For the Birds?

Stopping in for a snack

[NOTE:  I posted this over on my Carter-Johnson blog, but thought you guys might like it too!]

We have had the hummingbird feeder up on the deck for some time now, just by the door, so there is the constant pleasure of watching them come and go during the day.   

Steve put up another suet feeder for the other birds, but it was under the deck, so you could only see if you were sitting at the desk downstairs, facing under the deck.   

"would you like a table upstairs or downstairs?"

A great view, but only if you happened to be sitting there.   He finally rigged a pole to hang off the edge of the upstairs deck, so birds could come by for a visit without risking a collision with the glassed railings on the deck. 

 

wings out and in motion, trying to land!

It has been a riot watching them come and go.   The feeder itself spins like a merry-go-round, so we get to watch some very impressive bird aerobatics as they hop on.  

Here are some videos if you want to imagine yourself sitting in the kitchen area with us, watching the backyard.

First, a short clip at the fastfood drive though, on a day where there is some 'turn-taking' (in both its senses!) https://youtu.be/gERFh-eD8rg

A serious crowd!

With the littler birds, they don't always take turns.  Sometimes they come in a mad rush.  I particularly love it when they come in a clump.  

It astonishes me how many birds can load in during the noon hour lunch crunch! (reminds me a bit of going to rock concerts back in the 70s, 80s, and rushing the door to get as close as possible to the stage).  Here is a video link of them in action: https://youtu.be/u5QacWlUij0

I love the spots, and yellow tailfeathers

Lately we have been getting some birds that are bit on the bigger side.  

I do not know who they are (yes, i do need to get a birding book, or spend more time with Wingspan!), but they are so determined! 

hanging on!

The fact their body mass sends the feeder spinning appears no disincentive.  Clinging from the bottom appears to be no difficulty (though the wings are getting a workout.   

They, like the littler birds, also seem to like to spend lunch time with eachother (well... i am not sure if this video is evidence that they 'like' being together, or just that the ones who would prefer some alone-time are simply required to tolerate the crowd) https://youtu.be/5uKhFOIVd6I