01-MAY-2010
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle) #3677
Dendroica coronata coronata
Normally a bird found more commonly in the eastern part of the US, we see Yellow-rumped Warblers here of both the Audubon (western) and Myrtle (eastern) subspecies, as well as intergrade (hybrid) individuals. The Audubon variety has a brightly colored yellow throat patch, whereas the Myrtle variety has a white throat patch, like the bird shown here. Intergrades show characteristics of both subspecies -- we have seen some with light creamy yellow throat patches or mottled yellow/white throat patches. They have an enjoyable personality, and like to take short little flights, returning to their perch, presumably feeding on small insects. They are probably migrating north, and so I don't expect to see them for long, but they are fun while it lasts.
29-APR-2010
Pine Siskin #2448
(American Goldfinch in the background)
We are seeing many more Pine Siskins recently, sometimes as many as four or five at a time congregating on the thistle sock and seed feeder, or perched waiting for their turn on the feeders, or as this one is doing, taking a drink in the waterfall. They obviously get along OK with American Goldfinches, like the fellow in the background.
28-APR-2010
Common Grackle #2257
I do not recall seeing Grackles here in previous years, although others have, I am sure. At first I thought these were the Brewer's Blackbirds, which have nested in our back yard every year for the past ten or more years. But these are larger birds, have a much more robust beak, and are bronze-colored on their backs (in the right light). The last few days, we have had groups of 5-6 pass through the back yard and see if there is anything interesting here to do.
27-APR-2010
Orange-crowned Warbler #2048
Here's a less common visitor, the first time I have ever been able to get a picture of this Orange-crowned Warbler. They apparently do not stay in this area -- so he's probably just passing through. He flitted around in the back of the pear tree and pine tree, rarely giving me a chance to get a clear look at him. He went down to the waterfall and took a drink, but never stayed anywhere for very long. I was able to get two or three reasonable pictures of him, and pitched another 50+ that only recorded a blurry blob in mid-hop.
26-APR-2010
Evening Grosbeak (Female) #1831
Coccothraustes vespertinus
Like many of the birds in the finch family, Evening Grosbeaks are sexually dimorphic. The males are brightly colored, and the females somewhat duller. I have seen a few males in the last few days, and now the females are showing up more commonly. This one is finishing up a snack of sunflower seeds.
25-APR-2010
Lesser Goldfinch #1713
We have seen the numbers of Lesser Goldfinches increase quite a bit in the last week or so. Like their cousins the American Goldfinches,
they frequent the seed feeders. At first, I found it a bit hard to distinguish between the female American Goldfinches,
the female Lesser Goldfinches, and the pre-molted male American Goldfinches. But, now that I am a bit better trained,
the Lesser Goldfinches are noticeably smaller, and darker. The males, as shown here, have dark olive-colored backs and
a much larger black cap than the male American Goldfinches.
24-APR-2010
American Goldfinch #1535
It has been relatively easy to find birds in the trees, because there's not any leaves. But with spring in full swing, and the trees leafing out, it is getting progressively harder to find birds up in the trees. But the American Goldfinches are an exception -- their beautiful yellow feathers really stand out against the background of new green foliage. Spring is nice.
23-APR-2010
Evening Grosbeak #1371
Coccothraustes vespertinus
Evening Grosbeaks have been much more plentiful in Los Alamos this year than most, probably because of the larger snow pack this winter in Colorado, forcing them a bit further south than they normally go in the winter. Even though people in Los Alamos have reported seeing flocks of these birds numbering in the 50's, I have only noticed them in the back yard twice this year. The three that showed up in the pear tree today is the "record" for me.
22-APR-2010
Black-chinned Hummingbird #1196
We now have at least two or three of these fighting for rights to the feeder in the back yard. This one is sitting in a sumac bush policing "his" territory -- if another hummingbird dares to sample the feeder, he's off to chase him away. The only solution is ... more feeders.
21-APR-2010
American Goldfinch #1119
At this point, about half the American Goldfinch males have completed their molting into summer plumage, and half are lagging behind, like this one. They are by far the most prevalent bird visiting the back yard right now.
20-APR-2010
Scott's Oriole #0862
Here's a bird that I have never seen in the backyard before. It's a female Scott's Oriole, who was attracted to the hummingbird feeder (of all things). It came and went several times during the day, repeatedly taking a drink from the hummingbird feeder.