White-winged Dove 3-28-09 by Kathiesbirds
It's been so quiet around here with only the usual suspects at the feeders. I know It's coming. I can feel it in my bones. But when will It begin? So far the only retuning birds I have seen are Turkey Vultures. Then, on Monday I got an email from a Jean, who leads our IBA Survey in Sabino Canyon. She reported seeing Bell's Vireos, and Orange-crowned and Lucy's Warblers in Sabino Canyon. I had to know if any birds were arriving here. So on Tuesday I took a walk in the wash and discovered the birds are coming! On Wednesday I visited a friend's house where Harris Hawks are nesting in her yard. On Thursday I returned to Sabino Canyon for another IBA Survey. Then, last night I saw my first White-winged Dove of the year here in Sycamore Canyon. This morning they were back again and I cracked up when I saw one perched on top of this small window feeder. Amazingly the feeder held up under the bird's weight but there was no way it could get at the seed. I wanted to capture a photo of it, but the camera was on the desk, and though I moved slowly towards it, it was too close for comfort for the dove on the den window feeder.
Bullock's Oriole as seen through my back window 3-25-09I saw my first Bullock's Oriole on Wednesday and new birds are arriving daily. Spring Migration has begun, and Birds Are Busting out all over. I'll be posting about them all week long. I have numerous photos to show and many stories to tell!
It's sunny and warm today, though the morning started out cool at 43 degrees Fahrenheit. It has since warmed up to 70 and a light breeze is playing with the flag. I just saw a pigeon outside my window on the ground beneath my feeders. It didn't stay long but if it returns and brings its friends I will pull my feeders down. I do not want pigeons here!
7 comments:
That Oriole is gorgeous! I am so happy to see that the sprign birds are arriving for you. We are getting them slowly but surely as well.
I love birding In Arizona...Cant wait to see more of your posts of the migrating birdies.
That Oriole's bright color sure looks like spring. Haven't noticed any new birds at my feeders. Will look forward to more pics.
I haven't seen the white-winged doves yet this year. I usually hear them before I see them and they chase the mourning doves away from the feeder. I've never seen pigeons in my yard. I saw an oriole about ten years ago when we had a hummingbird feeder. At the canyon, I don't know a vireo from a warbler but I hope to learn more about them. Looking forward to more of your bird stories and photos!
Yes, it's exciting, things are getting underway. At Point Pelee they're busy getting all the "trolley cars" ready to take visitor out to the Tip. It's a good way not to turn valuable conservation land into a parking lot.
A brilliant image of the White-winged Dove Kathie with that amazing blue ring around its eye.
I sure am enjoying your photos here and on the previous post. That is one weird plant; thanks for the introduction. What color; what textures!
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