What’s Up?

After a week without rain, suddenly we had torrential rain for one whole day. It rained buckets! After that rain, we turned to cooler mornings (50ºs) and warm in the afternoon plus evenings. It’s a little more comfortable now.

I’m having problems with a cat that is making a restaurant out of my backyard. He’s catching birds more often and it bothers me a great deal. I love cats but I’ll not allow them to feast on my birds, this cat is not a feral feline but someone’s cat.

I’m so glad to see the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds still here in my backyard compared to previous years. They used to be gone, days before the end of summer. I enjoy these little birds very much!

Among the birds that stay during winter time are the Brown-headed Nuthatch. Strong little birds, full of energy and well organized to have provisions stored and enough for the coming colder weather of winter. I’ve seen them around for the past 11 years!

Groups of Brown-headed Cowbirds have been landing on my deck and raiding my feeders. I’m sure they are on the move to fly south and have begun their migration. They look for places where to eat and replenish their energy while flying to their destination.

15 thoughts on “What’s Up?”

Sherry Felix on October 4, 2016 at 6:52 am said:

Cat owners should realize that house cats need to be locked in. If you can, persuade the owner how to put a bell on it’s collar. Put posters up about it.

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 11:18 am said:
  
  Thank you Sherry! I’ll try to persuade the owners about doing what you suggest. 🙂
  
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Budgie Makes Three on October 4, 2016 at 9:43 am said:

Love the hummingbird photos! We were blessed to have a female nesting just above our deck for part of the summer. Such lovely little things. Bummer about the cat! I agree with Sherry.

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 11:20 am said:
  
  These little beauties are amazing! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
  
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Jet Eliot on October 4, 2016 at 10:39 am said:

I’m sorry about the cat, HJ, it would upset me too. I agree with Sherry, above, and hope you get it worked out. Beautiful photos, espec. like the gorgeous nuthatch.

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 11:24 am said:
  
  I’ll do something about it. Thank you Jet, nuthatches are fun too! 🙂
  
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susanpoozan on October 4, 2016 at 12:32 pm said:

Splendid photographs with an interesting commentary.

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 12:51 pm said:
  
  Thank you very much Susan! 🙂
  
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tootlepedal on October 4, 2016 at 5:33 pm said:

I sympathise with you about the cats. We are pestered by them too.

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 5:56 pm said:
  
  Thank you Tom! 🙂
  
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clarepooley33 on October 4, 2016 at 5:54 pm said:

I am sorry you are having cat problems in your yard. We had a lot of success in keeping cats away using a sonic cat scarer.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/PestBye-Battery-Operated-Cat-Repeller/dp/B004SGC75S This is one that we can get in the UK but I’m sure you could get similar in the US.
I am glad your weather is a little more comfortable now. Beautiful shots as always!

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- avian101 on October 4, 2016 at 6:04 pm said:
  
  Thank you Clare for the tip. I’ll do some searching in the USA. 🙂
  
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  - clarepooley33 on October 4, 2016 at 6:07 pm said:
    
    My pleasure HJ!
Tiny on October 5, 2016 at 7:53 pm said:

I hope the cat goes elsewhere…maybe you can let it know 🙂 Beautiful birds!

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- avian101 on October 5, 2016 at 10:03 pm said:
  
  I’m hoping for that too! Thank you Tiny! 🙂
  
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