Hello, Junior Ornithologists! This is a new kind of post we'll be doing called "Staff Log." Each week, either me, Rose, or Jill (we'll be taking turns) will post an interesting bird observation or experience with birds that we've had in the past week or ever. Enjoy!
One September day I was sitting on the windowsill, watching birds eat seeds from the feeders, when a little White Breasted Nuthatch flew into our tree. It was just an ordinary White Breasted Nuthatch, but it was hanging around the empty suet feeder. Then a Gray Catbird flew in and began approaching the suet feeder. Once it was close, the little Nuthatch jumped at it and tried to shoo it away. The Catbird tried a few more times, but then then the Nuthatch lost its temper. It jumped at the Catbird and spread its wings out. It then moved side to side, while sitting on a branch. The Catbird finally backed off, but a few more Gray Catbirds came in. The Nuthatch continued to stand its ground, though. The Catbirds, which would migrate away once it got cold, were just curious about what the little green cage was all about. The Nuthatch, on the other hand, had been there last Winter, and knew that suet was good and it was coming, so it defended the suet cage from birds that it thought wanted to eat the suet once it was placed in the suet cage. Birds spreading out their wings is also a common means of defense - it makes them look bigger and more intimidating.
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December 2016
About RoseI am Rose, a 12 year old birdwatcher and the founder of Junior Ornithologists! I REALLY love birds and have since I was five years old. I also know a lot about birds and, through this website, I hope to share my knowledge with you! About JillHi! I'm Jill, and I like birds just as much as Rose does. The first word I learned to say was bird! My favorite birds are perigrine falcons and snowy owls. I can't wait to share information about birds with everyone!
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