Weekly Chat (Non-Osprey), 11 October 2015

HAPPY NEW WEEK!

Last week's Chat thread is here.

I had a funny bird experience a week or so ago. I put it on my Facebook page, and I thought some of you who like corvids might enjoy it.

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I heard something drumming outdoors on the sill under my kitchen window. I assumed it was one of the woodpeckers again. Both the Red-Bellied and the Hairy woodpeckers have persisted in pecking there this year. (Some delicious larvae must be under that wood.) I said, "Stop that!" The bird quit briefly, and then started again. I shouted, "Now, quit that. You know you can't do that!" A head popped up at the bottom of the window!

A huge Blue Jay stared at me. He was sitting on a small branch that rests against the wall of my house. He was so cute! I told him he had to stop damaging the window. He climbed up the branch and looked in at me, cocking his head. He didn't screech. He just put his face as close as possible to the glass. He looked so comical that I was laughing. I stood still, but I talked to him for several moments. At one point, he started warbling like he was trying to imitate me. (Blue Jays are corvids and are great mimics. They're known for imitating hawks, so they can clear the vicinity of other birds and have all the food.)

This jay's head crest was down, so he wasn't the least bit distressed -- just curious, I guess. He walked up the branch and looked back at me once more before he finally flew.

Blue Jays differ in appearance. They can vary a lot in their facial characteristics and coloring. This was the biggest one I've ever seen, and he had an odd look with a larger face and eyes than the other jays on my patch.

He could be a subspecies from somewhere else. He may have been a migrating bird or possibly an east coast bird who flew here to get away from Hurricane Joaquin, which was threatening at that time. I even wondered whether some Green Jays from Texas have found their way here and are interbreeding with the blues. I don't know whether that's ever been documented or is even possible.

I smiled all day thinking about the little fella. I hope he has a good winter with lots of food available.

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Everyone have a great week!!! Monday night is the New Moon (the dark moon).

  • Cooler this evening, but muggier tomorrow.

    Lindybird: Tomasz gets cuter all the time. It will be interesting to see how the brothers are similar/different. Good plan to share visiting relative. :-)

    Diane: Two glasses of wine under my belt and watching The Debate, which is proving more lively than I anticipated.

  • Annette: We're only 40 minutes in, and I've already had to take two antacids and a blood pressure med. Sigh...

  • Diane:  :-))   Well, it's over and I thought it was a good debate, especially when compared to the - Bernie (?) said it this evening "the food fight" that was the Republican debate, where all they did was insult and put each other down with snide remarks.  I also though Anderson did well - his backup questions were good and he seemed to have a lot of facts at hand for those.  Hillary was very polished and clearly well prepared. 

  • Lindy: The photos of Matthew and Tomasz are adorable. They look very sweet in their little outfits. I'm glad the wedding went smoothly.

    Brenda: I'm glad that Margo seemed happier. Best to you, Margo!

    Wendy: I hope Daisy is okay.

    Annette: Have sent you an email.

    Everyone: I loved this surreal photo of a Northern Hawk Owl.

  • Good Morning, All.   Dull here but not too cold.

    George:  Thanks for the tip re the tablet - I will take a look at it.

    Diane:  Love the Owl and the look on his face!!

    dibnlib:  Your friends are brave, taking on that dangerous hobby.  I do admire them enormously, though, and once would have said that I would love to have a go at it!  Maybe not, now......

    Pic of Amber to follow.....

  • Amber was not in evidence during the official pics taken outside, as she was whisked away by the Nanny they employed for the day in case she disrupted proceedings:  she was not there during the ceremony because at one year old she would be too young to remember it later, and would probably have been a distraction.  However, we had time with her before and afterwards and she was her usual inquisitive self.

    Pic of her wondering if she can play with Mummy's Lucky Horseshoe:

    On this photo you can also see detail of the beautiful lace which the Bride wore.  It was a deep hyacinth blue and was reflected in some of the flowers, too.

  • Must dash off now, a full day ahead!  Have a good day, everyone!

  • Good Morning Everyone.

    Rain overnight, but dry and cold this morning. The NE wind really is very cold.

    Annette / Diane, I have seen parts of your debate, on this morning's news. I did laugh at your remarks last night.

    Linda, Thank you for a photograph of Amber. She is gorgeous. Enjoy today and let your visitor do all the talking. LOL

    Diane, Love the owl pic. Levetation ? Super capture.

    OG / EE, I think you are leaving today for OG's screening tomorrow. Hope you have an easy and safe drive, and Best Wishes for tomorrow, OG. 

  • Great piece from Lord Krebs which blows all the recent NFU claims right out of the water.

    From 8m 21 sec

  • WENDY   do hope Daisy is feeling better.

    OG safe journey to you both.

    LINDY  lovely photos, thank you