Two things new this week in my yard.
1) Grackles! Very used to them when I lived in suburbs & city, not so much in Elizabeth. We've lived in Elizabeth for almost 20 years and never seen them until this week.
2) Mystery bird. This bird did show up several weeks ago and I cannot find it in any of my bird books. Size of a starling, smooth medium grey body, grey beak, no distinguishing body marks (none) & eating worms from bluebird feeder. The closest I've seen is a Townsend's Solitaire, but no eye ring & no wing marks. Any ideas?
Lots of bluebird battles. Several males appearing to battle. Houses seem to be far enough apart (1/2 acre) that I wouldn't think it would be the cause.
We did have one pair of Western Tanagers that hung out about a week after the rest left. I've been working a lot this week so not sure if they're still around.
Juncos never used to stick around during mating season until this year. Not sure where they're nesting?
Not a lot of hummingbirds like earlier in the year. This may be because there are so many options for wildflowers as alternatives to my feeder & yard. Road 21 has huge patches of penstemon that they may be taking advantage of.
Leslie
Elizabeth, CO