We continue to see quite a few Western Tanagers in the yard every day - but not in the numbers as last week. The males that are here seem to have less red on their face. Perhaps they are younger or non-breeding. We are seeing as many females as males.
Yesterday we again walked at the Fountain Valley Nature Center. The Red-winged Blackbirds are pretty - but boy are they noisy!
This is a lousy picture - but it is proof that we saw a new Life Bird - a Plumbeous Vireo. I would not have had a clue what it was but there were a couple of other birders in the area who identified it for us.
The House Wrens were thick. They have a beautiful song and I really enjoyed watching them flit around in the trees.
The Yellow Warblers were also out in numbers. They too have a wonderful song. The woods were alive and it was wonderful.
There were more White Pelicans on the lake. This one must be a pre-breeding adult as indicated by the growth (keel) on his bill (culmen}.
With so many birds in the yard, I put out another feeder - but it only lasted a couple of hours before it was discovered by one of our little 4-legged friends. Our other feeder has a squirrel and raccoon baffle that keeps them away from the goodies.
Another first for the year in the yard - a Black-headed Grosbeak. Bill raised the dome on the feeder for him...
...and he quickly came over to investigate.
This is a Eurasian Collared Dove (see the black collar on his neck?). I only took the picture as reference. They are loud and obnoxious birds.
What a wonderful surprise last night! We were overrun with Cedar Waxwings! We haven't had them in the yard for about 9 years - so this was a real treat.
We had about 3 dozen fly in.
The group sat in the tree for the longest time while I sat on the patio waiting (hoping) they would come down.
While I waited, I enjoyed the flowers in the yard.
The male Black-headed Grosbeak came back for a snack.
And the waxwings stayed in the tree. I continued to wait not-so-patiently, camera in hand at the ready.
We always see lots of Chipping Sparrows.
...still in the tree.
FINALLY, my patience was rewarded!! The waxwings came down for a drink!
Dozens came down to the pond and filled the bushes.
I snapped away.
They are gone today - but maybe we will see them again.
...and I love the birds!
