Memorable Words of Wisdom and Inspiration

********************** Being able to recognize and identify birds is crucial to our awareness of the world around us. - LEE ALLEN PETERSON *********************

**** Birding is something that we do for enjoyment; so if you enjoy it, you're a good birder. If you enjoy it a lot, you're a great birder. - KENN KAUFMAN ****

Sunday, February 6, 2011

Project FeederWatch - Week 12

For this weekend, I not only submitted my weekly sightings during today's observance to Cornell for Project FeederWatch, but also for Mass Audubon's Focus on Feeders citizen-science research program. And thankfully, this weekend was a bit more interesting than weekends past due to the following: There were 2 Red-bellied Woodpeckers in attendance! One female near the top-center of the dogwood tree that is closest to the suet feeder in our front yard, and one male just a few feet below her. Both would take turns chowing down on the suet feeder nearby! Fucking loved it because they are my favorite woodpecker, with their bright colors and their awesome "chiv-chiv-chiv" call that always amuses me! However, the most notable bird observed today was the presence of an adult Cooper's Hawk that had swooped into our front yard in the same aforementioned dogwood tree. One moment I am looking at 2 Mourning Doves perched on this tree, the next moment, after looking away, watching the Celtics beat up on the Magic, I see a Cooper's Hawk in their place! Unfortunately for the Coopers, the doves got away, but fortunate for me, because it was a first here at home! Gorgeous raptor!! Anyhoo, below is my full listing, happy birding everyone!!

Cooper's Hawk1
Mourning Dove7
Red-bellied Woodpecker2
Downy Woodpecker2
Hairy Woodpecker1
Blue Jay3
Black-capped Chickadee8
Tufted Titmouse5
Red-breasted Nuthatch1
White-breasted Nuthatch2
Carolina Wren1
European Starling1
Dark-eyed Junco5
Northern Cardinal3
House Finch12
American Goldfinch5