Vibrant Red On Winter White

A Northern Cardinal is always special but the light snow makes it even more cool.

~ Rick


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‘I’m So Blue .. ‘

We had not seen a Blue Jay for a couple weeks. That changed earlier this week. I was sure they were around.

One day earlier this week we were running a little late. As we arrived we saw a hawk (more on that soon), but there was several Blue Jays near the feeder. It was beautiful.

~ Rick


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Downy Pecker Party

We are seeting large numbers of Downy Woodpeckers. There are a few other species but not nearly as many as these woodpeckers.

I asked Grok to tell me about downy behaviors and received this: Downy woodpeckers (Dryobates pubescens) exhibit several interesting behaviors:

  • Foraging: They primarily feed on insects, especially wood-boring beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They use their strong, straight bills to peck at tree bark, searching for insects hidden beneath. They can also be seen eating seeds, berries, and occasionally sap from sapsucker wells.

  • Drumming: Males often drum on trees or other resonant surfaces to establish territory and attract mates. This drumming is less intense and lower in frequency compared to larger woodpeckers, producing a rapid, softer tapping sound.

  • Climbing: Unlike many birds, downy woodpeckers can climb vertically up tree trunks and move headfirst down them, thanks to their stiff tail feathers which provide support and balance.

  • Excavation: They excavate their own nesting cavities in dead or decaying trees, which they use for breeding. Both males and females participate in this process, though the male often does the majority of the work.

  • Social Behavior: While generally solitary, they might join mixed-species flocks during non-breeding seasons. They are not as territorial outside of the breeding season and can sometimes be seen in loose groups.

  • Communication: They have a variety of calls including a high-pitched 'pik' for contact or alarm, and a whinnying call during courtship or territorial disputes.

Nice!

Rick


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“Woodpecker's New Year's resolution: to peck less and tweet more!”

It is always great to see a Red-bellied Woodpecker. I just love the colors and patterns.

That title was generated by an AI (Grok2 on X). Haha.

~ Rick


Check out my vlog, which includes more of my photography and videography: tales.photos (on YouTube). Remember to like, comment and subscribe! 

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Happy New Year

It is not often that we are able to capture a photo of a male and female cardinal in the same photo. This pair showed up a few times this week.

This day was extra special. She perched in a nearby tree. I guess she was comfortale because she didn't fly away for a long time. We both captured several photos. We didn't see her boyfiend and wondered where he was.

Some time later, she dropped to the greond and pickied at a snack then flew to a shrub a short distance away. Within a few mintues, he joined her and I took the top photo. A beautiful experience.

Have a great 2025 .. may your year be great and filled with joy and happiness.

~ Rick & Teresa


Check out my vlog, which includes more of my photography and videography: tales.photos (on YouTube). Remember to like, comment and subscribe! 

My photo blog can be found at tales.photos.  

©2019 ©2020 ©2021 ©2022 ©2023 ©2024 Rick Cartwright