WOODPECKERS

Ever since the reported bear sighting, I haven't been feeding the birds as requested.  However, it hasn't stopped the woodpeckers from visiting.  This Downy Woodpecker is perched on the top of the framework of our deck.  Maybe she has been be running out of space in the tree to poke her food into, as now she is using the top of the frame!  I found her rapidly beating beak into the holes she has made, and now the frame is looking a bit raggedy.  Thank you little Downy!  

Repair work is in our future methinks.

 For a while she remained undisturbed...

 and continued to poke food into those holes, or maybe making bigger holes.

 There she was, minding her own business, busy at task in hand...

 when all of a sudden company flew in.

A Red-bellied Woodpecker, also a female, decided to pay a visit...

A slight 'argy-bargy' ensued.

For the time being the Red-bellied woodpecker had the upper hand.

Somehow, I don't think the damage to the top of the frame was caused by one woodpecker.

The little Downy looked up expectantly...

but the Red-bellied Woodpecker did not leave.

The little Downy stayed for a few minutes, then gave up and flew away.

"Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish."

~John Quincy Adams~

She is young and still has to learn patience, and while we are on the subject, how about finding another tree to poke your holes into instead of the top of our deck frame?

A WEEK OF QUOTES - PART 3 - SOMETIMES........

"Being alone doesn't necessarily mean loneliness.  People are great but being alone is wonderful!  I prefer the silence of alone, and the sounds of nature.

~Jayson Zabate~

I love nothing better than to get up early and hear the first bird song, you could say being one with nature.  It is one of the most relaxing experiences, that and being out in the woods walking along one of the trails.  However...

there has been a bear sighting in our area, and the local nature people have asked us not to feed our birds right now.  I had actually stopped as I noticed a very large hawk flying through the trees recently, as if he had spotted something and was on the hunt.  Yes, he has to live too but oh my goodness, I don't think I want him to catch his meal right under my nose.  So, no filling up the bird feeder for a while.  The deck has been a very quiet place and I do miss seeing them.

After the sighting of the bear they conclude that it is a young one who has recently been sent on its way by its mother.  They also said it is probably trying to find its own territory.  I do hope it is well away from people for everyone's sake, including our bear.  

Every now and again when we have planned on going into bear territory, we have read about what you should do if you encounter a bear, and I'm sure this changes depending on which species you meet.  Half of all bear attacks on people involve a dog.  Dogs will go after a bear and it will attack the dog and consequently the dog's humans.  With our local bears it was advised to talk firmly to the bear ???? and walk away slowly, never run because then you become the prey.  I hope I never have to put these tips to the test.

Fortunately any experiences we have had with this amazing animal have been at a safe distance, with guides in attendance, to make sure no one does anything silly.   If you haven't read the poem I shared from the Shenandoah National Park Service, you can read it in my post here, which I put together not so long ago.

Gregg came across something recently, a photo by Canadian photographer Jim Lawrence, who shared a most amazing bear photo.  You can see it if you click on this link.   I won't tell you what it is about, that would spoil the surprise.  Let's just say I laughed with delight when I saw it.  There is a website address imprinted on the photo also, which will take you to Mr. Lawrence's home page.  His photos are stunning and you can see those here.

I might be a bit scarce returning visits this week, but thank you for stopping by.  I will be catching up in a day or so.

DECK CAMERA PHOTOS

~Chipping Sparrows~

~female Brown-headed Cowbird~

~Mourning Dove and male Northern Cardinal~

~Female Northern Cardinal~

This link is a little different, in that it explains why the cardinal got on the uniforms of the St. Louis Cardinals, the baseball team.

~Mourning Dove~

~Red-bellied Woodpecker~

~Blue Jay~

~Eastern Grey Squirrel~

Always love checking the deck camera to see what it turns up.  I hope you have enjoyed my backyard critters today, and thanks for looking.

DECK CAMERA VIDEOS AND PHOTOGRAPHS

Many of the birds in this post are House Finches, but there is a female Cardinal finally, Dark-eyed Juncos, a White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse and a Red-bellied Woodpecker, either in a photo or video.

I have to say that I am getting so much enjoyment from the deck camera.  It gives you a closer peek into these birds that visit every day.  I have seen a Carolina Wren but haven't gotten a real good view yet.  One of these days.

Thanks for visiting and enjoy your day.

BIRDS FROM THE DECK CAMERA

The Blue Jays visit every day...

The Red-bellied Woodpecker visits but less frequently.

Mourning Doves are here daily.

The Blue Jay and the Red-bellied Woodpecker seem to get along quite well.

The camera caught an incoming Dark-eyed Junco and the Dove doesn't seem to mind.

In this frame there is a White-throated Sparrow in the background, with the Dove and the Dark-eyed Junco a little bit closer.

I find it interesting that I haven't seen a female Cardinal in quite a while, just the male with its bright red plumage. 

And that's it for today's deck camera birds.  My little Dark-eyed Junco with Leucism hasn't been seen since the last time I posted about her/him. I find myself developing attachments to these birds, and hope she/he is okay and off visiting some other bird feeders in another area.

Happy day to you all and thanks for visiting.

DECK CAMERA MINI MOVIES - BIRDS AND SQUIRREL

A few mini movies and photos from the deck camera.

Our little visitor, the Dark-eyed Junco, who comes every day now.  This is the one with Leucism that I posted about here.

He even beat the squirrel to the seeds.  Usually they are at the head of the queue.

A Male Cardinal, especially handsome with all the snow around.

Blue Jay

Red-bellied Woodpecker

Thank you for visiting and enjoy the rest of your week.