Today was far more eventful than yesterday. Got some pictures of a Common Flicker today. Pretty good looking bird. I really like the yellow on the underside of the wings and tail. It was enjoying itself feeding on the suet and thistle and got a drink from the bird bath.
The squirrels were acting more crazy than usual today and it took me a while to figure out why. It was like every single squirrel was out running around chasing each-other for a good 3 hours. I mean a few squirrels here and there chasing each-other is normal but when there is like 11 of them running through the trees i knew something was up. It seems one of the females in the tree right next to the deck has gone into heat (well thats what im assuming). I didnt think about it until i caught a glimpse of Nubbin (a grey squirrel with only a nub for a tail, he looks like a bunny) cornered a squirrel at the end of a branch, the same squirrel everyone else was trying to catch, and mounted it.
After that Nubbin was run off by another squirrel and proceeded to stand its ground not allowing any other squirrels get near it.
(Nubbin is in the bottom right, the female is the upper left-most one, and the other male is in the middle.)
Finally the lone female made it back to her home with the last male, and the rest of the squirrels fought for position to poke their heads in the hole only to be clawed and lunged at.
The last squirrel i have seen around the nest is the Black Squirrel. He had ignored the noise for most of the day and after enjoying some sunflower seeds lazily made his way over to the tree, climbed up to the nest and with just his presence ran off all the squirrels. I guess nobody wants to mess with him.
I also got a good pic of a owl wing imprint.
I also saw a Bald Eagle flying around, i wish it would have flown closer for a better picture.
I always liked common flickers.
ReplyDeleteI have to say the owl wing print in the snow is breathtaking. Great shot.