Kingfisher!

How did I not post this? I got an excellent video (and pictures) of a Belted Kingfisher by the Monongahela river in April. I'll see if I can pre-date this entry (it's really June 6, 2013 but I took these pics/videos on April 8, 2013).

I love the sound this cutie makes before diving into the water...it's like a war cry! And the big splash is awesome. :-)

There were also a couple of hawks (red tails?) in Frick park that I got pictures of today:

Grrrrrrackle!

I thought I saw them yesterday, but the beaks were yellow (Starlings.) But they showed up at my feeder today....grrrrrackles! (black beak = grackle.)

And then she (he?) showed up to mock me:

I'm glad we put the new bird seed in...but so is Foxy, our resident (fox) squirrel.

Red Winged Black Birds

I thought I saw a red winged blackbird on my neighborhood walk earlier. This time I was awakened from a nap by its unmistakable call...but where could they be? There are no bodies of water in my neighborhood, no cattail reeds for them to fly in and out of. They were at my feeder! I just put the new bird seed in (well, not in, but around) and guess who found it?

Walking Around the Neighborhood

Today I saw what looked like a red-winged black bird hanging out with a bunch of starlings:

The noisy starlings, which I first thought were grackles but then learned that if they have yellow beaks they are starlings:

This hilarious mocking bird did the best blue jay impression ever:

And here's another news story about our resident eagles.

Another day of birding in the 'Burgh.

Bald Eagles Move Into My Neighborhood...Within City Limits!

For the first time in what I imagine is a long time, a pair of bald eagles are nesting inside Pittsburgh city limits...in my neighborhood!!

On one of my favorite trails, near my home...past where the Steelers play, the eagles have landed.

I found out yesterday and this morning was up on my bike at sunrise, pedaling down the south side river trail in the hopes of seeing these amazing birds, and I did get lucky. I plan to go back and spend some time there, maybe I'll get to see it soar.

Bath Time!

This morning a cardinal used the bird bath I didn't realize we had...luckily he found it!

Then his lady friend thought she might go for a dip, but ultimately decided against it. Still too cold for her I guess.

Downy Woodpecker

I believe this is a downy woodpecker, based on its relatively small beak size. Here is a comparison between the hairy and downy woodpeckers.

Today I also got a good view of a Tufted Titmouse, though not a picture, so I can add that to my count.

I would love to participate in the Backyard Bird Count at Jennings this year, but we may have scheduling conflicts (musical theater.) Maybe I'll register and we can just leave a little early...I really think it would be worth it!