Backyard birding update…

Yesterday, while I was out in the backyard cleaning the birdbaths, I was surprised to see a Red-tailed Hawk fly low over the backyard.   I had reported a Red-tailed back in October, so I am not sure if this was the same bird.   Now, that would be something if we had a Red-tailed Hawk in the neighborhood along with the Cooper’s and Sharp-shinned Hawks that have been showing up regularly.

The usual visitors like the Cardinals, Bluejays, White-throated Sparrows, Song Sparrows are still here along with the Red-bellied woodpecker, Titmice, Downy Woodpecker and the Fox Sparrows.   Goldfinches are all but gone with the occasional straggler showing up to feed; no longer am I seeing the flocks that were at the feeders only a few weeks ago.

Some comments on the Downy Woodpecker.   Downy's are often confused with Hairy Woodpecker due to the closeness in resemblance.   However, there are several distinctive ID features to look for in a Downy that will help.   Here are a few tips to use.  Downy Woodpeckers, show dark bars on the outer tail (which is white...see my Downy photo in this post for reference)...though it is important to also note that some Hairy show the bars as well.   Downy Woodpeckers also has a smaller bill and is smaller in size than a Hairy. My perspective is, once you have seen a Hairy Woodpecker, it will be easier to determine between a Downy or Hairy.

Here are some recent photos.

Red-bellied Woodpecker caught with a peanut.


Downy Woodpecker.


Fox Sparrow, just as the Red-tailed flew over...note the cocked angle of the head looking up at the possible danger.


Fox Sparrow foraging on the ground for seed remains.


Not a great photo; however, I have posted it to show the Red-tailed Hawk, that I spotted yesterday over the backyard. As you could see it has a pigeon in its sight.