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Feathered visitors in our apple tree

By JIM NIGRO

The first time I saw a house finch I thought I was looking at a sparrow/cardinal hybrid. Like many song birds, this one perched in our apple tree no doubt looking for insects.

Having spotted me, he immediately took what he felt was appropriate action............

As I understand it, this bit of displaying is something birds do to mark their territory to intruders or in hopes of attracting a mate.

Here's a literal bird's eye view of a visitor whose incessant squawking often gives him away long before he comes into view...........

unlike other songbirds, the noisy Bluejay didn't come here in seach of bugs. The apple tree is lush this year and no doubt he's here to gorge himself on fresh fruit. He must have been hungry -- despite my close proximity, he refused to leave.

For the past couple of weeks this little songster had been singing its heart out, while hidden amid the apple tree foliage. Its song was pleasant, and a sound I either had not heard before or perhaps just hadn't been mindful of. Try as we might, Claudia and I were unable to get a look as it flitted from branch to branch. If we attempted to move in for a closer it would fly off into an adjoining woodlot.  

As I took its picture it began belting out the same melody we had been hearing previously....... the closest resembling photo I could find in either the Smithsonian or Audubon field guides indicated it might be a Veery thrush. Still not certain, but its sound was most pleasing to the ears.    

JIM NIGRO

Dave - not what I was expecting either...ya got me!!!! Claudia and I both had a good laugh.....thank you for your comments and your sense of humor.

Aug 12, 2013, 5:42pm Permalink
Bob Price

Great pics,Jim. I always enjoy them,along w/ your narration. Have you been down Rt.77 through the swamp(couple miles west of the flashing light of 63/77)? Reason I ask is that last year,there was a huge nest right on top of a telephone or power pole on south side of 77-when I went by a couple weeks ago,looks like someone built sides on top of pole,nest was there,and I saw a head sticking out of it-I believe Howard said it was an Osprey- any pics of them? I always get a kick going down 490into Rochester-I always usually see a hawk or two perched on top of the light poles,looking for their next snack..... usually between Westside Drive and 390 split.....

Aug 12, 2013, 6:14pm Permalink
JIM NIGRO

Thanks, Bob....No, I haven't been out that way since last Sept. when the egrets were in the Tonawanda WMA. We appreciate your input and hope to get out that way this weekend.
The nicest osprey pic I've ever seen was taken by Batavian Bill Moon. He captured it in flight, wings swept back and talons extended.....It was on display earlier this year at the Richmond Memorial Library when members of the Batavia Photography Club exhibited their work.

FYI....yesterday morning upwards of fifty Great White egrets were stalking the shallows of Upper Stafford Marsh (the "goose pond") on the Oak Orchard WMA off Albion Rd.

Aug 12, 2013, 8:55pm Permalink
Timothy Hens

Jim--might be a Carolina Wren? Veery has more speckles on its upper belly and a staighter beek. Carolina Wren has a white eyebrow, more of curved beek. Hard to say though without knowing size and hearing the song. Veery sounds like a dying Pac-Man or one of the whistles kids playwith that adjusts sound like a tiny trombone. My Mother always calls it the "twizzler" bird. Veery usually hides out in the woods and you usually only hear it sing closer to dusk. Great photos though! You always get some outstanding shots!

Aug 12, 2013, 11:28pm Permalink

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