Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Cap'n Jack and gamebirds

Jerusalem, Israel.
~6-~13 degrees C today, at about 5 p.m. ~12 degrees C, wind 2.6 kt SE. Sky pretty clear but somewhat hazy. Humidity 69%
House sparrows and white spectacled bulbuls vocal in the garden, bulbul, the harsh grating call and the three tone call. Hooded crows calls from farther off.

Taking off down the valley road, no hyrax out but 2 chukar partridges foraging in the cypress slum area. A feral cat alarmed them and they took flight, joined up with three more chukar farther along the bank, Presently all five headed off in the direction of the pumping station. Calls of graceful warbler and black redstarts heard along there. Husband spotted Cap'n Jack (Eurasian sparrowhawk) flying north a few dozen feet over the canopy of east valley. Nice continuous view of the bird for most of his flight.

We were a bit late today and light already too dim for flower photos, indeed most of the smaller birds had turned into roost by the time we got to look-out corner, and struck out on gazelle as well but stopped to admire some gorgeous song of duelling blackbirds by central path near the owl glade. One bird in particular was putting on almost an excessive virtuoso performance we both couldn't resist doing our Randy Jackson and Simon Cowell impersonations. 'Well check it out! Some pitch problems in the higher registers but all in all a very nice vocal performance!' 'I don't know what you're hearing, sounded a bit oversung to me with a hint of desperation..'

Swift scream heard about sunset. Brief Eurasian jay appearance by orchard and Eucalyptus grove.

In Somerset, England today temperatures about the same as yesterday though wind veered to easterlies.
The feeders were as usual super busy with greenfinches, chaffinches, bluetits, great tits, nuthatch, coal tit, long tailed tits, female great spotted woodpecker yet again, marsh tit and a hen pheasant, perched by the squirrel feeder this time. A grey squirrel also came by. I took a few images but have not yet decided which to share.

Meanwhile in South California, James Reserve,
Today the sun is shining, at just after 8 a.m. temp was 37 degrees F, wind 3 kt WNW and a white breasted nuthatch was already on the tray feeder. Those little chaps look quite lethal to be around, with their extraordinary slender stiletto like bill. If I were another bird I'd keep out of swiping distance! Purple finches, mountain tits, pygmy nuthatches and a steller's jay showed up soon after. I see the seed tubes have been refilled but the fat block has not yet been replaced and no sign of those brown creepers again :(
I'm sure if these feeders are watched for much longer than I can spare, the species yield would be much better. I've noticed about 15 species here in all lately and I'm sure there are more.

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

As being a fresh blogger I discovered this information quite helpful, thanks for sharing

Anonymous said...

Thanks to you for your post relating to this subject, it had been very helpful.

Anonymous said...

This information offered me a wonderful thought about this matter. Excellent efforts. Cheers

Anonymous said...

hi there great perception data expressing, expect this will be really ideal for everybody

Anonymous said...

Excellent one. My group is truly glad for this reliable information

Anonymous said...

Incredibly, excellent content. Appreciate your sharing this kind of goods. I must say i recognize it

Anonymous said...

Many thanks for revealing this specific nice post with a decent subject, this form of fantastic natural talent which you have.

Anonymous said...

Very good one. I'm just definitely glad for your reliable information

Anonymous said...

Wonderful! Cheers for this post! It was very useful.

Anonymous said...

I intended to write you this bit of remark in order to thank you yet again on the pretty pointers you've featured in this article. This is so tremendously generous with people like you to convey unreservedly exactly what a lot of people would have advertised for an ebook to earn some profit on their own, even more so considering that you might have tried it if you ever decided. Those pointers in addition worked like the great way to fully grasp that many people have similar dreams much like my very own to understand lots more on the topic of this condition. I am sure there are a lot more pleasant instances up front for individuals that look into your site.

Anonymous said...

Hey all, my best friend just told myself relating to this discussion board and so I thought i would arrive and take a search and also present my own self, Looks an incredible internet site with a ton of participants!