American Kestrel

This little bird is packed with power. He's so small it's hard to believe he is of the raptor family. He perches in our front yard birch trees awaiting his prey.
Hear his call by clicking on the sound link below.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_kestrel/sounds

Western Scrub Jay

This pretty Scrub Jay comes to get his daily peanuts from our fence.

 He's quite friendly. Hear his song by clicking on this link: 

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/western_scrub-jay/sounds

Spice Finch

These three spice finch come by when I place thistle and millet seed in our covered feeder.  Click on the youtube link below to hear its song.

youtube.com/watch?v=9r9sJF8z1io

Swainson's Thrush

This Swainson Thrush (fledgling) was trying to learn to fly in our backyard. He got stuck in a plant so I lifted him out of the plant, placed him in this small bird feeder. Soon the parent bird landed by him and coaxed him to fly away.  That was a good day. :)    

Here his song by clicking on this link    :http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/swainsons_thrush/sounds

Northern "Red-shafted" Flicker Woodpecker, 10/17/2011

I first heard an unfamiliar bird sound and then saw a  Northern flicker   in our pine trees.  I did not know what it was nor had I heard its sound before yesterday... I'm working to get my own  picture. For now here is a link to show you what it looks like and its nice sounds. Sometimes I feel as though I'm in the country or in the forest thanks to the birds around town.   http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_flicker/sounds

Yellow Rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped_Warbler/sounds

These little Yellow Rumped Warblers follow the western blue birds around the yard. I think they wait to see if the blue birds have found food then they fly in to get their share. He is perched on the yard mealworm dish stand.

Common Yellowthroat Warbler (Geothlypis trichas)

This Little Male Yellow Throat Warbler was seeking insects in our Angel Trumpet Plant. I shot the pic through our glass slider and screen doors so it is a bit fuzzy. Notice the black mask which signifies it is a male. I notice when I have seen this bird that it is usually in a lower growing plant. 

:

Common_Yellowthroat/sounds

Daughter Shannon's Pictures from Montana - Eagles. She saw them on the side of the road while driving to work. The birds in the snow were surveying a near-by deer carcas. She took the picture about 10 feet away from them. In the blue sky photo, the eagle was sitting on a telephone pole.

Bird Nest in Front Door Wreath :)

It seems not only is  friend  & neighbor Jane's front door wreath an eye catcher for passer bys but also to birds who found it a favorable place to build their Spring nest. Amazing Surpirse, and a testiment to a peaceful  front yard. Great photo by Jane!

(photo not to be duplicated without permission)