ostdrossel

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The other night I spotted the first Cardi baby by the pond and got all excited but did not have good footage. So today I put a camera in a different spot... And I got the cutie! This is a small cement bowl that I made with a big leaf one summer, and some of the critters and birds like it too (Robin, Grackle baby, MoDo, Chipmunk). There are also quite a lot of bees around here this summer, all very thirsty.

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I put the babies back on my youtube livestream. The stream pauses every so often but you can still see how great they look and what they get fed. After they fledge, I will work to improve this stream, I may need a better WiFi extender. Enjoy :)

There were issues again but I got the Wren box going. Seems to be a bit more stable.

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These babies have been the most amazing tiny troopers during these last couple of days of insane heat. I have added a sun-shielding umbrella to help a bit but the temperatures have overall made it absolutely miserable outside. Tomorrow we finally get some relief. The parents have been stellar, providing them with lots of juicy insects and also mulberries. Today, I saw the first wing exercise too. Good night 💤

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This lily I planted two years ago and I thought we had accidentally destroyed it but this year it came back in full glory and is blooming for the first time. I kept an eye on the buds and caught the first one opening early this morning. (This is a timelapse, it did not open this fast.) Birds stuff will be back tomorrow. Stay cool!

(Music: "slow tempo piano ambient(1493959)")

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Lots of traffic also means that tensions are high. The birds usually don't really fight but there is a lot of posturing. Some puff up in varying parts of the body, some yell and others just use their stare - but they are all impressive. And yes, Grosbeaks are spicy! 😁

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We got about 4 inches / 10 cm of rain within 12 hours yesterday, which is a lot of rain. Everything got soaked, the garden got a bit more than it needed, and I was anxiously keeping an eye on the sump pump. Everything worked out, and to honor the occasion, here are some Blue Jays in all their soppy glory.

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After some technical issues, I have managed to stabilize the livestream of the nestbox (for now lol). The babies are looking good, getting feathers now and are becoming a bit vocal. You can check in here:

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Cardinals were sort of my spark bird here in the US, so it's always wonderful to see them. I know they are magical to others too, seeing the beliefs around them being the spirit of a loved one that died. I do not have that connection but it is a lovely thought. They are usually the earliest and latest visitors, and in the mornings, the males love to sing. I mounted this cam on the tree in hopes to one day get something like this, and yesterday it happened 🙂❤️

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Temperatures have been rising, and the pond has been extra busy. Here is a little compilation of recent visitors. Keeping the lens clean and the water level high is my hourly break from the desk.

You see Grackles, RWBB, Starlings, Orioles, Robins, a Bluebird, Cedar Waxwings and a MoDo. There are more visiting, you can always check in on the pond livestream on my Youtube channel.

(Music is: "Exciting but somehow goofy BGM(1468967".)

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Baby bird season is in full swing, and one sound starts it every year - the ear-piercing screeches of the Starling youngsters. It is hilarious to see them follow the parents, jumping on them and loudly demanding attention. But they are also still bumbling around like the babies that they are. Another interesting visitor late tonight - a House Wren must have thought the camera box is a nestbox and came to check it out. I am glad the Wren guard is up and working (*knocksonwood*) with these inquisitive little destroyers.

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These guys are dominating the feeder right now and are one of my favorite summer visitors, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. They are majestic and stunning but also goofy and spunky. They form monogamous couples, and I love that both male and female build the nest and brood, and they sing while building and incubating ❤️. They love seeds and nuts but also have a sweet tooth and an appetite for grubs. As you can see, their appearance will vary, not just across genders and age but also within individuals. Check out their song on the Merlin app!

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Here's to all the fathers out there - the hard-working, dedicated men that teach, protect, nurture and love us. A big hug to all who miss their Dads todayHere's to all the fathers out there - the hard-working, dedicated, emphatic humans that teach, protect, nurture and love us. A big hug to all who miss their Dads today, too. Here's Dougie, the Bluebird. He is a very good father.

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As you know, I love watching birds bathe, so of course I was delighted to try out the bird bath cam by Birdfy. I am still experimenting with the nozzles but this bath is a lot of fun! The fountain and camera each have solar panels, so no need for cable. The camera is the same as the Birdfy 2 Pro, and I like that it just clicks into place, without the need to adjust the angle like I have to do with all my other cams. The baby birds will love this, and I like to have a bath with a more clean look and fountain added to my yard.

The unit looks like this, and you can purchase it on their website. With the code OSTDROSSEL you get a discount.

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Sometimes it is good to be loud and make yourself heard.

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Ok, a test run. Here is a livestream of the Bluebird nest. I cannot promise to keep this on at all times but I will try for a bit 🙂

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It's a special day today - the Bluebird babies are hatching! I am keeping track with the nest with the Nestwatch app, and I was wondering if today was going to be the day... So far, three of the four have made it out of the egg, and the parents are taking good care of them. It is a mild day today too, so no extra stress with extreme heat or rain.

Update - Friday the 13th - the last baby hatched at 5:36 AM today.

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Earlier today, a happy chirp mixed with the demonic sounds of begging Starling babies and the goofy squeaks of young Grackles - the baby House Finches have hit feeders. I love this stage when they still have the little tufts. They are full of personality and totally adorable. ❤️