Mating season is progressing nicely in my back yard. Boat tailed grackles are bullying ground doves. Squirrels are chasing each other all up and down my oak tree, with some doing parkour onto my orchids. Mockingbirds are divebombing any bird, squirrel, cat or human they perceive as a threat to their part of my property. Apparently they think they own it all!
Listening to a cardinal calling now. I'm very much enjoying having my big window open in the mornings to hear and see all the commotion! It won't be too long until the window is permanently closed until next Winter. Or a few days in Fall if I'm lucky.
That reminded me that Darwin used mockingbirds to illustrate the variety of closely related species, as he observed S. American ones, e.g., Chilean mockingbirds. We are standing on the shoulders of giants!
A Brush Turkey is wandering around our street. We don't want him messing up our garden.
I've not been on board much recently, so I've just found this. Brush Turkeys returned here 40 or so years ago. Most people were happy that the environment had improved so much that they could now live here again. That happiness was short-lived when they made their true nature known.
@Gee D
I have heard that goannas take eggs from nests, and snakes/pythons take chicks; but people have got rid of most of them so that the Brush Turkeys proliferate.
I was intrigued by talk of brush turkeys, and was amazed that there is no parental care for the young. So the chicks have to survive predators, cars, etc. I think this is rare in birds, but for example turtles also have no parental care, and of course, many fish.
Went birdwatching yesterday down by the disused canal and while I was watching some coots an adder slithered past my leg and went for a swim to the other side. First reptile of the year for me.
Not usually wild, but while on a walk to some Aboriginal cave art yesterday afternoon I stumbled across a sheep, white with a black face, very cute, out from its paddock. It seemed put out I discovered it. 200m or so and 2 more came into view, and formed a group, and ran off farther into the bush. It was a single track and I spotted them coming back -- again, they gambolled off into the trees away from any farm they belonged to [a farm was nearby].
Adders are venomous, but you are only likely to get bitten if you tread on one or pick it up, and the venom is not particularly strong. There hasn't been a death in 50 years - Australia this isn't!
Coincidentally, a photographer friend offered to take me adder-spotting only last night, so we will take him up on that when we are his way around Easter.
We had 3 deer in our backyard last week. They periodically get attracted to our cedar hedges. Sixty years ago the area we live in was forested and farm land.
We had 3 deer in our backyard last week. They periodically get attracted to our cedar hedges. Sixty years ago the area we live in was forested and farm land.
Do you let them come and go, or do you shoo them away?
We had 3 deer in our backyard last week. They periodically get attracted to our cedar hedges. Sixty years ago the area we live in was forested and farm land.
Do you let them come and go, or do you shoo them away?
@Gee D
I have heard that goannas take eggs from nests, and snakes/pythons take chicks; but people have got rid of most of them so that the Brush Turkeys proliferate.
I'm pretty sure that brush turkeys are protected in NSW. In addition, I imagine that they'd be pretty tough to eat.
We were walking across Putney Common today and saw a buzzard circling overhead. That may not seem much, but buzzards were unknown here in Central London.
@Gee D
I have heard that goannas take eggs from nests, and snakes/pythons take chicks; but people have got rid of most of them so that the Brush Turkeys proliferate.
I'm pretty sure that brush turkeys are protected in NSW. In addition, I imagine that they'd be pretty tough to eat.
Goannas and Snakes are also protected and could be prosecuted for eating chicks and eggs. 😊
Adders are venomous, but you are only likely to get bitten if you tread on one or pick it up, and the venom is not particularly strong. There hasn't been a death in 50 years - Australia this isn't!
Coincidentally, a photographer friend offered to take me adder-spotting only last night, so we will take him up on that when we are his way around Easter.
Thank you.
Rock wallaby by some rapids where I was reading. Bounded away as I approached but then stood high on its rock watching.
Currawong at my campsite, or me at its home, watching me eat dinner.
Forgot to say, saw heaps of kangaroos and wallabies at all times of day while driving. I think I saw many whiptailed wallabies, most bounded away as soon as I came in sight, which I don't recall seeing before.
We saw a male yellowhammer on the bird feeder at the end of the garden yesterday, we have never seen one before and it was surprisingly bright yellow. Then today we saw a male reed bunting on the feeders near the house (where the squirrel proof feeders are to allow small birds access to seeds). I’ve seen reed bunting before at the lake 15 minutes walk away, they nest in the ditches around there and I assume it must have travelled out to us.
We saw a male yellowhammer on the bird feeder at the end of the garden yesterday, we have never seen one before and it was surprisingly bright yellow. Then today we saw a male reed bunting on the feeders near the house (where the squirrel proof feeders are to allow small birds access to seeds). I’ve seen reed bunting before at the lake 15 minutes walk away, they nest in the ditches around there and I assume it must have travelled out to us.
How exciting! I went to see an old school friend this week who lives in North London and saw a Tree Creeper in Highgate Woods. Can’t remember the last time I saw one.
All new to me. And wonderful from the photos I found. And what a difference I saw in I'm guessing males and females [or juveniles/adults] for the reed bunting. Thank you both. The new discoveries, from faraway lands, is one thing that makes this thread wondrous.
All new to me. And wonderful from the photos I found. And what a difference I saw in I'm guessing males and females [or juveniles/adults] for the reed bunting. Thank you both. The new discoveries, from faraway lands, is one thing that makes this thread wondrous.
I'm so glad my amateur birding report brought some joy. The Tree Creeper is so adept at running up and down the trunks of trees, truly mesmerising. I could have watched the jaunty little fellow for ages 😍
I have a friend who loves birds. Spots 30 or so more species at a time on jaunts. His love is infectious, even if I do not have the knowledge: or patience.
Forgot to say, on my last camping trip I was talking to a couple about birds and a woman came over from the next site and loaned me a field book on Australian birds (my quiet voice ha ha). Very interesting. The different parrots in South and Western Australia particularly for me -- different colouring.
And moose... I know little of them. I imagine they may be dangerous on roads, like kangaroos here, but it must be heartwarming to see a mother and calf!
Don't know if this has been answered.
Do cougars attack. Best answer is sometimes, usually when one is near their den and the cat thinks you are a danger to its cubs. Other times I know of is if they think you are a prey in that you are running away from them. They have been known to attack unattended small children too. Best way of defense is to act like you are bigger than you are. Stand your ground, move slowly backwards away from the animal. Son has cougars in his area. He taught his children this trick when they ventured out into the backyard.
Do moose attack? If they feel you are harassing them. Worse if a mother has a calf. A few years ago Mrs Gramps and I took a German student to one of the local state parks. As we got out at the self serve pay station and pick up a few brochures there. We heard some rusting behind the station and looked over. There was a mother moose with two calves eating on some bushes nearby. We took pictures, but made sure the car was between them and us. Their hooves are very sharp. That is one way they defend against predator attacks.
Speaking of predators, a pair of coyotes have been spotted in Central Park in New York City. It is thought they may have migrated over the railroad tracks into Brooklyn Yards a railroad terminus on the island and then moved through the green spaces into the park itself. This is not the first time coyotes have been spotted in the park, but in the past, city authorities would have removed them. This time they will let the pair stay, maybe even start a family. They think the coyotes will help reduce the vermin population in the park. The Smithsonian has a good article on the pair.
Forgot to say, saw heaps of kangaroos and wallabies at all times of day while driving. I think I saw many whiptailed wallabies, most bounded away as soon as I came in sight, which I don't recall seeing before.
Sorry for the double post. As I read this comment I wonder around here many people install deer whistles on their cars to encourage them to shy away from the moving vehicle. When I commuted to Spokane, I would often have near misses with deer so I installed them. They seemed to work for me. Would they work with kangaroos and the like?
Thank you, Gramps49, for the cougar, moose and coyote information.
Re kangaroos, I have no idea. They like feeding on verges for some reason and are liable to bound out unannounced. I had one recently merrily jump along the road in front of me for quite a distance!
I did see a magnificent stag (introduced here) on the road at 5:30am or some such once and managed to brake in time. It sauntered off. Never heard of deer whistles... interesting.
I saw a kangaroo on my street a week or so ago. When we moved here, I wondered if we would see them regularly as it's a quiet area, access to water with some grass for munching.
I stood on my front porch and one hopped down the road, well the nature strip opposite my house, took a left turn, down the block and around the next corner. We've lived here almost 7 years and it's the first time I've seen one here.
Turning left at the end of my road I walk pass the northern boundary fence of a park. Doing so I often encounter a jay perched on the railings. As I approach it flies off for a few metres to perch on this fence. This happens two or three times before it flies off into an adjacent lime tree. Makes me feel guilty despite the fact the said bird must realise the direction I am walking towards.
I had a laughing kookaburra sit on the side fence the other week. I went up to it and it just stared at me. And stayed there. After a while I went in and he/she stayed there for a while before flying off. We have seen one occasionally in the backyard... may be the same one.
There are quite a few around here and their pre-dawn chorus can be quite raucous at times!
My daughter and her family live about a 30 minute drive from my home. Last week I was surprised and pleased to see a Florida panther sign on the main road to her house. I had mentioned it, and my daughter was also surprised about the sign. Today, I was speculating on where the panthers had been seen, and she mentioned she has seen them a few times. I am so jealous!! I've lived here just over 50 years, and have never seen one in the wild. Many times I've just missed seeing one, but I've only seen them at some of the wildlife rescue fundraisers.
Years before my daughter was born, I did see a bobcat in a wild area, and I did surprise a black bear cub once when I was on a walk by myself. I hightailed it in the opposite direction, because I knew mama bear was close!!
Florida panther: what a beautiful animal. It took me a few searches as I kept getting an ice hockey team ha ha!
[tangent]
Oh? These guys?
Sometimes there is so much blood on the ice and so much fighting, you might think they are wilder than the actual animals are! [/tangent]
[slightly more tangent]My daughter and son-in-law were in the stadium to watch the game June 17 and were thrilled to witness their team win the Stanley Cup!![/done tangenting]
I watched a few games of our local team years ago. It was intense! And hurrah for the team winning the Stanley Cup!
I went on a whale watching cruise a few weeks back. Magnificent creatures. And so many of them including a few large breaches. After whaling was stopped here the numbers are making quite a good comeback according to the captain who gave commentary. My local council photos (not official) Facebook page has had a few photos which I'm enjoying. I am lucky to live where I live, not on the coast but easily within distance.
Seals, little ones camouflaged against similar coloured rocks.
A kangaroo returned after the flooded water utility land across the road dried out. Two rabbits too. Corellas playing in a huge gum tree hollow. Rainbow lorikeets, one of my favourite birds.
A very friendly, and quiet, laughing kookaburra.
They all sound lovely @Climacus. In the last couple of weeks I've noticed the small green grass parrots in our neighbourhood. I think it's because the messy tree on our nature strip drops its seeds and they come to munch on those. I think they appreciate the help of the cockatoos which come and snip off twigs and leave the mess everywhere.
I'm hoping the weather warms up a tiny bit because I need to get out there and have a good tidy up!
How lovely @LatchKeyKid, I could sit and watch them for hours. Yesterday I rushed outside and scared a big group of magpies who were sitting innocently in a tree in the sun. I apologies profusely to them and went back inside!
Today, we took off for a trip to Portland. On the way Mrs. Gramps spotted a coyote in the ditch next to the road. As we came abreast of the animal. it took off running along the road for a short distance. Turns out they can run as fast as 72k/h or about 45 mph. I think it was running at top speed. Did not go far, though
Butterfly (UK) survey. Why not take part not only if you have a garden, but also local open spaces including if your church includes one, the churchyard. https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
Friday 18th July 2025 and will run until Sunday 10th August.
I miss seeing red kites regularly since moving from north Hampshire to central/south Hampshire - before, I was near enough to the Thames Valley to see them daily. I have seen them occasionally around here but it seems to be out of their range.
I live next to a stream adjoining a nature reserve, and a feral buddleia plant in the vegetation means there's tons of butterflies and dragonflies (actually I think they might be damselflies) darting about. Also there's a moorhen with at least one teenage baby, but moorhens are shy and mum mostly hides under the overhanging plants. Songbird-wise the blackcaps and wrens have been very loud since spring, though no cetti's warbler this year.
I participated in a monthly bird survey this morning. The temperature rose quite quickly but we saw several Hares socialising cheerfully, and large numbers of Blackcaps and Whitethroats in the brambles that are in quite a lot of our section. I think they were family parties. As is usual, there were also quite a few Chiffchaffs. We also saw a small Sparrowhawk that flew over with something it had caught in its talons. We could not see what it was.
It was quite marked that another group of surveyors doing a different route less than a km away saw such a different selection of species. We saw no corvids in our patch, which is very unusual, whereas they saw quite a lot.
Has anyone else read Raising Hare by Chlöe Dalton. I can recommend it. She is much more objective than some nature writers, less about her feelings and more about the hare.
@Pomona I agree with you about Kites. I see a lot when I'm visiting family near Oxford, but they are only just beginning to spread into where I live further west.
Oh yes, tons of them around Oxford - also the southern end of that region, when I went to college in Reading I would always see lots around the Berkshire/South Oxfordshire area.
We have loads of red kites near here in north Wiltshire. There is some concern that they are displacing buzzards, which we see less often than we used to.
Comments
Listening to a cardinal calling now. I'm very much enjoying having my big window open in the mornings to hear and see all the commotion! It won't be too long until the window is permanently closed until next Winter. Or a few days in Fall if I'm lucky.
I've not been on board much recently, so I've just found this. Brush Turkeys returned here 40 or so years ago. Most people were happy that the environment had improved so much that they could now live here again. That happiness was short-lived when they made their true nature known.
I have heard that goannas take eggs from nests, and snakes/pythons take chicks; but people have got rid of most of them so that the Brush Turkeys proliferate.
Not usually wild, but while on a walk to some Aboriginal cave art yesterday afternoon I stumbled across a sheep, white with a black face, very cute, out from its paddock. It seemed put out I discovered it. 200m or so and 2 more came into view, and formed a group, and ran off farther into the bush. It was a single track and I spotted them coming back -- again, they gambolled off into the trees away from any farm they belonged to [a farm was nearby].
Adders are venomous, but you are only likely to get bitten if you tread on one or pick it up, and the venom is not particularly strong. There hasn't been a death in 50 years - Australia this isn't!
Coincidentally, a photographer friend offered to take me adder-spotting only last night, so we will take him up on that when we are his way around Easter.
Do you let them come and go, or do you shoo them away?
Are they young and tender enough to eat?
I'm pretty sure that brush turkeys are protected in NSW. In addition, I imagine that they'd be pretty tough to eat.
Goannas and Snakes are also protected and could be prosecuted for eating chicks and eggs. 😊
Rock wallaby by some rapids where I was reading. Bounded away as I approached but then stood high on its rock watching.
Currawong at my campsite, or me at its home, watching me eat dinner.
How exciting! I went to see an old school friend this week who lives in North London and saw a Tree Creeper in Highgate Woods. Can’t remember the last time I saw one.
I'm so glad my amateur birding report brought some joy. The Tree Creeper is so adept at running up and down the trunks of trees, truly mesmerising. I could have watched the jaunty little fellow for ages 😍
I have a friend who loves birds. Spots 30 or so more species at a time on jaunts. His love is infectious, even if I do not have the knowledge: or patience.
Don't know if this has been answered.
Do cougars attack. Best answer is sometimes, usually when one is near their den and the cat thinks you are a danger to its cubs. Other times I know of is if they think you are a prey in that you are running away from them. They have been known to attack unattended small children too. Best way of defense is to act like you are bigger than you are. Stand your ground, move slowly backwards away from the animal. Son has cougars in his area. He taught his children this trick when they ventured out into the backyard.
Do moose attack? If they feel you are harassing them. Worse if a mother has a calf. A few years ago Mrs Gramps and I took a German student to one of the local state parks. As we got out at the self serve pay station and pick up a few brochures there. We heard some rusting behind the station and looked over. There was a mother moose with two calves eating on some bushes nearby. We took pictures, but made sure the car was between them and us. Their hooves are very sharp. That is one way they defend against predator attacks.
Speaking of predators, a pair of coyotes have been spotted in Central Park in New York City. It is thought they may have migrated over the railroad tracks into Brooklyn Yards a railroad terminus on the island and then moved through the green spaces into the park itself. This is not the first time coyotes have been spotted in the park, but in the past, city authorities would have removed them. This time they will let the pair stay, maybe even start a family. They think the coyotes will help reduce the vermin population in the park. The Smithsonian has a good article on the pair.
Sorry for the double post. As I read this comment I wonder around here many people install deer whistles on their cars to encourage them to shy away from the moving vehicle. When I commuted to Spokane, I would often have near misses with deer so I installed them. They seemed to work for me. Would they work with kangaroos and the like?
Re kangaroos, I have no idea. They like feeding on verges for some reason and are liable to bound out unannounced. I had one recently merrily jump along the road in front of me for quite a distance!
I did see a magnificent stag (introduced here) on the road at 5:30am or some such once and managed to brake in time. It sauntered off. Never heard of deer whistles... interesting.
I stood on my front porch and one hopped down the road, well the nature strip opposite my house, took a left turn, down the block and around the next corner. We've lived here almost 7 years and it's the first time I've seen one here.
There are quite a few around here and their pre-dawn chorus can be quite raucous at times!
Years before my daughter was born, I did see a bobcat in a wild area, and I did surprise a black bear cub once when I was on a walk by myself. I hightailed it in the opposite direction, because I knew mama bear was close!!
I came across some video online of people behaving very sillily around bears. I guess some people seem oblivious that they are wild animals.
[tangent]
Oh? These guys?
Sometimes there is so much blood on the ice and so much fighting, you might think they are wilder than the actual animals are!
[slightly more tangent]My daughter and son-in-law were in the stadium to watch the game June 17 and were thrilled to witness their team win the Stanley Cup!![/done tangenting]
I watched a few games of our local team years ago. It was intense! And hurrah for the team winning the Stanley Cup!
I went on a whale watching cruise a few weeks back. Magnificent creatures. And so many of them including a few large breaches. After whaling was stopped here the numbers are making quite a good comeback according to the captain who gave commentary. My local council photos (not official) Facebook page has had a few photos which I'm enjoying. I am lucky to live where I live, not on the coast but easily within distance.
Seals, little ones camouflaged against similar coloured rocks.
A kangaroo returned after the flooded water utility land across the road dried out. Two rabbits too.
Corellas playing in a huge gum tree hollow.
Rainbow lorikeets, one of my favourite birds.
A very friendly, and quiet, laughing kookaburra.
I'm hoping the weather warms up a tiny bit because I need to get out there and have a good tidy up!
Windy and a bit chilly (relative...Europeans and Canadians/Americans would scoff) up here today. Hope you get a nice warm winter's day.
I do love willy wagtails. Cute birds hopping around.
You'd think at that speed it would long since have caught the roadrunner!
https://bigbutterflycount.butterfly-conservation.org/
Friday 18th July 2025 and will run until Sunday 10th August.
I miss seeing red kites regularly since moving from north Hampshire to central/south Hampshire - before, I was near enough to the Thames Valley to see them daily. I have seen them occasionally around here but it seems to be out of their range.
I live next to a stream adjoining a nature reserve, and a feral buddleia plant in the vegetation means there's tons of butterflies and dragonflies (actually I think they might be damselflies) darting about. Also there's a moorhen with at least one teenage baby, but moorhens are shy and mum mostly hides under the overhanging plants. Songbird-wise the blackcaps and wrens have been very loud since spring, though no cetti's warbler this year.
It was quite marked that another group of surveyors doing a different route less than a km away saw such a different selection of species. We saw no corvids in our patch, which is very unusual, whereas they saw quite a lot.
Has anyone else read Raising Hare by Chlöe Dalton. I can recommend it. She is much more objective than some nature writers, less about her feelings and more about the hare.
@Pomona I agree with you about Kites. I see a lot when I'm visiting family near Oxford, but they are only just beginning to spread into where I live further west.