CIRCLE WITH A DOT

Like every spring, I've prepared a mud pit with grasses, roots and soil because I love seeing the Robins collect it for their nests. I had a camera there for a bit but nothing happened because of the cold we've had here in Michigan. But today was nice, and a Robin aggressively rummaged through the offerings #birds

A little update on Momma Chickadee - she is still incubating her eggs, keeping them evenly warm and turning them every so often. This morning, she got spooked by a Robin that must have sat on the box, and now we know there are actually seven eggs! The male brings her snackies, so all is well. I have added her to the livestream on my YT channel today, if you want to check on her. #nestwatch

The special ed RWBB is still hanging around in my backyard, and it does not look like his plumage has changed at all. Here are some clips from the last week, taken with different cameras (a Maxdone and a Ceyomur trailcam). It kind of looks like it behaves like a male, posturing when another bird comes close and also a bit for the female in the beginning. ⁠
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I have not heard back from anyone official, but many birders seem to think this is gynandromorphism indeed. No matter what it is, I always love it when there is a special bird around, and this one seems to thrive here. #birds (longer video in my Patreon and Youtube)

A happy #MothersDay to the Moms, the mother figures, those that care for, nurture and mother things, be they humans, plants or creatures. What would we be and do without you? I am ready for a matriarchy. Thank you, mothers, and please get spoiled today ️ (Pictured is a Bluebird female with a baby.)

Spring migration has started but is not peaking in my area yet, but another summer visitor has arrived today - the House Wren. I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with these tiny guys (they are very competitive nesters and will toss eggs and tiny babies out of other nests to take over, hence my Wren guard on the Chickadee box) but I love watching them raise their families too. This box has a hole reducer and they have nested here before, so this will be fun. #birds

I loved this little scene that the Maxdone trail cam captured. The plant framing them was just too cute. I continue to be impressed with this tiny camera, the colors are fabulous too. Cardinals can be a challenge for budget cameras because they are so vibrant but they look pretty good here. #birds

The first one arrived with the Orioles, but I had not seen one after, until this morning! Hummingbirds are so cool, and when I moved to the US, I could not even imagine that we have them here ️ (Footage is not ideal, I am working on it.) #birds

The White-throated Sparrows have been here for a bit but today, a White-crowned also joined the yard. These are tough names to say for a non-native speaker I love the native sparrows, and the White-crowned is one of my favorites, they look pretty, for lack of a better term. A gentle beauty somehow. Special "Chimera" RWBB is also still hanging around. #birds

The Chickadee has been very busy, adding lots of fuzzy things to her nest. She may have started laying eggs already, so a couple of days ago when things looked very much completed, I added the Wren guard. Thankfully, she accepted it. She has been spending the nights in the box and during the day, goes to hunt for more fuzz. I assume some is the alpaca wool I put out but I also see some raccoon fur. So neat. (I am livestreaming this box on my youtube channel.) #birds

I went back for some touch-ups yesterday, and now there's a glow bug too ️
We were discussing too - how do you call these guys? Lightning bugs, glow bugs, fireflies? I usually say glow bug, probably because it is the easiest back translation from the German Glühwürmchen.

After seeing them popping up all over the birding groups, I can finally also say that the first Oriole of the year has arrived here. I cannot wait to hear their calls in the tree tops. #birds #thegoodkindoforange

Ok, Special Ed RWBB was back. What do we think? (It shows off like a male at the end, unfortunately I do not have perfect sound, not sure if it made a sound.)
#birds


The Serviceberry is already blooming (usually in May), and there is a lot of wooing going on the the yard. The Redwinged Blackbirds are so expressive, especially on a sunny day. It is funny to me how their looks range from gloriously magnificent to hilariously goofy. Nature! I'd be weak too if I was a RWBB girl 🤩 #birds

I have set up a livestream for my second nestbox, which will not be permanent but if you want to see a Chickadee build her nest, check in here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nS8Qnlrt04
#birds

This is the most interesting looking Redwinged Blackbird I have seen so far. It is kind of half female, half male. It is probably an immature male that is changing into summer plumage but the almost clear separation is certainly cool to look at. This is not the best footage but I hope to get more by the end of the day. #birds