Birds, Garden Wildlife

Not much happening here right now. Lots of spring preparation has been held off due to the weather being cold, so now that it is warmer things are starting to move along. I did some tweeking of the critter accoutrements  at my feeding stations. During the summer I noticed that the American Goldfinches flock to a bird bath when I fill them up. They are not interested in bathing, not in the least. They are interested in having a water with their snacks. In that vein I decided to move one of the birdbaths over to the feeders. Immediately I had some customers checking out the new arrangements.

Male Cardinal

The Cardinal is the most receptive. He was quite grateful and immediately changed his eating habits to visit the bath quite frequently. He doesn't bathe, he drinks. The Cardinal is actually very inspired by the bath and the availability of fresh water. He has taken to swooping into the bath, landing on edge of the bowl, then takes a sip and starting calling. It was a nice surprise for me, because it gave me an opportunity to listen to and identify, a bunch more calls that I did not realize were Cardinal calls. It is the male I see on the feeder, not the female. He makes a line between his favorite tree, a cedar, and the bath, numerous times throughout the day. Sometimes he just sits there and vocalizes for a few minutes.

female Cardinal

male done molting, now in full mating colors

The American Goldfiinches also come to drink. As you can see in the photo on the right, they are in full mating colors. They sit and sing beautiful songs like a canary, but they mostly drink. Squirrels also have cozied up to the bath. This was not an intended result.

some males still molting into full color, green beige birds are females

 I would not be doing anything to accommodate the squirrels. Those little buggers come from long distances to empty my feeders so I would be doing things to get rid of them if I could! They are somewhat entertaining, I do say. The squirrels drink, look around, drink, look around, and then lounge on the feeder edge as if it is a beach! This I did not intend! Red Wing Blackbirds, Grackles, and House finches will sometimes come for some water too. My birdbath is very low, and I suspect that I need to change it to one with more height to discourage the squirrels and other animal visitors that must visit it during the night. I found raccoon foot prints on my car hood and trunk, and evidence of  one lingering on top of the car like a cat. That has to stop. I fear he too, is very enamored of the birdbath. You just can't control it, you put it out there and you take your chances.....