How Many Grackles Can Sit on the Birdfeeder?

While the actual numbers vary considerable day by day, the Colvin Run Habitat continues to have a steady set of blackbird visitors each day – grackles, cowbirds, red-winged blackbirds. As none of these birds were in the Habitat after mid-May last year, I suspect that they guys are part of a continuing migration north that will end in the next few weeks.
Grackles in the first photo: red-winged blackbird in the second.

The answer to the question? Seven grackles sitting on the birdfeeder. No other bird type seems to be that social or willing to tolerate that many fellow birds on the feeder.

Spring Snow

Just when you think that winter is over and spring is in full swing…it snows!
The cold temperatures visiting the Mid-Atlantic States for the last week were joined by about an inch of snow during the last weekend. In the Colvin Run Habitat, the snow accented the fully blooming daffodils and pansies.

American Goldfinches in Spring Colors

Three weeks ago, I wrote that the male American Goldfinches were showing signs of spring.

Well earlier this week, the male American Goldfinches fully completed their change to their spring/summer colors. Last fall, I wrote about their change from summer to fall/winter colors, and now they have completed the circle.

April 1st: Strange Happenings in the Habitat

Significant rain fell during the night. And sunrise yielded a never before seen animal in the Colvin Run Habitat. This never before seen animal has left me, well, speechless. Take a look at the first photo.

Yes, an American alligator right between the birth bath and the bird feeders. When the sun finally dried out the soggy lawn and the gator headed south.

LuLu paid a visit today as well. In a surprise display of courage, the little white dog from Texas took on the red tailed fox in an attempt to protect the squirrels when the fox made a charge. See the second photo.

After LuLu straightened the fox out, the two became best of buddies. See the third photo.

Oh, did I mentioned that it is April Fool's Day. Hope you enjoyed the fun!

Spring Arrives in Washington, D.C., USA

Each place around the world has a special moment that marks the changing of seasons. In nearby Washington, D.C., spring officially arrives when the cherry tree blossoms arrive. The famous trees were a gift from Japan in 1912 and explode with color to welcome spring each year. The Japanese cherry trees surround the Jefferson Memorial on the Tidal Basin and the adjacent Washington Monument.
The cherry tree blossoms open in the last two days and were well worth the 30 minute drive from the Colvin Run Habitat to the downtown area. 
There are a number of spring blooming flowers as well, including these daffodils at the foot of Capitol Hill.

Downy Versus Hairy Woodpeckers

We have discussed earlier that the downy woodpeckers and the hairy woodpeckers are differentiated almost solely by size. Their coloring and markings are nearly identical. But, the downy is 6” and the hairy is 9” in length.

In the Colvin Run Habitat, many downy woodpeckers are can be seen in any one hour period. The hairy are far less frequent.

These two pictures of these two woodpeckers on the same suet feeder allow a side by side comparison. Clearly, you can see the size difference. Of course, the smaller downy is a male (red spot on back of neck) and larger hairy is a female. Amazing what you can do with today’s modern photograph software.

Red-Tailed Fox: From Relaxation to Full Stride

Yesterday’s post showed the red-tailed fox hunting squirrels in the Colvin Run Habitat. Here are two additional posts, each showing a ‘run’ of the fox at the squirrels.
Usually, the fox waits for more than one squirrel to appear. He then charges at the group and then selects a specific target as he gets closer.
In this post, the fox is very comfortably waiting, you can see that he has wrapped his tailed around the side of his body, and even naps while waiting.
When a squirrel pair arrives, he quickly gets up on his legs, stays very low, then makes his run. The next three photos show the fox in stride. The last photo shows that he was unsuccessful.