H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 761 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

Close-Up

Common Grackle (M)

Carolina Chickadee

Tufted Titmouse

Field Sparrow

Vermillion Flycatcher

Red-winged Blackbird (M)

© HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, Carolina Chickadee, Common Grackle, Field Sparrow, nature, photography, photos of birds, Red-Winged Blackbird, Tufted Titmouse, Vermillion Flycatcher

The topic for my post this morning is just like looking back at the great circle of avian friends I get to visit my backyard, I honestly feel satisfied with the variety of species that have honored me with their visits. I still believe that if one just give a morsel to eat at any animal, for the purpose of this post I’m referring to birds, the mere action will help wildlife much more than anyone might think. I will continue my labor of doing what I can to give something back to Nature. Perhaps my humble blog might help someone in the world decide to do what I do.

Next, I have some behind the scenes photos of my winged friends. Enjoy!

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, nature, photography, photos of birds

Short Visits Only

A not so frequent visitor of my backyard is the Eastern Phoebe, usually at the beginning of Spring. This bird rarely stay for many days only one or two, and then moves on, fortunately long enough for me to shoot some pictures.

This bird is small bird but his head apparently looks big but it’s because his puffy crest. His head, back and tail are dark gray or black and sometimes a bit brownish in color. His breast and under-parts are white or dirty white.

They eat mostly insects and casually some fruits. I always hope they stay longer to learn more of them and get more pictures.

Next, I have some photos of the Eastern Phoebe for you. Enjoy!

Text and photographs © HJ Ruiz – Avian101

Tags: birds, Eastern Phoebe, nature, photography, photos of birds

Keep an Eye on the Mate

Once in a while I spot a male or female Eastern Towhee in my backyard or going under the deck where I suspect they have nests.

The Eastern Towhee is a large and striking species of sparrow. Adults have rufous sides, a white belly and a long dark tail with white edges. The eyes are red, white for birds in the other areas of the Country. Males have a black head, upper body and tail; these parts are brown in the female. Juveniles are brown overall. Eastern towhees of all ages and both sexes are generally unmistakable.

Eastern towhees eat a variety of plant and animal matter. In literature reviews, eastern towhees are reported to eat seeds and fruits, several invertebrates, and occasionally small amphibians, snakes, and lizards.

These birds primarily eat on the ground although they also glean from vegetation.

I believe that are elegant looking birds that usually live their life independently and peacefully. I love it when I see one of them either male or female in the backyard then I immediately look around, and I find the counterpart watching close by. They keep an eye on each other!