Wednesday, August 27, 2014

Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla Cedrorum) is a medium sized North American bird.

Cedar Waxwing



This pretty bird has a black face-mask with white trim, a tan colored body, pale yellow belly, gray tail with bright yellow tips, and a hard to see red waxy-tipped feathers on their wings.  They measure about seven inches long.

After enjoying the taste of the sweet grapes at Sweet Cheeks Winery,
it was time for a dip in their fountain. 



 


These birds primarily consume fresh berries and other fruits that are high in sugar content, but will also eat flowers and insects.  They can be seen year-round, usually where there is an abundance of fresh fruit.






This one has some nesting material 



Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Turkey Vulture






The Turkey Vulture is a large dark brown colored raptor (bird of prey), with a reddish head. They have up to a 6 foot wing span when measured tip to tip.  There are two birds larger than a Turkey Vulture; the Eagle (with a wing span up to 7 ½ feet), and the Condor (with a wing span up to almost 10 feet).







The Turkey Vulture does not have any feathers on his head.






They may not have the prettiest face, but they are quite an amazing bird.  They take care of the remains of recently decayed animals with their keen sense of sight and smell. 



This Turkey Vulture is soaring over a recently cut hay field looking for the remains of mice and other rodents. 





These Turkey Vultures are all perched to take care of the remains of a deer that was hit and killed by a car.









Next time you see one of these giant birds soaring high (or low) in the sky remember, they are keeping things cleaned up for all of us, and that's a good thing!

Sunday, August 10, 2014

Anna's Hummingbird


Anna's Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird (Calpte anna) is one of the species of hummingbirds found on the West coast of the United States. They weigh just over 4 grams and are considered a medium-sized bird, but the largest on the west coast. 








These tiny little adult female birds are gray and green with a small pinkish/redish gorget (throat). The males have a larger pinkish/red gorget that extends to their head. 

The male and female Juveniles look like the female, but do not have the color on their gorget (throats).



Bath time



Here is a rare shot!




Taken at sunset, the lighting makes this pair appear more purple than a gray in color.



When they are sitting perched, the tip of their wings meet their tail.








Photo isn't perfect, but love that beak!