H.J. Ruiz – Avian101

Last Saturday I filled the feeders early since it had rained the late evening before and most birds were very hungry. As soon as I finished with my morning chorus I went to get my camera ready by then I saw a mob of birds outside! Northern Cardinals, House Finches, Mourning Doves and at least a dozen Brown-headed Cowbirds a bit later I saw, Red-winged Blackbirds, Song Sparrows, an American Goldfinch, a Common Grackle, an Eastern Towhee and some Northern Mockingbirds.

A couple of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds were there but they’re not part of the mob.

I centered my attention to the Cowbirds since they were almost absent from my backyard this year.

When you see the photos I’m posting today, take notice of the molting and changing of coloration of their feathers in the male cowbirds.

I have to tell you an anecdote that happened to me the day before: I was watching TV after lunch when I heard a sound that came from the kitchen’s glass door. I took a look outside at the patio near the door and saw a small bird lying on its back shaking its legs in desperation. I immediately picked it and found no wound or any kind of injure. It seemed to be in a daze but started to react rapidly I showed it to my 3 year old Tyler to pet it and then I returned outside and all I had to do was open my hand and it flew freely in a hurry.

This bird was a young female Brown-headed Cowbird!

Text and photographs © H.J. Ruiz – avian 101