Hey I thought I had the perfect idea for a family event last weekend. The Great Backyard Bird Count of 2010. Hey all we had to do was count the number of various species of birds that were in our backyard over a minimum 15 minute period last weekend. How hard could that be? I thought it would be our first step to greenness. I am thinking that birdwatching would be a great companion to my hobby of geocaching. I’m out in the woods a lot so might as well multi-task when I’m there.
We started the bird count Sunday afternoon with our two helpers.
I’ll give them this, they were focused.
We didn’t have a whole lot in the 30 minutes or so that we watched. I counted about 12 sparrows. A couple of these:
I think it is a common grackle starling, based on comments by several readers I went and checked my resources again and I think because of the pale spots the bird is a starling. And that was it for the count.
Earlier in the week, and thus not in our “official count” we had a couple of these,
Which I think is a male cardinal, along with a sparrow.
And one of these,
Which I think is a female cardinal, and was my favorite.
So, we and the cats had some fun and I learned a few things. One thing I’ve learned about the internet is that there are all sorts of knowledegable people out there and I’m depending on them to let me know if I misidentified the birds.
Check out Camera Critters for more photographs of critters from all over.
The picture of your two helpers made me laugh, very cute, and I think you got all the birds right.
Enjoy your weekend.
Sunny 🙂
I had to laugh at your helpers too. Nice birds for your count.
Your two cats are really lovely!I don’t know much about birds, but I liked your pictures, they are beautiful!
I also like to be at the window here watching them outside.They do a lovely music, I like it a lot! 🙂
purrs and love
Luna – WE LOVE LUNA
Wonderful photos. On my blog, I have been talking about how I haven’t had any Cardinals visit my feeders this winter, and I think that’s strange.
You are correct on all of your bird IDs. Great post.
Yogi: Those are some neat bird watcher. How well do they count? That first bird is a Starling.
Your cats are adorable!!! I enjoyed your birds and appreciated that fact that you did not know exactly what they were! That would be me, but I sure enjoy their beauty. 🙂
Good job Yogi. You got them all except the Starling. Knowing the names of birds, insects, trees, flowers, etc. make the world a more interesting place. That is why photography is such a good hobby. We learn to see, not just look around. Probably Geo caching serves the same purpose. It is a great thing to pass on to SPB.
Great photos Yogi, and I too love your helpers there in the bird count.
Awesome shots Yogi, I bet those cats wanted them.
It sounds like a good discipline, short periods of organized birdwatching. And good shots came out of it (especially the cats!).
I like to multitask by birdLISTENING from my desk.
You’ve actually made birdwatching seem interesting. With our two mutts here we tend to do more squirrel-watching.
We don’t get a lot of birds on our terrace … but when we do, my kitties stare longingly.
I played too 🙂
Very beautiful birds! You are lucky to have such sweet visitors! 🙂
http://www.la-douceur-de-vivre.com
What beautiful and colorful birds! Nice shots, Yogi!
I loved your pictures. Thank you for sharing them with us.