#springtimeintherockies

Common Grackle Portraits

Black chinned hummingbird at feeder - First sighting of the year

Common Grackle - They’re Baaaack. Harbingers of spring, the first one this year showed up March 26th, about the time they have arrived the past five years, looking sleek, iridescent, and ready for the mating game. There was one for 3 days, and then by yesterday a family had gathered. We expect hundreds to arrive by April. A lot of folks don’t care for these guys, but I love their goofiness.

Eurasian Collared Dove

Just wanted to post something from the new camera setup. The ECD’s are goofy and sort of bratty to other species. But they are totally lovey-dovey with their own kind.

We are expecting a SNOW storm Friday night - not so much for Fort Collins, but the Denver area is expected to get a significant amount. Of course, I just put out the tomatoes and bell peppers. They will need to be covered for the storm and the few days after while temperatures are at or below freezing, but they should come through just fine.

Mallard pair - Don’t know if they were just cruising through the area, or if they are looking to nest somewhere.

Finch Family at the Hopper feeder - yeah, that’s right. Babies are here. It’s been very mild the last month or so.

The Evil One - House Sparrow. Notoriously known to raid nests of the precious bluebird. Don’t know if this is the same male from previous years, but we have had one every years. It seems there is one brood, but honestly, these birds are uncommon in the NoCoBirds habitat. I think that all of our grackles keep them at bay.

On another note, one of the yard critters bit through the power cord to the birdsy camera. Completely severed it. Until I can get that repaired or replaced, the birdsy camera is on hiatus.