H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 760 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Getting Some Grub

Several times during the year right after a rainy day, not by coincidence of course I see a small group of European Starlings that just appear from somewhere and goes hunting for worms, grubs and any invertebrate that leaves the water saturated ground.

The European Starling is a medium-sized passerine bird in the starling family Sturnidae. It has glossy black plumage, which is speckled with white at some times of year. The legs are pink and the bill is black in winter and yellow in summer; young birds have browner plumage than the adults. It is a noisy bird, especially in communal roosts and other gregarious situations, with an unmusical but varied song.

I particularly love their iridescent plumage that turns colors and looks very interesting. The camera registers most of them and it’s hard to believe that these birds are black originally.

Next, I brought some photos of the starlings for you that I hope you will enjoy.

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, European Starling, nature, photography, photos of birds

Raiders of the Lost Bark

There’s a species of bird that I see once in a while in my backyard, the American Crow. Although their visits are sporadic I can see them on roads, top of high trees, and I can also hear them calling loudly. They are almost everywhere!

The American Crow is a distinctive bird with iridescent black feathers all over. Its legs, feet and bill are also black. Males tend to be larger than females.

I’m sure that at one point or another you’ve seen the Crows fighting over a roadkill while you are driving somewhere. This is actually a beneficial service that helps the ecological environment.

I don’t mind them walking around, picking bugs, but I do mind when they’re trying to raid other birds nests for nestlings. I’ve seen them do that and I didn’t like it at all!

Next, I have some photos of these large birds.

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: American Crow, birds, nature, photography, photos of birds

Panoramic View of Birds

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— Brown-headedCowbirds — Click on image to see enlargement

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, photography, photos of birds

“Bird of the Year”

Being today the last day of the Summer, it occurred to me doing a quick analysis of all the daily visitors birds that have visited my backyard during the past Spring and Summer. My conclusion was that by far the House Finch have been the most prolific bird of the year in my backyard!

My own observations has brought me closer to my backyard as a bird habitat. I have made my own rules when it comes to watching birds or shooting pictures of them.

One of my rules is that I don’t like to disturb any nests at all. It would serve no purpose to me. I’m aware of the existence and locations of several nests which I just see them from afar.

I ‘m very careful not to destroy any nests when I mow the grass, trim the bushes in those areas or if I’m in need to trim some trees that have extended their branches too low or too wide.

These type of finches are in most cases part of a small flock that live in the area and they usually visit the feeders in a group, I believe that gives them more clout versus other birds.

Once they have found their mates and fly as a couple, they become almost inseparable until build their nest and the female lays her eggs, then they take turns to procure the necessary nourishment for both and later for the hatchlings. They’re excellent parents.

Here are some photos of these wonderful birds. Enjoy!