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Thursday, 21 May 2026

Birding and Freds

What a few days in terms of temperature. Hot days previously, with cold warnings overnight, hanging plants were brought indoors. I woke at 2 a.m. and it was 10 ℃. By 6 a.m. it was down to 5!

The lilacs are in bloom, see in my header. I walked outdoors and couldn't figure out what beautiful thing was blooming! 

🐦 Birding

It's been a great season for 🐦birding. I haven't gone far. OK, not anywhere else. May is the season to bird during mating season when they are calling. Also, when the leaves aren't out in full. My back deck needs work, but we are so happy overlooking the yard.

Merlin's App certainly helps. I knew I had to look for Great Crested Flycatchers. OK, not great from the back deck! I am not quick enough, and have to switch between looking out to find them and then sliding on my reading glasses for the camera focus! 

Dunno, 'Proof of Life?' You can almost see them. This is me on the back deck, aiming into the forest.


I decided to venture out in the bugs in the early morning. Sure enough, in the back 40, where Barry 🦫 is busy. The results weren't as good as I thought. This is a bad photo of the Black-and-White-Warbler. Maybe it's not worth it?! I can listen to them...



Archive photos of Flycatchers. 

Swainson's thrush

Ovenbird

Goldfinch!!!

Robin

Fred Groundhog
Yesterday I had to document the tree losses. It is Fred's Groundhog's turn for fame. 
MiniFred and Fred had a fight. Momma Fred came over and chased her.

Momma Fred has been clear about MiniFred being around. There have been 2 chases that I've seen.
 

This is why! Caitlin thought of it. There are at least 2 kits. I have evidence...


Fred has been working on my Hosta! We just have to laugh.

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11 comments:

  1. Barbara Rogers21 May 2026 at 09:11

    Oh boy, more kits to be mini-mini Freds!

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  2. Anvilcloud21 May 2026 at 09:34

    A bright morning after a nice cool night.

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  3. RedPat21 May 2026 at 11:23

    I wonder if MiniFred will have kits? You could be overrun.

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    Replies
    1. Jenn Jilks21 May 2026 at 17:00

      Two so far. The coyotes nailed 3/4 last year!

      Delete
  4. Jeanie21 May 2026 at 11:30

    Your birding story is my birding story except that you manage to get photos of al lot more than I do! And they are all beautiful!

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  5. Far Side of Fifty21 May 2026 at 14:24

    My husband enjoys the Merlin app also! Spring birds are such a treat!

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  6. Red21 May 2026 at 20:53

    It's time for Fred 2 to get lost. There's quite a bit of competition.

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  7. Mary Kirkland21 May 2026 at 21:07

    Aww more babies.

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  8. Yamini MacLean22 May 2026 at 02:40

    Hari OM
    Well done on the birds - distance doesn't matter, but proof of presence is there! As for the Freds, I also wonder if Mini has her own brood... or is supposed to have gone off independent and formed her own? It will be interesting to see how this develops! YAM xx

    ReplyDelete
  9. eileeninmd22 May 2026 at 05:05

    Hello,
    Great variety of birds! The Great-crested Flycatcher is one of my favorites, I love all the sounds it makes. Take care, happy Friday! Have a great weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  10. DeniseinVA23 May 2026 at 15:29

    Adorable Fred’s and splendid birds. The only birds I have seen here are the Robin and the goldfinch.

    ReplyDelete

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