VA Birders,
When I got up this morning not a bird was to be seen around the feeders in
the cherry tree. Perched in the top was one of the Sharp-shins (the adult
male) that has been making regular yard visits. After sunning himself for
awhile the birds got less wary. An unfortunate goldfinch made the mistake of
heading toward the cherry tree that held the feeders. The Sharpie met it in
midair, caught it, then flew into a nearby shrub to eat.
After the Sharpie left, a Pileated came from the woods to the edge of the
yard to go up and down a dead tree, that I had dragged from the woods and
erected just for that purpose. Too far for a good photo.
After hearing a pair of Eastern Bluebirds calling from the top of an apple
tree, I put out some meal worms. I had hardly walked away until they flew to
the small tray and began feeding. Each time I put out the worms I give a
whistle, hoping that the birds will eventually associate the sound with the
worms.
Later while doing yard work I heard a raven calling to the south. About an
hour after that I was putting the tools away and a shadow crossed the yard.
It was a Red-shouldered gliding slowly over the area. He was so low, that
the white wing crescents were visible even without binoculars. This is
probably the same bird that gave me great looks a few days ago. Moments
after this I heard another Red-shouldered calling from out over the valley.
They are probably nesting in the area, as they usually do every year.
As I walked into the house for lunch the Northern Mockingbird (not a common
species for our area)that has spent the winter in the shrubs along the
driveway, flew under the apple tree and began feeding on one of the few
apples that have remained there all winter.
Three or four of the 17 Purple Finches that have been here all winter were
at the feeder, and they were keeping a sharp eye on the sky and nearby
trees.
Not a bad birding day without having to leave home.
Take the time to enjoy the birds,
Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mountain
Buchanan County
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