Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Barred Owl


The Barred Owl is another impressive owl commonly found (and more commonly, heard) around the farm. The Barred Owl's call is similar to the Great Horned Owl. I've read that the Great Horned tends to be about five hoots (Who who who whowho?) and, I don't know, more dignified? Resonant?

The Barred Owl's call, on the other hand, tends to be about eight hoots (Who cooks for you? who cooks for YOU-ou?). And I've heard it compared to more of a kazoo sound, to the Great Horned's oboe.

Great Horned Owl


 The Great Horned Owl. I mean, say no more, right?

Sunday, February 7, 2021

Golden-Crowned Kinglet


The Golden-Crowned Kinglet might be seen as just another little brown songbird, perhaps a sparrow or wren. But it has a bright yellow cap on its head (hence, the name) and, at least for me, that caught my eye and helped me recognize the yellowish/olive color feathers on their bodies. Found especially near evergreens and in shrubs.

Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker

At a quick glance, this might appear to be a Downy or Hairy Woodpecker, but the striping on its head and hint of yellow in his chest lets us know it's a Yellow-Bellied Sapsucker.

Pileated Woodpecker


 The Pileated Woodpecker... the stereotypical "woody woodpecker" type of woodpecker, with his laughing call and heavy jackhammer knocking on trees. Sometimes called The Good Lord Bird! (or Lord God Bird) because of their size, which might cause some to make such an exclamation. Although more typically, that term belongs to the similar, but slightly larger, Ivory-Billed Woodpecker. The Ivory-Billed Woodpecker is believed to be extinct, but just in the last 50-70 years.

We hold out hope to spot an Ivory-Billed one day, but until then, there are plenty of Pileated Woodpeckers to watch.