Wildlife November 2010

[TheOnionMan]

Following up on my mis-ID of large (huge) flocks of migrating birds as starlings, and the ensuing discussion as to the ID, I have a few more photos.  Typically these massive flocks make appearances in my yard when I'm in the yard, and not wearing glasses (I use glasses for distance, but do not use them when working outdoors), so not getting a good up-close look.  The slightest movement to get a closer view results in mass-exodus and return to frenzied flight.

Today, more seemingly endless flocks arrived, thousands upon thousands, the chatter audible inside the house even though closed up on this cold rainy day.  My wife came running into our basement office to tell me about thousands of birds totally surrounding our house and neighbor's yards, and every tree blackened by the masses.  Once again my slow-shuttered camera is almost useless to capture impressive clouds of birds, so what I post will have to do.

Taking a few pictures yesterday and today, when zoomed in, I can see iridescent blue head feathers.  This suggests they are not Rusty Blackbird.  So maybe these are either Brewer's Blackbird (Euphagus cyanocephalus) or Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula), however they don't strike me as being as large as Grackles.  I'm still not sure.  A quick trip to the garden after the invasion showed that their frenetic rooting around in the garden beds is not something to be pleased with.

By the way, I have been viewing lots of smaller flocks (50-100 birds) of European Starling as well, with their stumpy tails, now discrening the difference even without my glasses on.

[mark smyth]

wow Mark! You live at the edge of the woods?

[mark smyth]

Anthony I thought of you today while watching Deadly 60. I watch it every day. Today they were on Madagascar and featured chameolens. The largest and smallest were shown
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00tttgr/Deadly_60_Series_Two_Madagascar/

That TV programme should be an hour long and shown at prime time

[angie]

That's amazing  

Angie

[mark smyth]

Graham you are not the only one who has never seen a waxwing. Watching Autumn Watch tonight Nick Baker hasnt seen one and Martin Hughs-Games has only just seen his first - on Mull!

[mark smyth]

do I watch too much TV? Dont answer 

On River Cottage tonight they made dandelion jam. The guy told us there are 230 ssp / micro species of dandelion

[Paul T]

Mark,

I agree with your assessment of Deadly 60.  Brilliant programme.

[David Nicholson]

do I watch too much TV? Dont answer 

Yes, I think you do Mark but given your age now this brings you nearer to the status of a Radio 4 listener. You should give it a try

[Anthony Darby]

I'm a Radio 3 listener when % live is diriving me nuts, but I only listen in the car.

I still have my two Madagascan chameleons (Sundance and Etta), which form the basis of my school reptile club.

[mark smyth]

do I watch too much TV? Dont answer 

Yes, I think you do Mark but given your age now this brings you nearer to the status of a Radio 4 listener. You should give it a try

I'm a radio 1 listener and have been up very early all week to watch the Chris Moyle Show on the red button as they tour around the country. Today they are in Perth

[mark smyth]

Three new wildlife programmes start tonight on BBC4 which is on channel 116. Life, Birds Britannia and Johnny Kingdoms Year With Birds

[mark smyth]

Birds Britannia looks at a history of the British love of birds
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vnf8d/Birds_Britannia_Garden_Birds/

Johnny Kingdom showed 18 wrens roosting in one nest box
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b00vnf8g/Johnny_Kingdoms_Year_with_the_Birds_Episode_1/

UK only

[Stephenb]

On River Cottage tonight they made dandelion jam. The guy told us there are 230 ssp / micro species of dandelion

Cruelty to Dandelions, I say, and I'll be contacting the RSPCD forthwith  Dandelions are one of the most healthy vegetables out there and I'm shocked anyone would add masses of sugar to them...

[Stephenb]

Talking of jam, there was almost a Redpoll Jam in my garden today, so many were there on the birch trees they could hardly move ( I estimated about 300). One poor picture below. There was a heavy snowfall here today which forced many late stayers down to the coast where I am - Blackbirds, Redwings, Fieldfares, Woodpigeons, Waxwings... The garden was heaving with birds, making it perilous to go about my last minute business putting the garden to "bed" for the winter... 

[mark smyth]

Redpolls make a lovely sound.

A waxwing/s have reached Cornwall. Do they know there is no land further west until they reach America?