Fink Family Farm Bird List

Fink Family Farm Bird List

The only list I faithfully keep is a list of all the birds seen on our farm since we moved here in 1977. I thought it would be fun to add p...

Thursday, May 4, 2017

Shorebirds at Bob Straub Park

I *think* I know what most all the shorebirds are that I saw at Bob Straub Park... in the rain... on Tues., May 2nd. But I'd love to be corrected if I'm wrong.

from left to right: Dunlin, Western Sandpiper, possible Least Sandpiper behind, not sure, Semi-palmated Plover, Sanderling, Semipalmated Plover

left to right: Western Sandpiper, 2 Dunlin

Sanderling

left to right: Western Sandpiper, Semi-palmated Plover, Dunlin, W. Sandpiper, Semi-palm

Western Sandpiper left and also behind the black-bellied Dunlin, Semi-palmated Plover in front

Whimbrel. There were 3 of them but one hung out alone facing the opposite direction. I wondered if it might be a Bristle-thighed Curlew but I could not see much, if any difference, from the other two

whimbrels

Same 2 whimbrels

same 2 whimbrels

Whimbrel

Whimbrel (I took a lot of photos)

Whimbrel

Whimbrel

The alleged Whimbrel that kept its distance from the others but moved with them when they moved

Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Owlets on the Ledge


When I reached the top of the loft ladder tonight (May 2nd), I saw the backs of baby Barn Owls on the ledge and heard them begging. I was afraid to go up for fear of scaring them into jumping off the ledge onto the lower roof.


But the goats needed their hay. So I went up.

I need not have feared. The little brats had no intention of going anywhere... not even back into their box.





 Well, one did disappear but apparently behind the others.



I went ahead and threw down hay for the goats.  When I started downstairs, I turned to look at the ledge as the babies had stopped begging while I was up there. I guess they were trying to look nonchalant here, or maybe they thought I couldn't see them if they only looked at me with one eye.


I just hope they don't attract any hungry Barred or Great Horned Owls while they are begging at the ledge. I would hate for them to become dinner for a more aggressive species.

We have never had baby owls come out of the box so early before. I hope that doesn't mean they are not getting enough to eat.