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Bird Watching
sensei 05-04-2008, 1:57 PM | Post #2514595 |  20 Replies
2  

Most of you who read my "leftist" posts on P* have probably suspected I was a bird brain. Well, I am now serving notice to the masses, I really am a bird brain. I am totally fascinated with birds.

The thing which has prompted me to write this post was my first sighting this morning of two Indigo Buntings in one of my many feeders. For those of you who have never seen an Indigo Bunting, they are a beautiful bird, about the size of a sparrow, and are a solid bright blue in color. I had never seen one before, except in photographs.

There is nothing more relaxing for me, than sitting at my kitchen table drinking coffee and watching all the different birds come to feast at my feeders.

This little insanity of mine even carries over to my workplace. While my coworkers go out for lunch to eat, I carry a bag of birdseed outside to feed the sparrows and pigeons near my office. I do this every day, year round. People pass and watch the pigeons sit on my arm and eat the seed out of my hand. The pigeons all know me now and when I leave my building at the end of the day, they'll all swoop down to me from the surrounding buildings and hover in front of me, waiting for a handout. I don't like to disappoint them, so I'll spend a few minutes feeding them before I walk off to catch my bus.

Just curious, but am I alone?  Are there any other crazy people out there who share my fascination with birds?

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Re: Bird Watching
HettyGreen 05-06-2008, 2:13 PM | Post #2515220
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sensei, a little bird story for ya.  I just came back from an errand.  My building has an enclosed lobby and semi-sub parking, but inside it's a open air courtyard with some big trees....the walkways have Art Deco'ish wall sconces to light your way after dark.

I swore I saw something on top of the sconces.  Yep, Mr. and Mrs. Mourning Dove, cooing and checking out the real estate. Approaching quietly, I inquired if they were nesting?  They did their little squeaky sounds and flew off.

Now I'm wondering, if they do try to nest there, will it be nice & warm for the eggs or too hot for survival? 

Yesh, I'm a sucker for critters.
 

Two crows landed on the Palace patio this AM and spent a long time looking in at the Palace Felines, who expressed their interest in pursuing said birds.  The winged ones shrugged, took off, now came back for another rest.  I'm calling them Russell and Sheryl.

;)

Queenie Mae Clampett 

 

Breaking News:  Monsieur et Madame Dove are now on the patio, perching 'round the light fixture there.  So they are def looking for just the right HQ's.  

Starter homes on the Westside at a reasonable price are very difficult to find.

Q. 

 

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Re: Bird Watching
uncleharley 05-07-2008, 7:39 AM | Post #2515388
1  

Hetty, are there any pine or spruce tree's with low branches in the area?  Mourning Doves like to nest in them within a few feet of the ground. 

A couple of weeks ago myself and my better half participated in the annual Crane count here in central Wisconsin.  We staked out a spot that was above a marshy pond where we knew Cranes frequented.  Just before dawn we could hear the Cranes beginning to wake up and talk to their mates, but we had no idea how many were in the marsh.  Things got noisier and noisier as sunrise approached.  Finally the sun rose over the horizon and the whole marsh came alive.  We counted 128 Cranes as they lifted off to go feed in the surrounding fields.  I have no idea how many we missed, but it was quite a sight. 

uh

  

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Re: Bird Watching
HettyGreen 05-07-2008, 9:33 AM | Post #2515451
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uh, in my complex, we have tall palm and ficus trees in the atrium, so these are probably too high up for the couple. However, across the street is a large townhome development with every type, size and shape of tree imaginable.  Perhaps they'll find something there?  Nevertheless, I enjoyed their visit to check out potential nurseries LOL.

I also live near the Ballona Wetlands. Much of it has been and is being developed, but there's still a large area set aside where you can see all types of flora and fauna.

That crane lift off must have been absolutely beautiful to witness.

(they always told me I was for the birds....)

 

Hetty Heron 

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Re: Bird Watching
sensei 05-07-2008, 10:43 AM | Post #2515478
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"That crane lift off must have been absolutely beautiful to witness"

Hetty,

Your comments remind me of that classic foreign movie, "The Cranes Are Flying". :) Knowing you, you've already seen it.:)

 

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Re: Bird Watching
HettyGreen 05-07-2008, 11:34 AM | Post #2515500
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sensei:

"That crane lift off must have been absolutely beautiful to witness"

Hetty,

Your comments remind me of that classic foreign movie, "The Cranes Are Flying". :) Knowing you, you've already seen it.:)

 

Da, I have, Comrade Sensei.  I thought of mentioning it *blush* but I'm already tarred with the brush of elitism.

Oh well, no looking back now! 

Mentally, I am already a Crane....were I a television sitcom character, I'd be Frasier's and Niles' sister.

BTW Mr. and Mrs. Dove are still thinking about the patio light fixture.  While I don't think they'll be nesting, they like to drop in and tease the Royal Felines.   

;)

qh1  

 

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