a number of houses and nearly every one was occupied by Tree Swallows.  We concluded this must be a specific conservation effort.

Did you know that the Canadian Dollar is known as the Loonie?  Common Loons are found on the lakes and ponds all over Canada.



One of the birds everyone and every piece of literature told us for who to look was Barrow’s Goldeneye.  We found a hen and her brood on a quiet roadside pond.

 

Clark’s Nutcrackers are not shy around people.  This one was found at Lake Louise.

 

Finally, Hinton, AB has developed a system of trails that wander through beaver ponds.  On the main pond sat a Ring Necked Duck and his mate.