Hope your holiday was a good one. Well, we've had quite a bit of real winter weather lately. The birds seem to be OK with that. On the thistle feeder we have the Juncos and a few Goldfinches. We have also seen more of the Bushtits lately. Today the temps are near 60 and I heard Robins singing! We also have Flickers and Downey Woodpeckers showing up. Everyday now we see a small flock of 3-7 Sandhill Cranes flying around from nearby fields. Also there are some Canada Geese that fly over, honking all the way. Last week I saw a flight of some kind of gray geese fly over and they didn't make a sound, I just happend to look up and see them. That's all for now. Have a safe and sane New Year!
30 December 2004
05 December 2004
Brrrrr! It's really winter!
Well, we got some snow last Monday and there is still some on the ground in the shadows. More could come tomorrow. All this means that the last of the migrants are coming down from the north. We've seen some Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese this past week. I'm sure there are others but those are who we've seen. A couple days ago, I saw a Mourning Dove pecking around in the yard. It is unusual to see them in the winter. Wonder where this one is staying? Oh, I also saw a Goldfinch at the patio feeder area. They also usually disappear in the winter.
Our current visitors are : Juncos, Downey Woodpecker, Red-shafted Flicker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Robins. We always hope to see the return of past visitors like the Mountain Chickadee, Spotted Towhee, and other Woodpeckers. Of course, there are also the usual residents.
And the chickens, Mazey and Chicken Little, are still toughing it out. They roost in the wisteria vine at the front gate, even though it has no leaves for cover. We worry about them being exposed to the winds, rain, and snow, but they seem to be doing just fine there. Someday we will get them a hen house. We just don't know much about raising chickens who wander into the yard. They seem to be doing well, being fed cracked corn and digging around in the yard. We are happy to have them.
That's the latest from the high desert. Happy Holidays!
Our current visitors are : Juncos, Downey Woodpecker, Red-shafted Flicker, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Robins. We always hope to see the return of past visitors like the Mountain Chickadee, Spotted Towhee, and other Woodpeckers. Of course, there are also the usual residents.
And the chickens, Mazey and Chicken Little, are still toughing it out. They roost in the wisteria vine at the front gate, even though it has no leaves for cover. We worry about them being exposed to the winds, rain, and snow, but they seem to be doing just fine there. Someday we will get them a hen house. We just don't know much about raising chickens who wander into the yard. They seem to be doing well, being fed cracked corn and digging around in the yard. We are happy to have them.
That's the latest from the high desert. Happy Holidays!
16 November 2004
Brrrrrr! It's getting colder.
Well, I have just confirmed that the Ringed Turtle Doves have stayed around! This afternoon I saw three of them flying around and making that squawking noise. I am guessing that it was the parents and one offspring. Maybe the one they were making a nest for several weeks ago? (SEE 9/20/04) Anyway, I wonder if they will stay through the winter. The weather has been pretty cold the last week -- highs only in the 40's and lows in the 20-30 range. The winds have been blowing most days too. WoW. What a surprise to see them.
I also am happy to see the beautiful Long-tailed Crackles have returned. Most of the year they are all around the city, in the heights, and we don't see them much. But in the winter the come back to the valley and roost in the pine trees around here. I love to listen to them. They make the most amazing noises, shrieks, whistles, and calls. They come in large groups at sunset and sit in the bare trees like ornaments. They get quite noisey until they settle in for the night. It is a real joy.
Still only a few small flights of the Sandhill Cranes coming over. The Festival of the Cranes is this week and the main groups have not yet arrived. Oh, well. I'm still hoping to see them by this weekend.
I also am happy to see the beautiful Long-tailed Crackles have returned. Most of the year they are all around the city, in the heights, and we don't see them much. But in the winter the come back to the valley and roost in the pine trees around here. I love to listen to them. They make the most amazing noises, shrieks, whistles, and calls. They come in large groups at sunset and sit in the bare trees like ornaments. They get quite noisey until they settle in for the night. It is a real joy.
Still only a few small flights of the Sandhill Cranes coming over. The Festival of the Cranes is this week and the main groups have not yet arrived. Oh, well. I'm still hoping to see them by this weekend.
05 November 2004
It's November. . .already!
We have been seeing more of the Sandhill Cranes migration but only a few flights a day. If you are really interested in them, the 17th annual Festival of the Cranes will take place at the Bosque del Apache NWR (south of Socorro NM) on November 16-21. The festival offers everything from wildlife art shows to trips to the Very Large Array (VLA) radio telescope. There will be workshops, lectures, activities and much, much more. Of course, there will be ample opportunity to see, hear and photograph the hundreds of cranes. To register for the festival or find out information on lodging, you can call 505-835-2977 or go to www.friendsofthebosque.org to get all the information. I just hope they all make it there in time!
31 October 2004
Trick or Tweet!
Happy Meow-lloween! 
Have a safe and sane Hallowe'en.
Don't try to eat all that candy in one sitting!
Have a safe and sane Hallowe'en.
Don't try to eat all that candy in one sitting!
HAPPY HALLOWE'EN! HAPPY HARVEST TIME!
BooOOooOO! Well, it is that time of year again. I am curious where the bats come from as an icon of Hallowe'en, because all our bats have gone into hibernation by now. Anyway, hope you have a good time tonight.
We have had a few nights of freezing temperatures. The trees are really changing colors and dropping leaves now. This almost seems like a normal fall-to-winter season, the first in years without an El Nino. The mountains already have gotten some decent snows and the ski areas are trying to get ready to open by Thanksgiving.
As for bird watching, here's the latest. Last weekend we saw the start of the Sandhill Crane migration with a few flights over on Sunday (10/24), and a couple during the week. Then there were a few this weekend but still not the major one we wait for. I'll keep you posted. I did confirm that the Juncos have arrived. I'd been hearing them but did not see them until a few days ago. I also got a good look at our Ruby-crowned Kinglet when he came out of a bush to scold me for being too close. We have also had a very large Hawk hanging around but I haven't been able to ID him yet. He's not a Sharp-shinned or a Redtail. I'll keep at it.
[Did you remember to turn back your clocks?]
We have had a few nights of freezing temperatures. The trees are really changing colors and dropping leaves now. This almost seems like a normal fall-to-winter season, the first in years without an El Nino. The mountains already have gotten some decent snows and the ski areas are trying to get ready to open by Thanksgiving.
As for bird watching, here's the latest. Last weekend we saw the start of the Sandhill Crane migration with a few flights over on Sunday (10/24), and a couple during the week. Then there were a few this weekend but still not the major one we wait for. I'll keep you posted. I did confirm that the Juncos have arrived. I'd been hearing them but did not see them until a few days ago. I also got a good look at our Ruby-crowned Kinglet when he came out of a bush to scold me for being too close. We have also had a very large Hawk hanging around but I haven't been able to ID him yet. He's not a Sharp-shinned or a Redtail. I'll keep at it.
[Did you remember to turn back your clocks?]
18 October 2004
The times, they are a changin' . . .
We had our first taste of winter this past week and all the leaves are turning colors. I love the changes. There is also a change in the birds on the Rancho. The newest arrivals are: a Red-breasted Nuthatch, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet (he's a favorite who returns every year) and just a couple days ago, some Yellow-rumped Warblers. We also saw some migrants, 3 Sandhill Cranes heading south, probably to the Bosque del Apache NWR. We really haven't seen any big migrations yet. But soon there will be the day that we will see thousands of cranes flying over and raising such a ruckus! Stay tuned.
03 October 2004
Well, Friday morning (1 October) I saw what was apparently the last of our hummers at the window feeder. We have not heard or seen any since then. My husband is feeling the pangs of "empty nest" syndrome. We will continue to keep some feeders up for a week or two more. On the "up" side, we have the Flicker, woodpeckers and Robins now. Also, we are watching for the migration of the Sandhill Cranes and Canada Geese to begin any day now. I thought I heard a Junco yesterday but could not see it.
Oh yes, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began on Friday (10/01) and runs through next Sunday (10/10). The skies are full of beautiful colorful hot-air balloons. The special shapes are a treat each year. Check it out.
~~ SDA
Oh yes, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta began on Friday (10/01) and runs through next Sunday (10/10). The skies are full of beautiful colorful hot-air balloons. The special shapes are a treat each year. Check it out.
~~ SDA
26 September 2004
Just need to mention a couple more recent sightings. Returning to our Rancho are the Downey Woodpecker and the Red-shafted Flicker. Both have been quite vocal since their arrivals and are letting us know that they are here. We have peanuts set out but the only ones interested in them seem to be the squirrels (who can't get to them because of a pole baffle) and the pigeons, who are not designed for pecking them open. I have yet to see any woodpecker get the peanuts. Usually it is the Scrub Jays who eat them (none have shown up yet). We have also noticed that the Robins have returned to the valley and so have the Crows. Oh yes, I also saw a band of Bushtits going through the trees a few days ago. They are so fun to watch.
20 September 2004
The changes are beginning. Our Hummer population has dwindled down to just a few and they are busy bulking up for the big trip south. We had a Broadtail visitor last week. They usually stay up in the heights and only visit us in the the valley. Anyway, he stayed just a few days then moved on. It is only a matter of time before the rest leave! :-(
For the past few days we have seen the Ringed Turtledoves gathering sticks; apparently they are building another nest! This is strange since it is the time to be moving on, unless they plan to stay around. Still it does seem late in the season to be having more babies. Curious.
NEW SIGHTINGS: We noted the arrival of a Ladder-back Woodpecker on 9-8. He seems to like the pods on the Honey Locust trees in our yard. He can be very vocal too. Saw the first migrants heading south on 9/10: a small flock of White Geese flying in V-formation. There were only 8 in this group.
Autumn officially begins on Wednesday, September 22nd. Happy Autumn!
For the past few days we have seen the Ringed Turtledoves gathering sticks; apparently they are building another nest! This is strange since it is the time to be moving on, unless they plan to stay around. Still it does seem late in the season to be having more babies. Curious.
NEW SIGHTINGS: We noted the arrival of a Ladder-back Woodpecker on 9-8. He seems to like the pods on the Honey Locust trees in our yard. He can be very vocal too. Saw the first migrants heading south on 9/10: a small flock of White Geese flying in V-formation. There were only 8 in this group.
Autumn officially begins on Wednesday, September 22nd. Happy Autumn!
01 September 2004
Well, it seems that not all the Goldfinches have left after all, just the parents. We have two babies still coming to the thistle feeder: one male, one female. I still hear them singing sweetly in the trees. Glad to know they are still here. So are the Ringed Turtle Doves, both parents and their babies (2, we think). Wonder if they go back to the Los Angeles area or where? Sure is a curiosity.
The weather is changing. The nights are much cooler now and the highs are staying in the eighties. The baby Hummers are starting to bulk up. We haven't tried to count them yet but I would guess we have 20-25 birds. They will be leaving about the end of the month. We always miss them so much at that time. But we really look forward to seeing the winter birds come in.
All for now. ~ SDA
The weather is changing. The nights are much cooler now and the highs are staying in the eighties. The baby Hummers are starting to bulk up. We haven't tried to count them yet but I would guess we have 20-25 birds. They will be leaving about the end of the month. We always miss them so much at that time. But we really look forward to seeing the winter birds come in.
All for now. ~ SDA
25 August 2004
Well, the nights are getting cooler and the weather seems ready to change. Then there is the smell of the green chile being roasted at a nearby store!, Can the red be far behind?, All these are signals that the fall migration will be coming soon.
This week I 've noticed that the Crows are starting to hang around here in the valley instead of going up to the heights. I filled up the thistle feeders on Sunday and I haven't seen any Goldfinches since. I heard them singing their pretty songs in the trees but have not seen them. Maybe they were saying goodbye?
And as for new birds, the last couple weeks we have noticed Nighthawks flying around at dusk. Never saw them before, or maybe we just didn't pay attention.
There was a significant increase in the Hummingbird population last week. I guess all the babies have fledged and we are also getting a few visitors. We had a Calliope pair stop in for a couple days. We are going through about 4-5 quarts of sugar water every day and a half!
We have also been hearing a new birdcall but the critter is up in the tree tops and we can't get an eye on it. It doesn't sound familiar so we are very curious to find out what it is.
The chickens don't seem to be trying to nest again so maybe they are done laying for the year? We are keeping our eye on them.
Hasta luego! ~~ SDA
This week I 've noticed that the Crows are starting to hang around here in the valley instead of going up to the heights. I filled up the thistle feeders on Sunday and I haven't seen any Goldfinches since. I heard them singing their pretty songs in the trees but have not seen them. Maybe they were saying goodbye?
And as for new birds, the last couple weeks we have noticed Nighthawks flying around at dusk. Never saw them before, or maybe we just didn't pay attention.
There was a significant increase in the Hummingbird population last week. I guess all the babies have fledged and we are also getting a few visitors. We had a Calliope pair stop in for a couple days. We are going through about 4-5 quarts of sugar water every day and a half!
We have also been hearing a new birdcall but the critter is up in the tree tops and we can't get an eye on it. It doesn't sound familiar so we are very curious to find out what it is.
The chickens don't seem to be trying to nest again so maybe they are done laying for the year? We are keeping our eye on them.
If anyone is reading this, I sure would appreciate hearing from you.
Please respond with a comment. Thanks.
Please respond with a comment. Thanks.
Hasta luego! ~~ SDA
27 July 2004
18 July 2004
THEY'RE HERE! Yup, the Rufous Hummers have arrived! The first one showed up on Monday, July 12th. A couple days later we noticed a "Grampa" -- one who is completely rust colored on his back. There appear to be at least 3 of them, Grampa, a male and a female or juvenile. So now the war has begun! What great excitement.
BABIES. We have noticed the first hummer babies (Black-chinned), nestmates who share the tube feeders. Then there are the Lesser Goldfinch babies who are learning to use the upside-down thistle feeder. This tube feeder requires the bird to hang upside-down to reach the opening. Only finches will do this and therefore it discourages any other bird from feeding there. They are so cute! Yesterday, we watched the Western Kingbirds teaching their young'uns how to catch bugs in the air. That was really was fun. Of course, we have the Roadrunner juveniles terrorizing the other birds with their threat of nest raiding. Things are really picking up now with babies all over the place learning how to fly and feed themselves.
The Chicken hens are off their nests since I removed their eggs last week. We are watching them closely so we can spot when the begin nesting again, so we can get the eggs as soon as they are laid.
We are finally getting our monsoon rains in the late afternoons/evenings and that is really helping with our local drought. Unfortunately, the temperatures are still in the nineties which is harder to bear with the higher humidity. Oh well, beggars can't be choosey. We are very glad to get the rain.
TTFN, until next time. ~~SDA
BABIES. We have noticed the first hummer babies (Black-chinned), nestmates who share the tube feeders. Then there are the Lesser Goldfinch babies who are learning to use the upside-down thistle feeder. This tube feeder requires the bird to hang upside-down to reach the opening. Only finches will do this and therefore it discourages any other bird from feeding there. They are so cute! Yesterday, we watched the Western Kingbirds teaching their young'uns how to catch bugs in the air. That was really was fun. Of course, we have the Roadrunner juveniles terrorizing the other birds with their threat of nest raiding. Things are really picking up now with babies all over the place learning how to fly and feed themselves.
The Chicken hens are off their nests since I removed their eggs last week. We are watching them closely so we can spot when the begin nesting again, so we can get the eggs as soon as they are laid.
We are finally getting our monsoon rains in the late afternoons/evenings and that is really helping with our local drought. Unfortunately, the temperatures are still in the nineties which is harder to bear with the higher humidity. Oh well, beggars can't be choosey. We are very glad to get the rain.
TTFN, until next time. ~~SDA
28 June 2004
I just want to note that our Lesser Goldfinches have returned in their full yellow glory! They started showing up at the thistle feeder on Thursday 6/24. They are so sweet to listen to. Also, I have confirmed the 2 baby Roadrunners today. They were with Mom and they have been hanging around the yard all day. So far, I don't think they have found the chicken nests and eggs. Although, I did find a chicken egg (soft shell, dried up) laying in the drive-way. I found one there last week too. Not sure who took it there.
I have also seen a couple squirrels running about. They live in the garage and under the house. We have tried for years to get them out but it just doesn't seem to work. We have a humane trap we use. When we catch one, we take it to our other property about a half-mile away and release them there. We can't be sure if they find their way back or if we just missed getting them all. Anyway, we will keep on relocating them when possible.
The weather has been very mild for us. In recent weeks the temps have been in the 80s mostly. We have had periods of 90s but then it cools down. Makes for really cool nights and good sleeping. Our monsoon season should begin in July and that will be a big help for the drought and the extreme fire danger. We have had 6-8 wildfires in the area over the last few weeks. Several in the bosque area along the river. Last week there was one on the other side of the river from us, about a mile away! Thank goodness, they got control of it quickly. It did do damage to a protected habitat area for the endagered Willow Flycatcher. The area was not allowed to be cleared of underbrush for fear of disturbing the birds, so it was the area that caught fire. Now they have lost their habitat anyway. Blame the Feds for this!
That's it for now. Keep your eyes and ears open for our feathered friends.
I have also seen a couple squirrels running about. They live in the garage and under the house. We have tried for years to get them out but it just doesn't seem to work. We have a humane trap we use. When we catch one, we take it to our other property about a half-mile away and release them there. We can't be sure if they find their way back or if we just missed getting them all. Anyway, we will keep on relocating them when possible.
The weather has been very mild for us. In recent weeks the temps have been in the 80s mostly. We have had periods of 90s but then it cools down. Makes for really cool nights and good sleeping. Our monsoon season should begin in July and that will be a big help for the drought and the extreme fire danger. We have had 6-8 wildfires in the area over the last few weeks. Several in the bosque area along the river. Last week there was one on the other side of the river from us, about a mile away! Thank goodness, they got control of it quickly. It did do damage to a protected habitat area for the endagered Willow Flycatcher. The area was not allowed to be cleared of underbrush for fear of disturbing the birds, so it was the area that caught fire. Now they have lost their habitat anyway. Blame the Feds for this!
That's it for now. Keep your eyes and ears open for our feathered friends.
13 June 2004
Well, here's what's new. Our Western Mockingbird finally arrived last weekend. He spends time in our Mulberry tree eating berries and insects. I love hearing him sing out his repertoire. I've also seen a few more Mourning Doves around so I guess the babies are out of the nest. The Roadrunners have been very actively seeking living things for their babies. The bird alarms are heard most of the day now. Oh, I need to report that Rooster Cogburn has gone to that big barnyard in the sky. We had to have him put down because he just wasn't improving and we were spending way too much time just keeping him on life support. He has received a proper burial on the property. We miss him. Meanwhile, the hens are brooding again. They are so sneaky about it. By the time we find out and find the nest, it is already full of eggs! Gotta get a handle on this! Anyway, the Hummers are busy chasing each other and I guess there are babies somewhere, too. One month or so to the invasion of the Rufous! That's all I have to report this time.
20 May 2004
Visit us at Rancho Colibri
*** Ok, so I am giving up on trying to make frequent regular posts to this blog. It just isn't realistic in my busy world. ***
Bird watching. The hummer population has grown to about the full compliment now. They are busy chasing each other around and fighting over the feeders. Soon, they will make babies. I have noted that there just aren't as many as usual. Maybe due to the drought, although this spring has seen more rain than usual. Anyway we are happy to have them here at Rancho Colibri!
As for other birds, the newest arrivals are the Western Kingbirds. They are so delightful to listen to and watch as they go after flying insects. Apparently the Mourning Doves have had their first babies. I think I counted two new ones out with a parent the other evening. We are so honored to have THREE kinds of doves here: Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, and the Ringed Turtle Doves. Hearing all of their songs as the same time is a kick. They really don't sing in the same key!
Of course, there are also assorted babies from the Starlings, Pigeons, House Finches, House Sparrows and others. In June we usually start seeing the baby Roadrunners learning from their parents how to chase bugs, lizards,...and find baby birds. That's nature!
Chickens. Well, the chickens are still with us. The hens, Mazey and Chicken Little, were brooding and sitting on nests of about 16 (unfertile) eggs each, until a couple weeks ago when I removed all the eggs. Now they are out scratching in the yard, eating bugs and sleeping in the Wisteria vine at the front gate. The rooster we "inherited" has seen a doctor about the drooping wing. Doc wrapped it up, said it was just dislocated. He also noted that the poor guy is severely malnourished--not our fault, he came that way. Rooster Cogburn was OK with the wrap for the first three days but then on day four, he fell over on his back. We tried to right him but he couldn't maintain his balance. We removed the wrap thinking that maybe it was hindering him, but it didn't help. So, we have been keeping him in a crate on the front porch ever since. In the crate we have rolled up towels for support and it is lined with newspaper to make it easy to clean up when he poops. We got the recommended chicken feed for him and he seems to like that. We have to feed and water him every few hours. We change out the papers several times a day too. Who knew how much work a chicken could be! Our hope is that we can put some weight on him and then he will be able to stand up again. Otherwise, it may just be a lost cause. Our hearts are just too big sometimes.
Well, that's it for now. We are expecting the Rufous Hummingbirds to show up in mid-July. That will cause a bit more excitement around here. 'Til next time.
*** Ok, so I am giving up on trying to make frequent regular posts to this blog. It just isn't realistic in my busy world. ***
Bird watching. The hummer population has grown to about the full compliment now. They are busy chasing each other around and fighting over the feeders. Soon, they will make babies. I have noted that there just aren't as many as usual. Maybe due to the drought, although this spring has seen more rain than usual. Anyway we are happy to have them here at Rancho Colibri!
As for other birds, the newest arrivals are the Western Kingbirds. They are so delightful to listen to and watch as they go after flying insects. Apparently the Mourning Doves have had their first babies. I think I counted two new ones out with a parent the other evening. We are so honored to have THREE kinds of doves here: Mourning Dove, White-winged Dove, and the Ringed Turtle Doves. Hearing all of their songs as the same time is a kick. They really don't sing in the same key!
Of course, there are also assorted babies from the Starlings, Pigeons, House Finches, House Sparrows and others. In June we usually start seeing the baby Roadrunners learning from their parents how to chase bugs, lizards,...and find baby birds. That's nature!
Chickens. Well, the chickens are still with us. The hens, Mazey and Chicken Little, were brooding and sitting on nests of about 16 (unfertile) eggs each, until a couple weeks ago when I removed all the eggs. Now they are out scratching in the yard, eating bugs and sleeping in the Wisteria vine at the front gate. The rooster we "inherited" has seen a doctor about the drooping wing. Doc wrapped it up, said it was just dislocated. He also noted that the poor guy is severely malnourished--not our fault, he came that way. Rooster Cogburn was OK with the wrap for the first three days but then on day four, he fell over on his back. We tried to right him but he couldn't maintain his balance. We removed the wrap thinking that maybe it was hindering him, but it didn't help. So, we have been keeping him in a crate on the front porch ever since. In the crate we have rolled up towels for support and it is lined with newspaper to make it easy to clean up when he poops. We got the recommended chicken feed for him and he seems to like that. We have to feed and water him every few hours. We change out the papers several times a day too. Who knew how much work a chicken could be! Our hope is that we can put some weight on him and then he will be able to stand up again. Otherwise, it may just be a lost cause. Our hearts are just too big sometimes.
Well, that's it for now. We are expecting the Rufous Hummingbirds to show up in mid-July. That will cause a bit more excitement around here. 'Til next time.
08 March 2004
Rancho Colibri at sabrarmijo.com
Well, here it is March already! Spring is well on it's way here. Things are blooming and noses are sneezing! On the bird front, we watched the spring migration begin on February 14th. The sky was filled with hundreds of Sandhill Cranes winging their way North. Since then there have been more, smaller groups flying over on the warmer days. Temps this week are in the 60s!
New sightings on the Rancho. The White-winged Doves have returned. They are more common in this area now but don't stay here in the valley over winter. Same goes for the Red-winged Blackbird who just returned on Sunday (3/7). There is a European Starling living around here who has been practicing his imitation of the Red-wing call. He has fooled us more than once as he gets better, but it is good to see the real deal in the yard. His real call is much prettier! Now the real highlight of the week, the return of the Ringed Turtle Doves! They are listed as only being found in California, in the LA area. A pair showed up last March and caused quite a sensation here. Now they have returned. Guess they like our little rancho.
Oh, yes. The chickens, Mazey and Chicken Little, have begun to brood again. They each have their own nest and lay one or two eggs a day. Unfortunately, we only discovered them last Thursday. There were already about a dozen laid. So now we try to get the newest ones each day. I guess we are now in the egg business! But we don't really know anything about it. I need to find someone around here to help us out with how to handle the egg thing.
Of course, everyone is on alert to spot our first Hummingbirds. For us here in the Intermountain West, the birds arrive usually in early to mid-April, later than the West Coast, but they stay longer -- to mid-October. I was speaking to the people at our Wild Birds Unlimited store today and they asked if we had seen any hummers yet. One of their ladies lives in the mountains east of town, and she usually sees some of the first ones. (She is a certified hummingbird bander.) So, it's time to clean up the feeders and lay in a 50 lbs. supply of sugar for the season. Afterall, we are on Rancho Colibri -- that's hummingbird in Spanish!
TTFN, more when there is something to report. Please visit the website and give me your feedback.
Well, here it is March already! Spring is well on it's way here. Things are blooming and noses are sneezing! On the bird front, we watched the spring migration begin on February 14th. The sky was filled with hundreds of Sandhill Cranes winging their way North. Since then there have been more, smaller groups flying over on the warmer days. Temps this week are in the 60s!
New sightings on the Rancho. The White-winged Doves have returned. They are more common in this area now but don't stay here in the valley over winter. Same goes for the Red-winged Blackbird who just returned on Sunday (3/7). There is a European Starling living around here who has been practicing his imitation of the Red-wing call. He has fooled us more than once as he gets better, but it is good to see the real deal in the yard. His real call is much prettier! Now the real highlight of the week, the return of the Ringed Turtle Doves! They are listed as only being found in California, in the LA area. A pair showed up last March and caused quite a sensation here. Now they have returned. Guess they like our little rancho.
Oh, yes. The chickens, Mazey and Chicken Little, have begun to brood again. They each have their own nest and lay one or two eggs a day. Unfortunately, we only discovered them last Thursday. There were already about a dozen laid. So now we try to get the newest ones each day. I guess we are now in the egg business! But we don't really know anything about it. I need to find someone around here to help us out with how to handle the egg thing.
Of course, everyone is on alert to spot our first Hummingbirds. For us here in the Intermountain West, the birds arrive usually in early to mid-April, later than the West Coast, but they stay longer -- to mid-October. I was speaking to the people at our Wild Birds Unlimited store today and they asked if we had seen any hummers yet. One of their ladies lives in the mountains east of town, and she usually sees some of the first ones. (She is a certified hummingbird bander.) So, it's time to clean up the feeders and lay in a 50 lbs. supply of sugar for the season. Afterall, we are on Rancho Colibri -- that's hummingbird in Spanish!
TTFN, more when there is something to report. Please visit the website and give me your feedback.
21 January 2004
Rancho Colibri at sabrarmijo.com
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2004! HAPPY YEAR OF THE MONKEY!
Well, it's been a couple months since my last note. The weather has been mostly warmer than usual with little to no precip. The desert strikes again!
Anyway, here's my update on the bird watching. We have not seen any new birds for a long while. The winter birds are the Scrub Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Western Flicker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Juncos, Kinglet, along with the Bushtits, Grackles and Starlings. Just lately we have seen a couple Goldfinches at the thistle feeder. Can't be sure if they are Americans or Lessers because of their dull winter colors. The Juncos also like the thistle feeder. We have also enjoyed the flights of the wintering ducks, geese, and cranes over our place everyday. They go from their river grounds out to the fields in the area. In fact, a group of 5 Sandhills were in a field just a block away yesterday and today. They were chasing around and make lots of noise. Maybe we can sneak over there and get some photos for the website. Because of the warm weather the trees are starting to bud out! And yesterday, I scared up a Mourning Dove in the neighbor's yard while walking the dog. I wonder what other signs I'll see of an early Spring.
Of course, we still have the residents around, including Mazey and Chicken Little. I really got worried about them a few weeks ago. They roost in vine near the front gate and it has no leaves to protect them. We had a really cold front come through with high winds and very low wind-chill temps, but they survived it all. We had a little snow/drizzle the last couple days too, but that didn't seem to faze them. They really are troopers. They love us and won't leave. We give them cracked corn and water, now it's their turn to provide us with some eggs! Oh, well, we do like having them here to keep down the bugs.
Well, that's it for now. Feliz Ano Nuevo!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2004! HAPPY YEAR OF THE MONKEY!
Well, it's been a couple months since my last note. The weather has been mostly warmer than usual with little to no precip. The desert strikes again!
Anyway, here's my update on the bird watching. We have not seen any new birds for a long while. The winter birds are the Scrub Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Western Flicker, White-breasted Nuthatch, Juncos, Kinglet, along with the Bushtits, Grackles and Starlings. Just lately we have seen a couple Goldfinches at the thistle feeder. Can't be sure if they are Americans or Lessers because of their dull winter colors. The Juncos also like the thistle feeder. We have also enjoyed the flights of the wintering ducks, geese, and cranes over our place everyday. They go from their river grounds out to the fields in the area. In fact, a group of 5 Sandhills were in a field just a block away yesterday and today. They were chasing around and make lots of noise. Maybe we can sneak over there and get some photos for the website. Because of the warm weather the trees are starting to bud out! And yesterday, I scared up a Mourning Dove in the neighbor's yard while walking the dog. I wonder what other signs I'll see of an early Spring.
Of course, we still have the residents around, including Mazey and Chicken Little. I really got worried about them a few weeks ago. They roost in vine near the front gate and it has no leaves to protect them. We had a really cold front come through with high winds and very low wind-chill temps, but they survived it all. We had a little snow/drizzle the last couple days too, but that didn't seem to faze them. They really are troopers. They love us and won't leave. We give them cracked corn and water, now it's their turn to provide us with some eggs! Oh, well, we do like having them here to keep down the bugs.
Well, that's it for now. Feliz Ano Nuevo!