After the very heavy rain through yesterday, followed by a night of dense fog, this morning (Monday) was quite nice: low wind and 12 degree temperature. Sunshine was weak and brief, though.
By midday we were back into fog and light rain but it's clearing again and the shifting wind hints at a coming temperature drop.
The weather (or random luck) brought another small round of finches: about 25 GOLDFINCHES; at least 10 PINE SISKINS and 7 or 8 PURPLE FINCHES.
As usual, the Siskins appropriated the oilseed feeder and drove off everybody else. A few Goldfinches and one JUNCO put up spirited but short-lived, losing fights. They all resorted to gleaning the falling sunflower seed from the ground or moved elsewhere to scattered millet.
Whether it was last weeks bird just reappearing from keeping a low profile or whether it's a new arrival, we had a NORTHERN SHRIKE around today.
The other lightkeeper came in and said there was a bird in the basement. It scooted in when he opened the basement door.
No big deal. I remove several from the house every year, albeit they usually enter when a door or window is left open, not slipping in like this one.
Anyway, I hoped it wasn't a sparrow but I fully expected it would be a LBB (Little Brown Bird).
By midday we were back into fog and light rain but it's clearing again and the shifting wind hints at a coming temperature drop.
The weather (or random luck) brought another small round of finches: about 25 GOLDFINCHES; at least 10 PINE SISKINS and 7 or 8 PURPLE FINCHES.
As usual, the Siskins appropriated the oilseed feeder and drove off everybody else. A few Goldfinches and one JUNCO put up spirited but short-lived, losing fights. They all resorted to gleaning the falling sunflower seed from the ground or moved elsewhere to scattered millet.
Whether it was last weeks bird just reappearing from keeping a low profile or whether it's a new arrival, we had a NORTHERN SHRIKE around today.
The other lightkeeper came in and said there was a bird in the basement. It scooted in when he opened the basement door.
No big deal. I remove several from the house every year, albeit they usually enter when a door or window is left open, not slipping in like this one.
Anyway, I hoped it wasn't a sparrow but I fully expected it would be a LBB (Little Brown Bird).
Hate chasing those things because they get really wild, flying and banging from one window to another. Worst thing is, it's useless to leave them alone with an open door because they invariably stay as high as possible and refuse to drop down even the foot or so necessary to get through the door.
Certainly by now you've guessed: not a sparrow but a Shrike awaited me.
The easiest capture that I can remember ...... minimal agitation and just a bit of vocal protest as I got a secure grip.
Sooooo; a quick look to confirm that the feathers on its beak belonged to a different bird and that he appeared uninjured.
Ever wonder what it's like to be the target of a bird of prey, especially one like a Shrike that lacks the size, speed and explosive force of most raptors? Well, I have thought about it and it was brought home this afternoon.
Once outside it sat on my open hand for a moment and then, with complete deliberation, the ungrateful bugger reached down and bit my thumb, easily drawing blood. Then a squawk and away.
Certainly by now you've guessed: not a sparrow but a Shrike awaited me.
The easiest capture that I can remember ...... minimal agitation and just a bit of vocal protest as I got a secure grip.
Sooooo; a quick look to confirm that the feathers on its beak belonged to a different bird and that he appeared uninjured.
Ever wonder what it's like to be the target of a bird of prey, especially one like a Shrike that lacks the size, speed and explosive force of most raptors? Well, I have thought about it and it was brought home this afternoon.
Once outside it sat on my open hand for a moment and then, with complete deliberation, the ungrateful bugger reached down and bit my thumb, easily drawing blood. Then a squawk and away.
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