Friday, November 20, 2015

Feathers on Friday

A Group Shot



Happy Friday! Did you make it through Friday the 13th?  I guess so if you are reading this.  This week's shot is of the three amigos of my bird feeder.  The Black-capped Chickadee, the Tufted Titmouse and, the White-breasted Nuthatch are the most frequent visitors to my three feeders.  Actually, This shot previews a review, I'm working on for the squirrel proof feeder in the shot.  Is it really squirrel proof? Stay tune for the review.  

More Feathers on Friday Post









  

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Bird of the Week

Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)


The Mourning Dove has one of the most beautiful but haunting calls of any bird.  Their sad call fits a bird that is on almost every predators menu including humans.  Even with all that, the Mourning Dove's population is doing well in the United States.  They are very adaptive and can thrive in rural and urban areas alike.

The Mourning Dove forges on the ground for seeds which makes up almost all of their diet.  They are frequent visitor to bird feeders and they walk around the ground underneath the feeder pecking at seeds.  They store all that seed in their crop till they can digest in a safer location.  Mourning Doves will eat close to 20% of their body weight daily.

The Mourning Dove can have up to 6 broods per breeding season.  Each brood usually includes 2 eggs.  I guess you would need that many new birds to keep the population stable.

Fun Facts about the Mourning Dove 

- Mourning Doves wings make a whistling noise when they take off and land caused by the contour of their flight feathers.  

-Mourning Doves is a very popular game bird.  Over 20 million are killed every year.  

-Mourning Doves can adapt to areas like deserts with little fresh water by drinking brackish water.  

Thanks to my sister for the nice shot of these two Mourning Doves relaxing(maybe digesting all that seed?).  Share your experience with the Mourning Dove in the comments.    


Friday, November 13, 2015

Feathers on Friday

Canada Goose


While out in my backyard, I had several flocks of migrating Canada Goose fly over.

More Feathers on Friday:

Prairie Birder

Bird Boy

Birds in your Backyard

Friday, November 6, 2015

Feathers on Friday

White-Breasted Nuthatch


All the Migrants have left and only the hardy natives that brave the winter are left. This spunky little guy is frequent visitor to my bird feeder.

More Feathers on Friday Friends