H.J. Ruiz – Avian101 – Page 851 – "My Backyard Visitors" – All about birds

“High Noon”

Taking in consideration the only variable this summer which are the high temperatures in the 3 digits. After a period of time observing birds behavior while in my backyard, I’ve come to the conclusion that the heat wave that is affecting the country’s southern states particularly, is also causing an elevated case of aggressive behavior in most species of birds. We know and is a fact that human behavior tends to an increase of crime and violence in hot summers. I haven’t read the latest stats in this subject but I can only imagine since we are having a very hot summer so far.

I’ve been working on my photography technique in order to capture some of species random aggressive actions. Which proved to be quite a task. But I’m getting better at it. I’m learning to anticipate a potential confrontation and be ready to catch the action.

Next, I bring you some samples of what I mentioned on this post.

Note: This post is rated V for violence, it might not be suitable for people over 60 years old!

: Female Red-winged Blackbird want to joint group and is getting resistance from the gang!

: She had enough and is ready to rumble!

: The Mourning Dove wants the dish for himself but another dove is ready to land in defiance!

: The landing dove gets attacked as soon as she gets close. Abort landing!

: Molting both of them female N. Cardinal face to face with female Brown-headed Cowbird, feeding rivalry!

: The fight is on!

Text and photographs are © H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101

Tags: birds, climate, important information, nature, photography, photos of birds

These Birds are Gems

This post is about my new” tenants” in my backyard, Mr. and Mrs. Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They are most likely nesting in one of the pine trees by the creek. They come to the feeder approximately every 5 minutes, take a few sips and disappear.

Let me tell you one thing, I took the challenge to photograph a hummingbird for quite a while mostly because I had never shot one picture of any! The fact that they are very small and fly so fast was discouraging, but I said, let me try more seriously so I set up a hummingbird feeder with a full bottle of special juice they like. I never saw even one for a period of about three weeks. However I noticed that the juice bottle was almost empty. I thought that could be that when it rains somehow it washes off the juice.

I decided to move the feeder to a more direct view for me when I shoot pictures. A couple of days later I saw the first one, I was just a small blur, green color on a green background, that’s why I couldn’t see them. The new location gave me the chance to have a better look and the background color changes by the hour when the sunlight changes position. Still with knowing that they are going to the feeders is very hard to control settings for a good shot. I’ll keep trying ‘till I get the perfect shot!

First I thought that I was looking at only one bird but then I saw the two playing chasing games before going to the feeder to get their juice. Later on I saw them perching near the feeder too! They are cute little creatures. I’m glad that I have them in my backyard. They are the only specie of hummingbirds that nest in Georgia from other six species that are seen in the State. They all are migratory birds but the Ruby-throated Hummingbird many times stays through the migration season and weathers the cold months.

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