Fauna From the Kansas Trip

Made the trip to Salina, Kansas for the holiday and had a wonderful visit. I was able to scan many of the folk's old photos for future use. I spent Christmas day at my brother's house in the country and was pleased that there was a bird feeder just outside the front window; so, I got some great pictures that will be shown below. But first, I want to post the pics taken on the first morning of my stay. My son and I got up early and drove north and east of Salina and this is what we saw...

Coyote














Turkey
















Another Coyote














Whitetail Deer
















In addition to the above, we also saw a couple Ringnecked Pheasant.

These pictures are taken at my brother's house west of Salina...

Downy Woodpecker















Northern Cardinal















Northern Cardinal (f)















Pine Siskin















Junco (slate race)















Junco (slate, immature)















Harris Sparrow















I was particularly pleased to get these photos of the Harris. At home in Utah the most common Sparrow is the House Sparrow. This individual is still in the immature phase as told by the sandy cap and blotchy black spots on the neck. When mature, this Harris will have a full black face, chin, and neck.















These photos are from my Mom's backyard (from the back window)...

Brown Creeper. Its small and directly in the center of the photo.















Another Northern Cardinal













A close up of Mike, the Red Squirrel.















It was a great trip and I can't wait for my next trip to Kansas!

Out.

Bird activity at Gary's feeders

UPDATE

This hawk just swooped in after being attracted by all the bird activity. I wasn't watching
at the time, but I heard the sound of rushing wings and went to the window. There were
no birds at the feeders, but I did see this guy sitting in my tree empty handed. Although it is
sometimes easier to identify a hawk in flight, I believe it is the Sharp-shinned Hawk; they
are common in this area.

I know...my kids have already said it, "Dad, our backyard looks like a bird zoo".
I prefer to use the word "aviary" to describe the little sanctuary I've created for my little
friends. You will see the following species in this short video: House Sparrow, Dark-eyed
Junko, House Finch, Black-capped Chickadee, Black-billed Magpie. Enjoy!:



Here are some stills taken shortly after the video. I'm highlighting the Dark-eyed Junko
so you can see the difference between that and the Sparrow.














Notice the dark hood around the Junko's head as compared to the Sparrow. This guy is the Oregon Race (pink side)




























Here is a pic of the Roufus-sided Towhee along side the House Finches. This one is the western race, commonly called the Spotted Towhee.

The Common Flicker. This one is the red-shafted race (immature).

The Downy Woodpecker (female).














The Black-capped Chickadee.













The Mourning Dove.