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Pennsylvania Birds

Check out this live feed of birds at a birdfeeder in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 238March 23, 2022 11:22 AM

I really enjoy watching these VIGOROUS creatures at the bird feeder.

Does this make me a little old lady?

by Anonymousreply 1January 13, 2022 12:59 PM

I just bought a couple of bird feeders and bird seed… I used to have them years ago, but couldn’t keep the squirrels out. How do you keep them out of the open, flat bird feeder?

Thanks for the video, OP!

by Anonymousreply 2January 13, 2022 12:59 PM

R2- I used to have a bird feeder. I even attracted a beautiful wild male Turkey. I would put out high end bird seed just for him. Unfortunately I attracted RATS too and some of them got into the house so I had to stop feeding the birds. In the summer especially I would see all sorts of beautiful birds including two or three types of woodpeckers.

by Anonymousreply 3January 13, 2022 1:05 PM

Thanks, OP—I was just thinking that it's time for another birdwatching thread. I filled my feeder last week after getting home after the holidays, but barely any birds have visited. I've had one junco, a song sparrow who chases away the juncos, and a mourning dove. Once a house sparrow and a pair of cardinals. WHERE ARE THE BIRDS?

by Anonymousreply 4January 13, 2022 1:05 PM

R4- I don't know where you live but wait until it snows several inches THEN you bird feeder will be busy as a cafeteria at lunchtime.

by Anonymousreply 5January 13, 2022 1:11 PM

OP, what are those big fat speckled birds who just visited the flat feeder?

by Anonymousreply 6January 13, 2022 1:13 PM

I had that type woodpecker recently at my feeding place (my driveway)! Never before! I routinely get house finches, English sparrows, cardinals, blue jays, ravens, mourning doves, catbirds, and chickadees. Just got two more bags of birdseed from Amazon!

by Anonymousreply 7January 13, 2022 1:15 PM

The speckled birds are starlings.

by Anonymousreply 8January 13, 2022 1:16 PM

Little snappy bitches

by Anonymousreply 9January 13, 2022 1:17 PM

Starlings, the bane of our existence.

by Anonymousreply 10January 13, 2022 1:17 PM

Thanks, OP! I'm actually from PA and it does my heart good to see that familiar scenery.

by Anonymousreply 11January 13, 2022 1:18 PM

If inflation keeps up, we will be eating these birds.

by Anonymousreply 12January 13, 2022 1:19 PM

Oh wow, white-crowned sparrow! They don't come around where I live.

by Anonymousreply 13January 13, 2022 1:23 PM

R11- I live just north of NYC but these are definitely the type of birds I used to see when I had a bird feeder so it's familiar territory to me too.

by Anonymousreply 14January 13, 2022 1:24 PM

Cowbirds, boo!

by Anonymousreply 15January 13, 2022 1:25 PM

Thanks, R8 and R10 -- I thought starlings were solid black, like crows. I've never seen them here in California but, when we lived in Ohio, my father used to curse them for pooping on our car -- I always wondered why he parked under that tree, since he couldn't control the birds but he could choose where he parked. I guess he didn't know what they looked like and maybe it was really crows doing the pooping?

by Anonymousreply 16January 13, 2022 1:38 PM

So far I've seen: house finches, house sparrows, starlings, cardinals, blue jays, titmouse, white-crowned sparrow, red-bellied woodpecker, cowbirds, goldfinch, red-winged blackbird.

Some birds, like juncos, won't fly up onto the feeder—we're likely missing a few species who are underneath off-camera.

And am I hearing a white-throated sparrow?

by Anonymousreply 17January 13, 2022 1:44 PM

The Blue Jay is sort of the KING of the Pennsylvania jungle because ALL the birds fly away when he/she is at the birdfeeder.

by Anonymousreply 18January 13, 2022 1:48 PM

Not the starlings, R18 -- in fact, the jay takes off when the starlings stay. But the jay doesn't look intimidated, maybe just bored?

by Anonymousreply 19January 13, 2022 1:56 PM

Another cowbird infestation!

by Anonymousreply 20January 13, 2022 1:59 PM

R20- I would say more of a STARLING infestation. Those Starlings look real aggressive too.

by Anonymousreply 21January 13, 2022 2:02 PM

I add white-breasted nuthatch to my list at R17.

by Anonymousreply 22January 13, 2022 2:03 PM

R4, Put out some mixed nuts and watch the birds show up!

by Anonymousreply 23January 13, 2022 2:08 PM

I'm back and so are the PA birds! I'm hearing a Carolina wren now—hope it comes to the feeder.

by Anonymousreply 24January 14, 2022 11:37 AM

What are the black/blue birds with dark brown heads?

by Anonymousreply 25January 14, 2022 12:22 PM

R25- The birds you’re referring to might be female Cow birds.

by Anonymousreply 26January 14, 2022 12:28 PM

Thanks, R26 -- that's what they are, per Google Images. I wish these birds were wearing name tags!

by Anonymousreply 27January 14, 2022 12:31 PM

I think R26 means *male* cowbirds—the females and juveniles are overall brown. This webcam is an excellent way to get familiar with lots of different birds, but yes, they should have name tags. Let this thread be the name tags!

by Anonymousreply 28January 14, 2022 12:34 PM

I'm in Calif, where we don't have cardinals. I remember them from growing up in the Midwest -- the bright red so beautiful against the snowy background! Nice to see them here in PA.

by Anonymousreply 29January 14, 2022 12:53 PM

That bird shit on my hair, Ike!

That fucking feeder has to GO or I'm not getting out of bed.

by Anonymousreply 30January 14, 2022 12:59 PM

Mourning dove on the feeder!

by Anonymousreply 31January 14, 2022 1:12 PM

[quote] Mourning dove on the feeder!

Those fat whores!

by Anonymousreply 32January 14, 2022 1:19 PM

R28- The male cowbirds have reddish heads not the females.

by Anonymousreply 33January 14, 2022 1:20 PM

Pigeons found my feeder, those are the real fat whores. Luckily a Coopers Hawk likes to eat one every few days. That’s gladiator style entertainment in my yard.

by Anonymousreply 34January 14, 2022 1:21 PM

I wouldn't call the male cowbirds' heads "reddish," they're pretty plainly brown, if maybe a chestnut brown. Their bodies are blue-black. The female and juvenile cowbirds are a plainer brown all over. R33, are you thinking of the house finches? They're brown-striped but the males have cherry red heads and breasts.

by Anonymousreply 35January 14, 2022 1:34 PM

There's a male Cardinal at the bird feeder. He's beautiful but it looks like he's missing an eye. Poor bird.

by Anonymousreply 36January 14, 2022 1:34 PM

What are these birds with red heads and breast, black or dark grey stripes on pale brown bodies, medium long tail?

by Anonymousreply 37January 14, 2022 7:04 PM

Gay birds

by Anonymousreply 38January 14, 2022 7:08 PM

R37-You don't mean this bird?

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 39January 14, 2022 7:11 PM

That's it, R39 -- thanks! Lots of them when I tuned in about half an hour ago. According to the article you linked, they're all over the country but I've never noticed them here in Calif -- probably because they're so common and don't make a lot of fuss to attract attention.

by Anonymousreply 40January 14, 2022 7:48 PM

I'm just north of NYC and it's only 9 degrees fahrenheit I hope the PRECIOUS, PRICELESS birds of Gettysburg PA aren't freezing their tale feathers.

by Anonymousreply 41January 15, 2022 1:01 PM

R41, weatherunderground.com says that the current temperature in Gettysburg is 16F, so not much warmer than yours. But the birdies look fine, enjoying a late breakfast. What's the big black bird that just arrived, with red/orange stripe on its wings?

by Anonymousreply 42January 15, 2022 1:09 PM

R42- That's a beautiful Red Winged Blackbird

by Anonymousreply 43January 15, 2022 1:12 PM

I was in Cleveland last week at a nature preserve that's in the middle of the lakefront---lots of birds and birders, even with temps in the teens and a good wind. They have feathers. They can make wind work for them. The cold weather whiners always seem so....dumb.

by Anonymousreply 44January 15, 2022 1:14 PM

Thank you again, OP, for letting me share these cold winter days with the starlings and cowbirds of PA. My feeder has still failed to attract anything this week but a couple of house sparrows yesterday and a song sparrow who chased away the one junco.

by Anonymousreply 45January 15, 2022 1:15 PM

R45- All you need is one good snowstorm. Once the ground is completely covered in several inches of snow then ALL types of birds will come from miles around to feast on your bird seed.

by Anonymousreply 46January 15, 2022 1:20 PM

Thanks, R43 -- that guy's quite a looker.

by Anonymousreply 47January 15, 2022 1:22 PM

OP has inspired me. I hung out a few bird feeders yesterday. It’s about 15 degrees out here in suburban Philly.

by Anonymousreply 48January 15, 2022 1:26 PM

R46, speaking of snow, the snow on the ground in Gettysburg has really diminished just in the couple of days I've been watching this live cam. I'd love to watch a snowstorm on this, we don't get those here in Silicon Valley.

by Anonymousreply 49January 15, 2022 1:29 PM

I can't blame the birds for wanting a free lunch or I should say breakfast this time of the day. If you're a wild bird or any other wild creature it's a FULL TIME job looking for food. It's hard work a lot of the time , except for Rabbits in the summer. They just sit on my lawn and nibble on the grass right in front of them.

by Anonymousreply 50January 15, 2022 1:29 PM

R49- Wow you're up early for a Saturday morning. It's only 6:30 am California time.

by Anonymousreply 51January 15, 2022 1:30 PM

R51, I've been here since 5 a.m. -- I'm usually up at 4 a.m. but sleep in a little on weekends. When this live cam was dark overnight, I could still see some deer in the yard.

by Anonymousreply 52January 15, 2022 1:37 PM

Here’s another one. Some big birds here!

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by Anonymousreply 53January 15, 2022 1:41 PM

We'll see, OP/R46. Normally I have a livelier crowd even without snow. I'm wondering if a neighbor is siphoning them away with more lavish offerings—and the steady chopping-down of mature trees in this neighborhood isn't helping, either. But maybe it's only because I was away over the holidays and the birds haven't gotten the message that I'm back in business yet.

My song sparrow has now been joined by a mourning dove.

by Anonymousreply 54January 15, 2022 2:20 PM

I'm watching this live feed now. NO birds for several minutes. I can hear the birds nearby but none at the bird feeders.

by Anonymousreply 55January 15, 2022 4:03 PM

Probably installing two bird feeders is what has kept me somewhat sane over the past 2 years.

It is snowing and there are several bird gangs out there.

by Anonymousreply 56January 15, 2022 6:32 PM

The birds haven’t found my feeders yet… it’s going to be really cold the next few days, I hope they find them!

by Anonymousreply 57January 15, 2022 6:33 PM

The cam at R53 is marred by the presence of squirrels on the feeder, keeping all the birds away. They need to get some squirrel baffles.

by Anonymousreply 58January 15, 2022 8:41 PM

Cool- I just saw a big beautiful crow fly onto the tray and make off with two peanuts in his mouth.

by Anonymousreply 59January 16, 2022 1:41 PM

I'm hearing a woodpecker very close now—could it be banging on the people's house?

by Anonymousreply 60January 16, 2022 3:36 PM

I'd like to ask something I don't understand. Does it cost these people money to broadcast this?

by Anonymousreply 61January 16, 2022 3:39 PM

Woodpeckers only bang on houses (called drumming) in the spring when they're establishing territories or looking for lurv R60.

by Anonymousreply 62January 16, 2022 3:40 PM

Datalounge people I have an announcement to make- I've enjoyed watching these beautiful birds at the bird feeder in Gettysburg that I've just ordered a bird feeder and a ten pound bag of birdseed on Amazon. I should have both by Tuesday January 18. I can't wait to see my feathered friends right outside my window.

by Anonymousreply 63January 16, 2022 4:43 PM

Good luck, R63! Report back!

by Anonymousreply 64January 16, 2022 4:47 PM

R64- I will. Thanks.

by Anonymousreply 65January 16, 2022 4:48 PM

It's snowing! Birds seems undeterred so far.

by Anonymousreply 66January 16, 2022 7:11 PM

Looks like a winter wonderland out there!

by Anonymousreply 67January 16, 2022 7:47 PM

Wow... that snowfall is coming!

by Anonymousreply 68January 16, 2022 7:48 PM

I love the red finches and the cardinals. During a heavy snowstorm they don't feed right? They shelter?

by Anonymousreply 69January 16, 2022 7:54 PM

What are those spotted birds that seem dominant in the flat tray?

by Anonymousreply 70January 16, 2022 7:58 PM

R70- Those are Starlings

by Anonymousreply 71January 16, 2022 8:04 PM

Thank you, Clarice.

by Anonymousreply 72January 16, 2022 8:17 PM

So, it's weird (maybe) but we're expecting a big storm here in Toronto, too, and the birds and squirrels all seem to have gone into hiding. But there's no snow in the air like in the Penn webcam where they're eating up a storm in the same storm system.

by Anonymousreply 73January 16, 2022 8:21 PM

The cardinals are running the show right now.

by Anonymousreply 74January 16, 2022 8:42 PM

R74- OMG so MANY Cardinals at the bird feeder. I LOVE Cardinals so I don't mind.

by Anonymousreply 75January 16, 2022 8:47 PM

I love the occasional drop-ins by the white-crowned sparrows. They're very uncommon where I live.

by Anonymousreply 76January 16, 2022 8:54 PM

I watch that too, OP! At work I have it on another monitor throughout the day.

by Anonymousreply 77January 16, 2022 8:54 PM

The birds are there eating while it is snowing now. (4:56pm eastern),

by Anonymousreply 78January 16, 2022 8:57 PM

Snow has stopped falling but the ground is covered with it. Feeders and tray have been refilled and are busy. On the ground, there are orange patches that I assume are scattered seeds, since they're being visited by lots of birds -- but there are no footprints in the snow, so how did the seeds get there? Drones?

by Anonymousreply 79January 17, 2022 12:12 PM

Wow there's some wind out there now but the starlings and cowbirds are badass.

by Anonymousreply 80January 17, 2022 12:18 PM

I’ve been feeding wild birds since I was a kid in the Midwest, now in California and still feeding them. But I miss the Cardinals, we don’t have them on the West Coast. But we do have hummingbirds year round and I have goldfinches, chickadees, white crowned sparrows and scrub jays at my feeder.

by Anonymousreply 81January 17, 2022 12:36 PM

R81- Don't you miss Blue Jays as well. They're beautiful birds too.

by Anonymousreply 82January 17, 2022 12:37 PM

I live on the east coast and love my blue jays, but when I'm out west the Steller's jay is my spirit animal.

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by Anonymousreply 83January 17, 2022 12:40 PM

That Steller's Jay is a nice looking bird too.

by Anonymousreply 84January 17, 2022 12:47 PM

I'm in the San Francisco Bay area so it's fun to see all the snow on the live cam. I've been checking Wunderground.com for Gettysburg to see what conditions are there, and forecast to be there -- looks like gusty winds today, up to 20 MPH by noon (EST).

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by Anonymousreply 85January 17, 2022 12:47 PM

R85- I just asked Alexa- The temperature in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is 31 degrees with an expected high of 35 degrees.

by Anonymousreply 86January 17, 2022 12:50 PM

I realized these people in Gettysburg must spend a lot of money on food for the birds.

by Anonymousreply 87January 17, 2022 1:15 PM

R86, that sounds positively balmy after the last couple of days at 19F or lower!

by Anonymousreply 88January 17, 2022 1:39 PM

The birds are going through the seed twice as fast at the feeder lately. This time of year...cold, with little food availability. Even the deer partake the seed on the ground. I love it.

by Anonymousreply 89January 17, 2022 4:09 PM

It used to be just one fill at the feeder a day. Now, by noon, I have to fill it again. It does get expensive...but, it's worth it.

by Anonymousreply 90January 17, 2022 4:12 PM

Fat whore birds.

by Anonymousreply 91January 17, 2022 4:58 PM

R88, they sell dried corn if you want to feed more deers

by Anonymousreply 92January 17, 2022 7:44 PM

I notice that the birds disappear when the wind picks up. They stick around when it's snowing and as the temperature falls, but increased wind gets their attention -- is it because wind affects flight?

by Anonymousreply 93January 17, 2022 8:13 PM

My male cardinal stopped by for food today, just as I got to the garage window! But he quickly flew away, alas.

by Anonymousreply 94January 17, 2022 11:52 PM

Lots of deer back in the woods right now.

by Anonymousreply 95January 18, 2022 12:25 PM

I received my new bird feeder and ten pound bag of birdseed last night I set up the whole thing at 12:30 at night. I looked this morning but I have no feathered customers yet. Wish me luck.

by Anonymousreply 96January 18, 2022 1:03 PM

OP, sometimes it takes a little white for birds to discover it. When one bird feeds...then others will follow. They "tell" their friends. Good luck!

by Anonymousreply 97January 18, 2022 1:08 PM

...takes a little *while...^^

by Anonymousreply 98January 18, 2022 1:09 PM

Thanks R97 , R98

by Anonymousreply 99January 18, 2022 1:13 PM

And you'll soon find out that 10-pound bag might last all of 2 days.

by Anonymousreply 100January 18, 2022 1:19 PM

For now I'll have to content myself with my Pennsylvania feathered friends.

by Anonymousreply 101January 18, 2022 1:53 PM

It's like going to a gay bar in the old days. Today all of the HOT birds are showing up at the bird feeders - Cardinals, Blue Jays, Red Winged Blackbirds, Woodpecker. It's definitely NOT an off night or day I should say .

by Anonymousreply 102January 18, 2022 2:08 PM

A Northern Flicker just showed up -- VERY flamboyant!

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by Anonymousreply 103January 18, 2022 2:11 PM

R103- That is a beautiful bird. That must be the HOT woodpecker I saw a few minutes ago at the PA birdfeeder.

by Anonymousreply 104January 18, 2022 2:14 PM

I love Northern Flickers! They are one of my favorites. Usually, I get them at the suet feeder, but haven't seen any this year. They are very colorful, with beautiful markings...but when their wings are open...truly gorgeous birds. Yes...flamboyant!

by Anonymousreply 105January 18, 2022 2:17 PM

We get Goldfinches all year, but in winter, their bright yellow colors are dimmed down...dull looking. In the spring, during mating season, is when their yellow color brightens up. I love them, too.

by Anonymousreply 106January 18, 2022 2:22 PM

R105, & everybody: at the link is a picture of a Northern Flicker with wings spread.

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by Anonymousreply 107January 18, 2022 2:34 PM

At the Pennsylvania birdfeeder all seems to breathe freedom and peace and to make one forget the world and its sad turmoils.

by Anonymousreply 108January 18, 2022 4:20 PM

This is lovely, it looks like the BBC does this for about 12 hours a day.

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by Anonymousreply 109January 19, 2022 1:43 PM

Check out the live PA feed now

It's a FEEDING FRENZY!

by Anonymousreply 110January 19, 2022 8:22 PM

Must mean something's coming, weather-wise. The forecast says rain starts at 11 p.m. (EST), turning to snow at 4 a.m. (EST) tomorrow -- it's 4.30 p.m. (EST) there now. Maybe everyone's filling up before outdoor dining becomes too uncomfortable.

by Anonymousreply 111January 19, 2022 8:29 PM

R111- Maybe it's because it will be nighttime soon and the birds are getting last dibs in before they have to hunker down for the night.

by Anonymousreply 112January 19, 2022 8:32 PM

The birds are packing it in...getting ready for the night. Sleepy time.

by Anonymousreply 113January 19, 2022 9:38 PM

I had my Pagoda style bird feeder out ALL day Tuesday and Wednesday and no feathered customers. I had to bring the bird feeder in last night because they were predicting rain for hours then turning to snow. I will put it out again tomorrow.

by Anonymousreply 114January 20, 2022 2:10 PM

Usually in the rain and snow, is when the birds flock to the feeders....at least mine do.

by Anonymousreply 115January 20, 2022 3:49 PM

The birds are flocking to my feeders! Except when the neighbor’s cat is prowling…

by Anonymousreply 116January 20, 2022 5:13 PM

People check out the birdfeeders in Gettysburg , PA there's a TOTAL bird feeding FRENZY right now at 4:24pm.

by Anonymousreply 117January 20, 2022 8:24 PM

Lots of birds poking about on the ground too.

by Anonymousreply 118January 20, 2022 8:27 PM

Those are starlings. They come in as mobs and take over the feeders.

by Anonymousreply 119January 20, 2022 8:30 PM

Looks like a couple of cowbirds, too?

by Anonymousreply 120January 20, 2022 8:32 PM

One looked liked a r g blackbird and Wikipedia said that the winter as far north as Pennsylvania, but I find that surprising?

by Anonymousreply 121January 20, 2022 8:33 PM

R g

by Anonymousreply 122January 20, 2022 8:33 PM

Where does everyone get their bird seed? I got a couple of 6 lb bags from Amazon, and they’re almost gone! I’m in suburban Philly.

by Anonymousreply 123January 20, 2022 8:34 PM

R2 BB gun

by Anonymousreply 124January 20, 2022 8:34 PM

That was supposed to be r ged!

by Anonymousreply 125January 20, 2022 8:35 PM

R125 r ged, why does it keep correcting to that???

by Anonymousreply 126January 20, 2022 8:36 PM

This is weird, I’ve written red winged three times and seen it in print and then it defaults to that weird spelling when I post?

by Anonymousreply 127January 20, 2022 8:37 PM

R123...I get my seed from Chewy.com. I find the seed less expensive. I like to buy hulled sunflower seeds. A 6 pound bag at Chewy is under $12.00. A 5 pound bag at Lowes is around $21.00 (ridiculous!). Chewy delivers and usually, you get the seed the next day...or the day after, at the latest. I love it. It's cheaper and I don't have to drive anywhere. It's good quality seed, too. The birds love it.

by Anonymousreply 128January 20, 2022 8:39 PM

R123 In central PA most people buy their bulk birdseed from the Tractor Supply Store.

by Anonymousreply 129January 20, 2022 8:39 PM

R2...Get a squirrel proof feeder. There are many out there that work. You can go to Duncraft.com to see some examples, or just google it.

by Anonymousreply 130January 20, 2022 8:43 PM

You can get baffles to put around the pole that holds the feeder, too...to help keep squirrels out. Make sure not to put feeders near a tree, where squirrels can climb the tree, then jump onto the feeders.

by Anonymousreply 131January 20, 2022 8:46 PM

Don't worry, R127, we knew what you meant.

by Anonymousreply 132January 20, 2022 9:03 PM

Here come some deer.

Has anyone seen the hanging feeder on the left being refilled? It seems to become empty about once a day but then is full again next time I tune in -- like magic!

by Anonymousreply 133January 20, 2022 11:17 PM

There are auto-refill feeders. Joking...I wish there were. Would be a good invention...

by Anonymousreply 134January 21, 2022 1:14 AM

R134 you had me excited there for a second! I just refilled my feeders… second time in the last three days.

by Anonymousreply 135January 21, 2022 1:16 AM

😉 R135..

by Anonymousreply 136January 21, 2022 1:19 AM

I have a squirrel proof feeder and a kitchen window box that I use as a feeder for the ones that prefer to forage. Hulled sunflower seeds only. I spend a fortune on them but I’m addicted and can’t stop.

I used to scatter seeds on the ground for the foragers but had to stop bc too many squirrels. It was making me too mad. I have cardinals year round who are the first to show up every morning and last to leave in the evenings. At least 2 pairs of bluebirds from late fall until summer and they bring their babies to eat in late summer which I love. Downy woodpeckers and red-bellied woodpeckers are my other favorites (such dumb names, the only red is on their heads, not on their bellies and since when are birds ‘downy’? Anyway I love my birds.

by Anonymousreply 137January 21, 2022 2:44 AM

Thanks, 128! I’ve been getting seeds from Amazon, but this site is great! Which seeds to you actually buy?

by Anonymousreply 138January 21, 2022 2:47 AM

R137- Are you in Pennsylvania?

by Anonymousreply 139January 21, 2022 2:47 AM

To add, the squirrel proof feeder is hanging on a shepherd’s hook in the yard separate from the window box. And I inherited a stone table when I bought the house where I put a homemade bird bath (a flat shallow pan with a couple inches of water.) I love watching them drink and take baths. A bird taking a bath is the cutest thing ever.

R139 I’m in SW VA.

by Anonymousreply 140January 21, 2022 2:50 AM

R138....You're welcome! I get the 6 lb. bag of Wagner's sunflower hearts and chips at $11.69. I usually get 2 to 4 bags, which lasts me a couple of weeks. My feed holds over 2 lbs., so it's smaller with four ports. Lately, I've had to fill it twice a day.

by Anonymousreply 141January 21, 2022 2:53 AM

R128^

by Anonymousreply 142January 21, 2022 2:53 AM

*feeder

by Anonymousreply 143January 21, 2022 2:54 AM

R137...I scatter some seeds on the ground for the squirrels. They've been good so far, and just eat on the ground. I have a squirrel proof feeder, where if a squirrel jumps on a port, the port shuts so they can't get the seed. I love when bird parents feed their fledglings in the spring...very sweet. I have some birdhouses in the back, by the woods, and get wrens every year. The fledglings flutter their wings when being fed...so cute.

by Anonymousreply 144January 21, 2022 2:59 AM

I get my seed at Wild Birds Unlimited. A few in suburban Philly. Probably overpriced but it’s very good quality and always attracts good birds. I’ve tried the cheap Home Depot stuff and birds never came - weird. I generally stick with sunflower seeds or a mix from Wild Birds Unlimited.

I have been debating signing up for Chewy. I spend way too much money refilling that bird feeder.

by Anonymousreply 145January 21, 2022 3:06 AM

Thanks r141, ordering it now! R145, thanks for the tip… I am from suburban Philly, never though to check out those stores.

by Anonymousreply 146January 21, 2022 3:15 AM

My pleasure..😊

by Anonymousreply 147January 21, 2022 3:18 AM

Lowe’s and HD have a mix I like to put out in my window feeder and on the ground for the foragers. It’s called Deck, Porch and Patio and is mostly SF seeds with pumpkin seeds, pistachios and peanuts mixed in. All the seeds are hulled so there’s no waste. It’s funny because the littlest birds with the smallest beaks (wrens, chickadees, nuthatches and the unfortunately named tufted titmice) always grab the peanuts first. They love this mix as do the Cardinals.

Funny how different birds have different feeding preferences. The Cardinals will only eat from the window feeder or on the ground, never from the hanging feeder while the downy woodpeckers will only use the hanging feeder.

by Anonymousreply 148January 21, 2022 4:03 AM

I should correct that ^ Cardinals will go to the hanging feeder but they prefer to hunt and peck on the ground or at the window feeder.

by Anonymousreply 149January 21, 2022 3:49 PM

R149-I've been watching the live feed of the PA birds since Thursday and I've seen the Cardinals zillions of times at the hanging feeders and especially on the tray looking for tasty seeds.

by Anonymousreply 150January 21, 2022 3:58 PM

R150 You’re right, they do. I was up too late posting last night.

by Anonymousreply 151January 21, 2022 4:02 PM

R128 Walmart has 5 pound bags of hulled sunflower chips for $10.49 (DL won’t let me post the link.)

by Anonymousreply 152January 21, 2022 5:38 PM

Nice...another good option. Thanks R152. :) These prices are certainly better than at Lowes by me. I'll have to look into that.

by Anonymousreply 153January 21, 2022 6:12 PM

Lots of waterfowl on the BBC channel today.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 154January 24, 2022 10:24 AM

Thanks a lot, R154, I clicked right onto a hawk and crow scavenging a deer carcass there. Back to the cardinals!

by Anonymousreply 155January 24, 2022 11:02 AM

The owner just refilled the feeders. I'm going to have this up all day.

by Anonymousreply 156January 24, 2022 11:22 AM

R156, even after it gets dark in PA, sometimes deer visit the yard and the camera catches their bright eyes and lacy antlers. I've been keeping this tab open whenever the laptop is on.

by Anonymousreply 157January 24, 2022 11:46 AM

Do they sell an animal feed grade peanuts, because the human ones certainly aren’t cheap enough to put out?

by Anonymousreply 158January 24, 2022 11:54 AM

The wildlife cams are very nice. It can be relaxing....though some of them, you really see the reality of their brutal world. Not so much this bird cam, but bald eagle cams...and any predator cam. You never know what they'll bring into the nest. Sometimes the prey is still alive. There are many successes and some failures....and it can be heartbreaking. Even at a bird feeder, you'll see a hawk visit and take a bird once in a while. I have feeders and see this happen occasionallhy in my own yard. Nature in the raw.

by Anonymousreply 159January 24, 2022 12:22 PM

*occasionally...^^

by Anonymousreply 160January 24, 2022 12:23 PM

Those big beautiful CROWS are the king of the Gettysburg Pennsylvania jungle. When they come to the feeder ALL of the other birds scatter.

by Anonymousreply 161January 24, 2022 1:28 PM

R161 I have ravens visit my feeders occasionally. They’re so big. They sit high up in the trees and chatter at me when I’m out doing yard work. They make the funniest sounds, like popping and clicking sounds. I love seeing them.

by Anonymousreply 162January 24, 2022 2:31 PM

I love hearing their flutter of wings, when flying in and out of the feeders.

by Anonymousreply 163January 24, 2022 2:38 PM

R158...Peanuts are sold for feeding the birds. I don't know if it's a different grade. I think peanuts still in the shell, that we eat would be fine. As long as you don't put out salted, roasted peanuts. Raw peanuts would be ok?

by Anonymousreply 164January 24, 2022 2:42 PM

R162- Where do you live that you're able to enjoy the Ravens?

by Anonymousreply 165January 24, 2022 3:23 PM

I bought to larger type of cylindrical bird feeders on Amazon that I received last night. I set one up this morning and put it in my backyard about two hours ago and I already have a customer! A beautiful Cardinal. The small bird feeder near my front door has been hanging there for almost six days and no birds. I'm still thrilled that I saw a bird so quickly at my backyard bird feeder.

by Anonymousreply 166January 24, 2022 4:10 PM

Nice OP! You'll see more birds now. Maybe if you moved the smaller feeder away from the front door, that might help. The coming and goings at the door might spook them.

by Anonymousreply 167January 24, 2022 4:15 PM

R165 I’m in SW VA. They’re not supposed to be common in my area according to the internet but I’ve had as many as 5 at a time. It’s always an exciting day when they show up (haven’t seen them in awhile though.)

They love peanuts. One day I saw one scoop up 5 peanuts at a time, lined up end to end in its beak before flying off. They’re real characters and very intelligent.

R166 Put out sunflower seeds and you’ll have cardinals from sunup til sundown, year round. They especially love to hunt and peck on the ground. You’ll end up addicted like me.

by Anonymousreply 168January 24, 2022 4:53 PM

R168- The same Cardinal plopped onto the ground to look for choice seeds.

by Anonymousreply 169January 24, 2022 5:59 PM

What happened to all the peanuts? Those crows have been taking more than their share -- I saw a bluejay grab a double dose this morning, too. Where's the guy whose job it is to refill the feeders? Hope it's not supply chain issues!

by Anonymousreply 170January 24, 2022 9:07 PM

I've had a bird feeder for years. Early last fall, almost all disappeared. There was a large hawk circling for a few days. We think he scared off all the birds. Ever the mourning dove left.

They are very slowly coming back but not in the numbers we had before. 😕😕

by Anonymousreply 171January 24, 2022 11:37 PM

Mourning doves are their easiest prey. They are slow in reaction and flight.

by Anonymousreply 172January 24, 2022 11:39 PM

R172- Mourning Doves are beautiful and they make a beautiful cooing sound.

by Anonymousreply 173January 24, 2022 11:40 PM

I like them, too. They have a sweet look about them....and their cooing is a soothing sound. I even like pigeons.

by Anonymousreply 174January 24, 2022 11:44 PM

R171, we definitely don’t have as many birds in our neighborhood. I think it’s due to development and pollution.

by Anonymousreply 175January 24, 2022 11:46 PM

R175 - While I live in the city (Dallas) near downtown, we've had cardinals, blue jays, house sparrows, finches, doves, and occasionally a woodpecker. I've also seen lots of robins and once a night heron (not at feeder). This happened almost overnight, so either poisoning or a predator seems more likely.

by Anonymousreply 176January 25, 2022 3:33 AM

It is so odd how they can totally disappear for weeks or months - then reappear en masse. I think the predator theory makes sense. I put food out after not doing so for months - and haven’t seen a bird in 2 weeks. Weird.

by Anonymousreply 177January 25, 2022 4:01 AM

Saw a cardinal taking a bath in my improvised bird bath this morning, celebrating the 50 degree temperature we have today. A bird taking a bath is the cutest thing ever.

by Anonymousreply 178January 25, 2022 3:46 PM

Wunderground seems to think that Gettysburg will be spared the blizzard that's supposed to cover the northeast in snow this weekend.

by Anonymousreply 179January 26, 2022 7:45 PM

It’s so important to feed the birds in cold snowy parts of the country. You’ll be rewarded with the entertainment they provide on top of doing a good deed.

by Anonymousreply 180January 26, 2022 8:59 PM

Yeah, R179 -- but the temperature at the moment (noon EST) is 27F (wind chill factor = 18F) and the wind is blowing at 10 MPH -- if they don't have an impending blizzard to deal with on top of that, I'm happy for them. Right now, the peanuts are running pretty low....

by Anonymousreply 181January 27, 2022 4:07 PM

One inch expected for Gettysburg! What will poor robin (and cardinal, and blue jay, and white-crowned sparrow, etc.) do then, poor thing?

by Anonymousreply 182January 28, 2022 11:54 AM

R182, they’ll hide when it snows and come out looking for food when it stops. Let’s hope the feeders are kept full. I just filled mine up last night in preparation.

by Anonymousreply 183January 28, 2022 1:59 PM

I’m hoping we get some in the western suburbs. No birds have come to my feeder in the 2 weeks since I refilled it.

by Anonymousreply 184January 28, 2022 2:02 PM

Hi r184… that’s unusual. The birds usually find the feeders in a few days. You probably have a predator close by. There are a few cats in our neighborhood who scare the birds away—I can tell when they’re hanging around because the birds disappear. Maybe you can spray something down that repels predators. Not sure at all if there’s something like that available.

by Anonymousreply 185January 28, 2022 2:06 PM

When it snows, the birds come out in force at my feeders. We had a little flurry activity before and dusting of snow....the birds are flocking. Tomorrow will really be busy. We could get 6 to 12 inches...the snow'easter.

by Anonymousreply 186January 28, 2022 2:09 PM

R186 yes! I just checked and they’re all flocking as well! Getting prepped for the big snowstorm.

by Anonymousreply 187January 28, 2022 2:27 PM

Make sure you have enough seed R187...lol!

by Anonymousreply 188January 28, 2022 2:30 PM

Will they be wanting bread, milk and eggs as all do before an approaching storm?

by Anonymousreply 189January 28, 2022 2:41 PM

I just stocked up, r188! 20 lb bag just opened.

by Anonymousreply 190January 28, 2022 2:47 PM

Yes - the snow seems to always bring them out. But I do worry about the food getting wet so they avoid it afterwards.

by Anonymousreply 191January 28, 2022 2:52 PM

Snow!

by Anonymousreply 192January 28, 2022 5:23 PM

No birds there now. Only the sound of easy wind and downy flake.

by Anonymousreply 193January 28, 2022 7:49 PM

Not watching the feeder cam, but with the sound on....I hear wings fluttering and cheeps and chirps. It's pretty busy. They have their "happy" place. :)

by Anonymousreply 194January 28, 2022 8:20 PM

R184 What kind of seeds are you putting out? Sunflower seeds (not safflower) attract the most birds. They don’t like the cheap crappy “wild bird mix” that a lot of stores sell.

by Anonymousreply 195January 28, 2022 8:49 PM

I love the Woodpecker in OP’s screen shot. They’re stunning in real life, one of my absolute fave birds.

by Anonymousreply 196January 28, 2022 10:20 PM

It's not snowing this morning, and the tray has been refilled with peanuts. It's 18F, wind chill factor = 4F, 14MPH winds. None of that seems to bother the birds and the snowy scene looks beautiful, but I'm counting my blessings here in Calif (41F and no wind chill factor).

by Anonymousreply 197January 29, 2022 12:31 PM

The birds are really flocking at the feeders...still snowing here. They really need the food now.

by Anonymousreply 198January 29, 2022 12:33 PM

Sunny, frosty morning for the birds in Gettysburg while it's steadily snowing and blowing where I am.

by Anonymousreply 199January 29, 2022 2:43 PM

I put out fresh water for the birds this morning and 2 hours later it had already frozen over. I’m gonna have to go out and break up the ice ever 2 hours all day since the temp here will stay in the 20s all day and down into the teens overnight. And fresh seeds scattered on the ground too. They’re flocking to eat (and drink.)

by Anonymousreply 200January 29, 2022 3:26 PM

Just as expected the snow brought all the birds to my feeder. They have not touched it in weeks - suddenly they are non stop. Will see what happens after the snow is gone.

by Anonymousreply 201January 29, 2022 3:52 PM

I was just watching the feeder and I heard thunder. then I thought that can't be thunder the sky is blue and there isn't a cloud in the sky. It may have been cannon fire which is what it sounded like. I know that people have seen lots of ghosts in Gettysburg and have seen a battle or two. Wherever this is in Gettysburg cannon fire would be loud enough to be heard in the entire town.

by Anonymousreply 202January 29, 2022 7:28 PM

Did the birds react to this cannon fire, R202? If not, then it may well have been ghostly Blues and Greys fighting Pickett's Charge all over again for some reason.

by Anonymousreply 203January 29, 2022 7:30 PM

R202 Ate you sure it wasn’t another Pennsylvania bridge collapsing?

by Anonymousreply 204January 29, 2022 7:34 PM

r203 yes they all flew away. but if I heard it then they did too.

by Anonymousreply 205January 29, 2022 7:53 PM

FINALLY after 11 days my small cute pagoda style bird feeder near my front door had birds today. LOTS of birds including Cardinals. I even took high quality photos with my small digital camera.

Someone here earlier said it's because of the snow. True. Once the ground is completely covered in snow it's very difficult for the cute little birbs to find food. It's fashionable now on YouTube for pet parrot/parakeet videos to call birds birbs and to call scratching - scritches. It's a FRAU thing I guess.

Offsite Link
by Anonymousreply 206January 29, 2022 8:34 PM

Very nice, OP! The birbs finally found your feeder. :)

by Anonymousreply 207January 29, 2022 8:42 PM

Cardinals are so gorgeous against the snow...bright pops of red against the white. I love them.

by Anonymousreply 208January 29, 2022 8:43 PM

Now that you got the birds it’s time to see if milkshakes really do bring all the boys to your yard.

by Anonymousreply 209January 29, 2022 8:48 PM

I, too, finally had a lot of birds at my feeder today—until a Cooper's hawk showed up and ate at least one of them.

by Anonymousreply 210January 29, 2022 10:29 PM

A lot of deer in that backyard right now - 6:35 EST. No birds because it's dark, which also means the deer have eerie, glowy, Satanic eyes.

I wonder if any night birds come to feed.

Most beautiful birds from daylight hours: the woodpeckers, with their bright red head and beautiful black-and-white striped backs and wings. They look like they were decorated by a 1970-era interior designer. Bad look for living rooms. Good look for birds.

by Anonymousreply 211January 29, 2022 10:40 PM

I'm concerned about the hanging feeder on the left because the bottom segment seems to have condensation inside its empty top half. If so, that needs to be wiped off so it won't cause the seeds to mold. I assume the people know this and will be sure the feeder is dry before new seeds are added. Of course, since the temperature is only 24F (wind chill = 16F), maybe it's too cold for mold to grow?

by Anonymousreply 212January 30, 2022 4:11 PM

Has anyone seen the person who refills the feeders?

by Anonymousreply 213January 31, 2022 5:43 PM

Raccoons can be seen at night at the feeders...though I haven't seen one here. Even during the day, you can see one. That's pretty rare. As long as the raccoon doesn't show aggression and has fear, then I think it's ok. They do show up during the day at times.

by Anonymousreply 214January 31, 2022 5:49 PM

The person usually comes out in the afternoon to refill and pour corn (?) on the ground.

by Anonymousreply 215January 31, 2022 5:55 PM

Are they nude?

by Anonymousreply 216January 31, 2022 6:38 PM

There's been some good snow melt there. Last time I checked I recall the ground as covered.

by Anonymousreply 217January 31, 2022 6:39 PM

I have a heated birdbath and the little twits are swimming in it even though it’s 10 degrees. How do they not freeze?

by Anonymousreply 218January 31, 2022 6:49 PM

Has anyone watched in the middle of the night, like 3 a.m.? It's pretty damn creepy. The background fades into indistinct shadows, and there are weird noises. Last night, there was an almost constant crunching sound, like someone walking around on the frozen snow, but the only creature who appeared was a deer for a few seconds. It went on for almost the entire time I watched. There were a couple of howls, probably a dog but maybe a coyote, but creepy because they were far away and echoed through the night.

THEN, there was a weird huffing, almost grunting sound just off camera. It went on for a couple of minutes and returned twice. Whatever creature made that sound never appeared on camera. Perhaps that's for the best.

There were other strange noises as well, for example a sort of humming, whooshing sound that slowly got louder and then faded. Most likely, it was a truck going by (but traveling very slowly for some reason), but with only the narrow view of the camera, it could have been an alien spacecraft for all I know. Meanwhile, if you stare long enough at those indistinct shadows, they start to resemble Bigfoot or La Llorona or some nameless demon about to leap through the screen and possess your soul.

As I said - creepy as hell but fun.

Yes, I watch a lot of horror movies. Why do you ask?

by Anonymousreply 219January 31, 2022 11:29 PM

The imagination runs wild at night watching the cams. :)

by Anonymousreply 220February 1, 2022 12:28 AM

I think a bluejay just took 3 peanuts! The most I'd seen before was 2, sometimes by a crow and sometimes by a bluejay.

by Anonymousreply 221February 1, 2022 1:01 PM

Bird "feeders" spread disease by bringing disparate bird species and intra-species groups into close proximity. They also distort the population numbers that the environment actually can support.

Bird feeders also attract other species that are best served by foraging in their natural ways. Attracting rodents, squirrels, opossums, chipmunks and skunks, as well as deer, to a feeder isn't smart or wanted.

People who put out anything except clean, properly equipped hummingbird feeders are hurting animals and the environments in which they live. Seasonal culling is important to a healthy, supportable bird population.

But the world is full of self-indulgent, "they're like stuffed animals" cunts.

by Anonymousreply 222February 1, 2022 1:10 PM

R222 sounds like a lotta fun!

by Anonymousreply 223February 1, 2022 6:25 PM

I watched this for just a bit after dark and it was so spooky I had to shut it off. there were a few unidentifiable noises but I kept waiting for soldiers or someone to come out from behind the trees.

by Anonymousreply 224February 1, 2022 6:30 PM

I see it after dark often because my time zone is 3 hours behind theirs, but I go to bed early so it hasn't been past midnight in PA since I've been watching. And I never have the sound on -- I'll try to remember to do that. The only things I've seen in the dark so far have been deer, which always seem docile.

by Anonymousreply 225February 1, 2022 6:34 PM

I once was staying over with friends at a shore house that backs onto a bit of salt marsh. In the middle of the night I woke up to hear an unearthly shriek. After checking the various nocturnal animals that could have made that sound, I have to believe it was a barn owl. The night is alive with all kinds of creatures.

by Anonymousreply 226February 1, 2022 6:36 PM

If you watch nest cams during the summer, you really hear some strange sounds. Usually bullfrogs, the crickets and katydids...with some unusual, unidentifiable noises. It's like nature's weird sympathy. You see the "headlights" of some critters' eyes.

by Anonymousreply 227February 1, 2022 6:39 PM

At night..^^

by Anonymousreply 228February 1, 2022 6:40 PM

I'm checking in right now after waking up in the middle of the night, and I'm disappointed not to see or hear all the spooky things others have. Maybe they were out there earlier and I missed them.

by Anonymousreply 229February 2, 2022 7:57 AM

Bluejays are a bunch of bullies!

by Anonymousreply 230February 13, 2022 4:50 PM

Saw the first Robin of the year today…next time I looked there were 6 poking around on the ground and congregating around the water dish! Also bluebirds galore, every time I look out there’s at least 1 or 2.

by Anonymousreply 231February 13, 2022 4:57 PM

The hanging feeders are back up.

by Anonymousreply 232March 2, 2022 11:22 AM

R232- It didn't look right just having the tray and not the hanging bird feeders in the background.

by Anonymousreply 233March 2, 2022 11:49 AM

I've been seeing Robins all winter. Not all of them fly south. Not as many as in spring, but one or two. I have winterberry trees and there's always a gang of them eating the berries...in the winter.

by Anonymousreply 234March 2, 2022 12:51 PM

I just can't keep that on now that the grackles are back. They're beautiful, but they never shut up.

by Anonymousreply 235March 2, 2022 12:59 PM

You can turn the sound down or mute it.

by Anonymousreply 236March 2, 2022 1:02 PM

Someone here said the Grackles are bullies. I now have to agree. They are PIGS too, I fill the birdfeeder ALL the way up and by the late afternoon it's all gone because of the Grackles. They are beautiful/cool looking birds but I don't want them around anymore.

Maybe it was on the underwhelm me thread that someone mentioned the bullying nature of Grackles but either way I have to agree.

by Anonymousreply 237March 21, 2022 1:55 PM

Is it me, or are these birds spitting out the sunflower seeds? They certainly don't seem happy with them!

by Anonymousreply 238March 23, 2022 11:22 AM
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