Karen's Red-winged Blackbird

I took this picture of a red-winged blackbird at Marblehead (Lakeside, Ohio) last Monday. This is one of my favorite birds because I saw so many of them on the farm near Fredericktown while I growing up. The surprising thing about this fellow is that he landed right beside the picnic table where I was sitting. Apparently, lighthouse visitors leave him a lot to eat this spot so being around people doesn't bother him, as you can see in the second photo


I'm glad you got a picture of him. Red-winged Blackbirds were on my list to get pictures of in the near future. Thanks a bunch!

Owl excitement

Just a few minutes ago Caleb and I had a little excitement. As we were taking the trash cans down to the edge of the road for pick up in the morning we heard an Eastern Screech Owl. They are pretty common in our area but Caleb has not had the chance to hear one before. Guess what we are going to do tomorrow at dusk?

Caleb an I also plan to build a few owl boxes this fall and plan to get them in place before winter. We have been talking about this for a few weeks and researching what materials we need as well as choosing the correct plan. Tonight provided a little motivation to get the boxes built. Caleb was ready to build them tonight.

Finally got him - Male Brown Thrasher

After watching and waiting for a couple weeks I finally was able to get a good picture of what I believe is a male Brown Thrasher at 7:30 am this morning. As you can see the Brown Thrasher is just a little larger than a mature Blue jay. I find the tail feathers to be quite interesting. This bird has been very difficult to photograph. Any movement within our house and he is gone.

I having been using iBird Explorer PRO, an app for my Ipod touch, as my reference tool. It has been a great help. Can anyone confirm my identification of this bird?

Kelly's nest

The girls and I discovered this nest of brown speckled eggs buried in a climbing clematis on one of our back deck banisters. We weren't sure what kind of eggs they were until we started seeing a male and female cardinal taking turns flying into the nest. The other picture is the last one I took of them before they "disappeared" from the nest. The cardinals will often come to the back door, which has glass low to the ground, and peck at their reflections!

Thanks for the pictures! They are great.

We need help.

Caleb and I are having trouble identifying this bird. It visited our feeder a few weeks ago and has not been back. Can you help us out?

New feeders are paying off

Yesterday Caleb and I installed a couple new feeders and they are beginning to pay off. The cardinals seem to visit more often. Caleb took this picture of a female cardinal as she was waiting on our bench. The new feeder is near by.

San Francisco - Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf

While visiting San Francisco Caleb took a picture of this California Gull (creative name). As you can see he is sharing a dock with his friend Mr. Sea Lion. Pier 39 at Fisherman's Wharf is a lot of fun. We had a great time.

Nest discovery

Caleb found this nest and took this picture. It is located in a Spruce tree about 30 inches off of the ground. Our next project is to find out what type of bird made his home so close to ours. Any suggestions?

Caleb and the elusive Cardinal

The day we left for California Caleb took this picture of a Cardinal visiting our feeder. He was very excited because we have tried many times unsuccessfully to take a picture. He was so excited that he ran to the bathroom to show his mother while she was in the shower. Needless to say the camera still works.

Blue Bird

Karen sent this great picture of a Blue Bird. We have two pair nesting at our home without Blue Bird Houses. Caleb, Lyndsey and I plan to build a few this fall and have them ready for spring.

Thanks for the picture it is great.

You never know what you will discover when watching birds on the Kokosing Gap Trail. Recently I took this picture just south of where Schenck Creek dumps into the Kokosing River. This very large turtle was sunning himself while a couple smaller turtles joined him near by. I took this picture from a distance of 50 to 60 feet. I estimate the turtle to be 15 to 18 inches in diameter across his back.

Quick one

Laurie somehow captured this picture of a Ruby-throated Hummingbird. They have been visiting our feeder for quite a while. They are amazing birds and very fun to watch.

Caleb learned the other day that hummingbirds make their nest out of spider webs and their eggs are the size of navy beans.

MOOOOOOOOO

After a little research we determined this is a Brown-Headed Cowbird. Caleb seemed to think that name was a little funny. We also discovered that cowbirds lay their eggs in other birds nests. The other birds end up raising the cowbird young. This is a result of the cowbirds following herds of buffalo that constantly changed locations. A primitive form of foster care!

Humming bird baby photos

Caryl forwarded an email to me with the very best humming bird photos I have ever seen. Please check them out.

Finch Frenzy

I hope you enjoy the Finch Frenzy slide show. The Finches have been

visiting our feeders from the beginning and provide much entertainment

and enjoyment. It has been fun to watch their colors change as their

mating season nears. They are beautiful. Enjoy!

Tribute to Michael

At the campground

A few weeks ago I took an early morning walk at the campground and stumbled across a few baby ducks in the Kokosing River. You never know what you will see.

Stealer

Officially nicknamed "Stealer" this Tufted Titmouse has been frequenting our feeder and taking various nuts back to his home. Exhibiting typical Titmouse behavior, this bird has upset my son. He is under the impression that he is stealing food instead of eating at the feeder as the other birds do.

Visitors

The Finches came to our feeder first but recently a pair of Mourning Doves have been stopping by. They usually only visit in the morning and sometimes in the evening. They clean up all the mess that the Finches make.

Getting Started

My Bird Book is my way of capturing and actually doing something with all those pictures my kids and I have been taking of the birds located at our home. Within the last year we built a new home in the country and have had the opportunity to install a couple bird feeders. I am pleasantly surprised at the enjoyment the birds bring to everyone watching. It makes me want to install more feeders and birdhouses.