Thursday 30 May 2019

Birdies, birdies, everywhere

They have been amazing.
The house wren is still working on things. They circle around the nesting box, proclaiming territory from the lilac bush that is nearly ready to blossom.


We have phoebe, whose eggs hatched Tuesday: 🐣Phoebe.




great crested flycatcher


I was looking out a window, and spotted this bird.

Great Crested flycatcher




Wood duck box #1 is cleared out (May 27th – jump for freedom). Box #2 should hatch today, leaving tomorrow. Wood duck box #3 ducklings leave today. (More on that later!)
Here is box #3 yesterday. Once momma flushed from the nest, our morning ritual, I cleared out.
duck eggs from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.



The hummingbirds continue to visit the feeder and the flowers.



The female merganser: as I approached the frog pond, she was circling.

Merganser from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.



The flicker is attending to business in her nest. I have no idea her stage of nesting. Read more here:
Flicker from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.



We have two female turkeys wandering around during the day. They eat bugs, bless their hearts!

Turkey basting: that's what I called it. She rolled around in the dirt, kicking up soil, having a blast.
They do this, says Standford U, to maintain the oil in the feathers. (Bathing and Dusting: "Excess plumage lipids, including preen oil, are absorbed by the dust and expelled along with dry skin and other debris.")

Turkey basting from Jennifer Jilks on Vimeo.

13 comments:

https://linsartyblobs.blogspot.com said...

i wondered why some birds roll around in the dirt.

eileeninmd said...

Hello,

Wonderful photos and videos. The Great-crested Flycatcher and hummer are a few of my favorites. Wishing you a happy day!

Anvilcloud said...

You have a real nature preserve.

Karen said...

The turkeys rolling in the dirt are a hoot. What a dust storm they stir up. I have two hens as well. We don't see the little ones until maybe August when they are a good size.

Nancy J said...

Wonderful shots, and they are all lovely. You have wooden nests, hand built nests, water for those that need it, tall grasses, and leafy branches. I so enjoyed my stroll with you today.XXX, ( it rained and rained and rained all night and still is this morning!!!) Indoor plumbing is all done!!

Lowcarb team member said...

You certainly do have birds everywhere, love your photographs.

All the best Jan

William Kendall said...

I've never seen a turkey do that!

RedPat said...

You are surrounded by nature!

Red said...

Sometimes house wrens fool around for a long time and then disappear!

Soma @ inkTorrents.com said...

You are surrounded by so much fabulous activity!!

-Soma

Christine said...

Love your birds

Kay said...

I'm always so amazed at all the different fauna you have in your area.

Linda said...

Those wrens are small in size but mighty in voice, especially before 5:30 am