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Al Beckley posted a blog post

Broad winged hawk

Another backyard hawk attack; this time a broad winged hawk took a robin. I didn't see it make the kill, but it hung around for 15 minutes enjoying its dinner. I closed the dog door so it could eat in peace. Awesome bird! I need to get a decent digital camera so I can record these visits.See More

Apr 1

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leslie lewis commented on Al Beckley's blog post Mockingbird vs. Squirrel

"The squirrels also like a little breakfast of bird eggs. Our scrub jays handle these robbers with tag team karate."

Mar 28

Al Beckley replied to Kitty Fournier's discussion Need help with Id please

"My guess is some kind of egret."

Mar 27

Al Beckley posted a blog post

Mockingbird vs. Squirrel

Yesterday I heard a racket in the neighbor's yard, and looked to see what was going on. A squirrel was being dive-bombed by a mockingbird! It didn't matter if the squirrel ran up the tree, jumped to the ground, circled the tree or leapt to another tree, that mockingbird kept up his pursuit, squawking and pecking. The squirrel gave up after a few minutes of this abuse and fled. With all the squirrel pilfering of my bird feeders, I was glad to chalk one up for the birds.See More

Mar 27

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Al Beckley posted a blog post

Thanks for the feedback, Amy. Cedar waxwings are now my favorite bird, they are just so cool-looking. I may plant a berry bush to lure them back to stay.

Thanks for the feedback, Amy. Cedar waxwings are now my favorite bird, they are just so cool-looking. I may plant a berry bush to lure them back to stay.See More

Feb 12

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Amy commented on Al Beckley's blog post Cedar Waxwing Communal Bathing?

"Hi Al, I think it's fairly common for waxwings to flock together not only as they feed, forage and travel, but also as they bathe. I have seen groups of them at my own bird baths and like you I have seen them get bullied off the bath by robins.…"

Feb 12

Al Beckley posted a blog post

Cedar Waxwing Communal Bathing?

This past weekend I had over a dozen cedar waxwings flock to my back yard. They perched in my pin oak tree, then one by one flew down to my bird bath. They didn't get to stay long, for a robin fought them off. I have never seen other birds gather in such numbers around a bird bath. Is this common for cedar waxwings?See More

Feb 8

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Patrick Carney commented on Al Beckley's blog post Dove attacked in my back yard

"A few days ago, I was eating, breakfast when a cooper's hawk snatched away a sparrow that was drinking in the fountain I have in my yard. I guess I ate breakfast with the hawk."

Nov 1, 2011

Amanda Lynn Warfield commented on Al Beckley's blog post Dove attacked in my back yard

"My Jack Russel Terrier killed a House Finch and tried to attack Black Vultures, so dont feel alone."

Nov 1, 2011

Becky Coley commented on Al Beckley's blog post Dove attacked in my back yard

"Oh, yeah, especially now, as so many birds are attracted to feeders. I think feeders are kind of like McDonald's for raptors! I've seen many Cooper's hawks fly through and into shrubbery and flowerbeds, actively searching for…"

Oct 31, 2011

Al Beckley posted a blog post

Dove attacked in my back yard

While sitting at my picnic table in my back yard, I heard a commotion behind me. I turned around and caught a glimpse of a large bird taking off and a mourning dove flapping frantically on the ground. My doberman started chasing the dove, but I called him off. It lay still with its wings outspread, seemingly panting and blinking its eyes. I decided to leave it alone for awhile and took my dog inside. After ten minutes or so, I went back outside to check on it to see if it recovered or…See More

Oct 30, 2011

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Al Beckley commented on Miyoko Chu's video