#ostdrossel

This is something you may see on hot days - this Blue Jay is not injured, it is taking a sunbath. It is done for skin care and grooming and helps with parasites. I always love seeing it because it feels like they have to feel perfectly safe when they do it.

The Grackle puff show offs have begun, and it is always a great time to watch the rivaling displays. They were good at hiding and getting out of frame today but they were so fun and active that I decided to make a video. The last piece is there because it contains the strangest noises. Maybe a Starling, maybe a camera mic malfunction, maybe both?

I think the MoDos think the cameras are food machines. This would explain why they like to park themselves in front of them. This one's all puffed up, probably digesting breakfast in this bitter cold. (Video is slightly sped up.) They are so camera-conscious, it makes me giggle.

The fancy Redwinged Blackbird with potential bilateral gynandromorphism is still around, here are some more clips from the last couple of days. I have not edited them other than stringing them together for this video. This is how they were recorded. Every time I think it must be a molt, this bird turns around and looks completely like a female. So intriguing. It also has a lot of red on the face.

A fun little scene in from the ground today - a Purple Finch started coming yesterday, and he blends right in with the White-throated Sparrows, the Cardinals, the Goldfinches and the Juncos.

I know I am being a bit ridiculous here but I find it totally amazing that you can see their breath here 😆 (around the middle of the clip, I slowed it down a bit). Stay warm, everyone!

The first babies have fledged! And this House Finch baby that came with Dad tonight cracked me up. It looks like the kid that decided to sit at the adult table but isn't quite sure what's happening and pretty much ready for bed 😆❤️

I loved this little scene that the Maxdone trail cam captured. The plant framing them was just too cute. I continue to be impressed with this tiny camera, the colors are fabulous too. Cardinals can be a challenge for budget cameras because they are so vibrant but they look pretty good here.