Flora and Fauna in the City

Before the deluge began again, we were fortunate to be outside enjoying the sights and sounds of spring.

In our backyard My Sweetie added two new birds to his non-life list*, White-crowned Sparrow and Rose-breasted Grosbeak. Of the two the former was new for me.

This sparrow is an unassuming bird until he turns his head, showing his distinctive black and white stripes.

White-crowned Sparrow taking a bath

White-crowned Sparrow all dry

Rose-breasted Grosbeak


All the usual suspects were here enjoying the fine weather. More than a dozen Goldfinches enjoyed the niger seed. The males are once again bright yellow, having shed their drab winter coats. House Finches joined them. Tufted Titmice, Black-capped Chickadees, and Nuthatches enjoyed a repast of safflower and black oil sunflower seeds. Our suet cakes were visited by several Woodpeckers (Downy, Hairy, Northern Flicker, and Red-bellied).

The Robins were harrying a Blue Jay. Wonder where the nest is?

We heard the Red-winged Blackbirds before they enjoyed a drink at our bird bath. This is a great site to hear their distinctive calls: Cornell Lab of Orinthology.

Red-winged blackbird

Two male cardinals fussed with each other. Maybe one was junior from last year’s clutch. One was finally chased off. Two males coexisted peacefully all winter. But now it is breeding season and a male is very territorial.



Every spring we head to Lake View Cemetery to follow the red arrows to enjoy the flower tour. In the early spring Daffodil Hill is covered with tens of thousands of blooms. This past week it was time for the cherries, crabapples, dogwoods, magnolias, and redbuds to take center stage along with a few late season tulips.

Flowering Crabapple

As we approached Wade Chapel , we spotted a family of Canada Geese. Yep, that is the correct name for this common bird but I grew up calling them Canadian Geese. Mama and Papa were keeping a close eye on their goslings.


Out for a stroll

While My Sweetie was taking their picture, an employee of the cemetery stopped and asked if we had seen the one that lives in an urn. He first explained where to find it. Then said, “Follow me.” It was worth the side trip.


Is that really comfortable?


How close can we get?

As I look out at the gray and the endless rain, I cannot believe that just a few days ago I was looking for my hat to protect my face as we drove through the cemetery.


*That’s what we call our list since we are not birders with a capital B.

*****
Thanks to My Sweetie for all the photos.