Northern Cardinal

Northern Cardinals have been a permanent fixture in my backyard since I moved to my new house six years ago. I now they keep their nests in a row of pines along the creek, these pines must be approximately 25 ft. high and fairly close together, making the perfect setting for their nests. I don’t bother looking for them I rather see them flying or feeding. These birds are very beautiful with a striking appearance, bright colors and the black mask.

I know about their popularity and I understand very well why, I described it previously.

Here are two samples that merit my description.  Make sure you click the image for a larger version!

Northern Cardinal (M)

Northern Cardinal (M)

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

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Getting Things Ready for Spring

Now that we have a more “decent” weather I can see the increase of activity around the feeders in my backyard.

At all times you are able to see what I call the local residents, the other are daily visitors.

I can judge the increase of birds by estimating the seed consumption which has been going up day by day.

Last Saturday I spent some time mowing the lower part of my backyard that is part of a creek with a small stream. I made all this area grassy but not fancy grass, in fact it is very coarse and tough this way will hold the soil from eroding. When it grows is high and rough.

Today I bring you some photos of the activity I was talking about.

Mr. Cardinal sharing seeds with Field Sparrows

Red-winged Blackbird

Mrs. Cardinal looking pretty

Mr. Cardinal as handsome as always.

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

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Brown-headed Cowbirds

Some of the Blackbirds are starting to come to my backyard and of course they eat like “no day tomorrow”. They are voracious eaters.

I’ve seen Brown-headed Cowbirds, Blue Jays and Red-winged Blackbirds.

Today I’ll be posting photos of only one of them: The Brown-headed Cowbirds. Blackbirds usually fly in groups mixed with other types of the species. They are not completely back from migration, they are coming in large flocks randomly. Once they stay in the area then you will wish that they never came!

Brown-headed Cowbird - Male & Female

Brown-headed Cowbird (M)

Brown-headed Cowbird (M)

Brown-headed Cowbird - Male & Female

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

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“How to Be a Better Birder” – Book Review

“How to Be a Better Birder” by Derek Lovitch

If you are a person that loves to observe birds near your home or when you travel, Mr. Lovitch has written a book that will put you up to the necessary pointers to become a real birder. He will in a concise way explain to you what’s the best way to approach birding. Step by step the reader learns and at the same time gets the recommendations to be successful when trying to find the bird species that he or she might be seeking to watch. It displays just the pertinent and necessary illustrations and photographs. The text content is clear and highly informative. You’ll find approximately 180 pages of interesting information! This book brings  good lessons for new birders!

Reviewed by H.J. Ruiz – Avian 101 – 03/17/2012

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