News from the backyard...

Goldfinches were still arriving in numbers until Thursday when a cold front saw the numbers began dwindling at the feeders.   The Red-bellied Woodpecker is still here and frequents the suet feeder, so I have to keep it readily stocked.   The titmice continue to show up as well and The Coopers Hawk has become a regular visitor; just this morning, I saw him chow down a pigeon in the pine tree...if he keeps this up, I may have to get him a name.

Then this afternoon, after my walk at Jamaica Bay I went into the backyard, to restock the feeders and to put some warm water in the birdbaths when I saw a Fox Sparrow foraging on the ground.   I had reported Fox Sparrows on the 15th, and since then I had not seen any, so this afternoon's sighting got me all excited because I wanted to get a better photo of this bird.   I spent 30 minutes in the cold on the ground maneuvering for a decent photo, but in the end it was worth it.

Two things made it difficult for me.   First, the Fox Sparrow was spending its time on the ground looking for food and I wanted to be respectful and not attempt to disturb it, so I was very careful not to startle it.   Secondly, I had obstacles in my way that prevented a clear photo...so I had to really get creative in getting an open shot.

Here are some recent photos from the backyard...

Note the Goldfinch with the white patch on the head.   This is unusual and is attributed to some type of pigmentation according to Scott from bird Forum.

Cooper's in the pine after a rainy morning.


This morning, I watched and waited until this Cooper's had its breakfast before I took this photo.


Male and Female Red-winged Blackbirds at the feeder.


Fox Sparrow foraging in the backyard.