Ornithology (Bird) Thread

[Paladin]

I have had a family of 4 Robins scratching around in my back yard for the last 2 or 3 days. I guess spring is just around the corner.

Ray

[OLDE CUTLER]

Robins have returned here too this week. But the bad news is the old saying here in this part of the country "It always snows 3 times on the robins". It snowed 4 times on the robins last spring here.

[OLDE CUTLER]

I was out by our local fairgrounds today and there in the grassy parking lot this pair of Killdeer were looking around like they are preparing for nesting.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Also living at the fairgrounds along with the Killdeer are these Franklin ground squirrels. There is a small colony there with many burrows and underground dens. They are a hibernating species so on warm days like today with the sun out and about 60 degrees, they are out running around. They would be very similar to the prairie dog from western South Dakota but smaller, half size or less with a longer tail. Around this part of the country they also go by the name "flickertail".

[Waukonda]

I was out by our local fairgrounds today and there in the grassy parking lot this pair of Killdeer were looking around like they are preparing for nesting.

IMG_4156 (2).JPG

Nice pics! I have yet to see any Killdeer.

We don't have ground squirrels in S Illinois, interesting pics.

[royal0014]

No picture, because they're rarely seen,
but we have a very confused whip-poor-will in the neighborhood ...
Couple of times now I've heard it calling early in the morning, well after daylight.

[Quick Steel]

Killdeer were present here about two weeks ago.

[wlf]

I have had a family of 4 Robins scratching around in my back yard for the last 2 or 3 days. I guess spring is just around the corner.

Ray

Robins never leave here like they once did. You’ll see bunches occasionally, but they’re always Robins here throughout winter.

[OLDE CUTLER]

Got this shot the other day of the Mallard pair "Making Ripples on the Pond".

[Dinadan]

Cool photos, Olde Cutler.

I was out in the country a few days ago and go this shot of a Kestrel.

Kestrel

Also saw some Vultures ...

Vultures

My garden has been busy lately.

Robin and Waxwing

Spice Finch

I had a visit from a small flock of Spice Finches. I think I have seen them about once a year for the last three years.

Unknown11

Unknown12

Here is a little fellow that I have not able to identify. Maybe a weakly marked Pine Warbler? It has been hanging around my garden for a month of more.

Armadillo

For you folks who like burrowing things, here is a recent visitor to my garden.

[doglegg]

As always some wonderful photos. I love your bird pics thanks.

[WillyCamaro]

Been lovin' all the wonderful pics, you guys have been taking. Thank you for sharing gents, I've been quietly following this whole winter long...

[Quick Steel]

Mel, thanks for the wonderful bird photos. That shot of the Kestral is A++.

[Steve Warden]

I agree! Great pics, Mel. That Kestral is a wonderful pic.
And the Spice Finch? Sweet! I've never heard of that one. Pretty bird, for sure!

[Dinadan]

Thanks, fellows. The Spice Finch is more properly known as the Scaly-breasted munia. It is an Asian bird that was sold as a cage bird in the US. Escaped populations are found in several cities in the US, if I remember correctly. I never saw one in this area until about three years ago.

[Ivoryman]

Stellars

[doglegg]

[TripleF]

Here he is in full strut as I come around the corner....WOW....then, he follows my car. I lightly tap the horn, he
gobbles in reply.....I said, he must think I'm cute.....LOL.

Magnificent Osceola Turkey!!

[Ivoryman]

Here he is in full strut as I come around the corner....WOW....then, he follows my car. I lightly tap the horn, he
gobbles in reply.....I said, he must think I'm cute.....LOL.

Magnificent Osceola Turkey!!

Great shot, that's a rare bird around here, we have them, but not out in the street strutting around like that. Wow.

[wizrd]

Nice shot of a great egret, April 15, 2020 - upstate central NY. Not a frequent visitor around here. Got to watch him catch things for a half hour, hunts with neck fully extended, maybe 8 - 10 inches above the water.

[doglegg]

Lovely pic.

[bighomer]

Mr. P and a couple of redbellies. Usually have 6 ole toms come by, this morning only one, wonder what the other 5 are doing.

[Ivoryman]

Mr. P and a couple of redbellies. Usually have 6 ole toms come by, this morning only one, wonder what the other 5 are doing.

Great shots Homer, like the suet post. Love seeing the Pileated around here. Good show.

[bighomer]

Thanks buddy.

[doglegg]

https://cvws.icloud-content.com/B/Aa34R ... -LVw&teh=1 A video my son made on his hike today in Washington State. He was on the trail to Poo Poo point.