Weekend Birding: Fracas at the Feeder
I participate in Project Feederwatch, a winter-long survey of birds that visit feeders. My time to observe and count is for an hour or so Saturday and Sunday.
Last weekend the Starlings made an appearance. They are fairly large, aggressive, birds that like to take over the feeders. They are a non-native bird in North America first brought here by Shakespeare enthusiasts in the nineteenth century in an effort to introduce every bird species mentioned in Shakespeare’s works.
The Hairy Woodpecker, a regular visitor in my yard, was having none of that. This is a medium-sized woodpecker that has almost the same black and white markings as the smaller Downy Woodpecker, but he is a more powerful bird with a much longer bill. He chased the Starling off the suet and took his time eating.
The Starling moved away and perched below to wait his turn. [Click the photos for a sharper image.]
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Saturday Snapshots is hosted by Alyce. Head on over to At Home With Books to see more great photos or add your own.
Under My Apple Tree 
I am continually amazed how you manage to capture the spirit of these little fellows. This is absolutely stunning to see this morning. XO
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Wow! These are glorious photos, capturing the private moments of these little creatures.
Here’s mine:
MY SNAPSHOT
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I had no idea that Shakespeare enthusiasts were to blame for Starlings! When I was a kid I loved listening to the woodpecker near our house. I’m wondering if I’d enjoy it as much as a sleep-deprived adult? (Probably as long as it was when I was awake.) 🙂 Love the photo and the story behind it!
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We can blame the American Acclimatization Society for that particular environmental disaster. They brought the House Sparrow here too. Not everyone agrees that it was because of Shakespeare but I like that theory.
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Leslie, these pictures are wonderful! I swear that some days I am getting through this snowy winter solely on the antics of the pair of Downy woodpeckers, at least one Hairy, and a pair of Red-Bellied woodpeckers when they visit my feeders all at the same time — which happens frequently. They are so much fun to watch. They’re quite peaceable with each other, but the Red-Bellied male is really good at chasing away the family of Blue Jays when he wants to eat. The Downy, especially, is quick to take advantage when that happens!
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Watching birds keeps me sane in the winter. I have a pair of Red-bellies and it’s the female that is aggressive. She gives a cha cha cha call for about 30 seconds to warn other birds to move, and they do, before she comes swooping down to the suet. It makes me laugh every time. Most of the time the birds eat peacefully together but sometimes there really is a pecking order.
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Birds can be so bossy, can’t they?
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Haha, wow! Aggressive is right! Great photos!!
Here’s my Saturday Snapshot!
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I love these photos for their artistic merit, even if there is a power play going on. These two would be lovely framed (and tell a story). Add a third and you’ll have a triptych.
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One of these days I’m going to do just that and have some of these photos framed. Great idea to add a third, which I have, of the Starling finally getting to eat.
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Thanks for all the nice comments everyone. It makes me happy when people enjoy my birds.
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wow great shots Leslie……..keep up the good work!
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Hi!
We have starlings here and they are rather noisy. The woodpecker, he’s beautiful. We have the smaller ones here. Have a great day!
Sherrie
Just Books
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I so look forward to your bird photos Leslie 🙂
This set is remarkable; in our backyard it was the crows and blue jays that did the chasing away.
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The Blue Jay always chases everyone out when he shows up. I haven’t seen any at the feeder this winter, but I know they are still in the area. I see them on walks in the woods.
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I really enjoyed these pics! They reminded me of seeing birds outside my window during our most recent snow storm! I hope you will have time to come by my blog and see what I chose for this meme. You can see it @ http://www.lavignesblog.com/2011/01/saturday-snapshot.html 🙂 Thanks!
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What a terrific shot; I’ve heard of cat fights, but not bird fights…LOL
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