October 2009

These photos of the Northern Flicker were taken in the Whiteshell Provincial Park area.  In the city I see  them mostly in groups during the spring and fall seasons.  Ants are an important part of their diet.   I see them feeding on the ground but I have never seen their long tongue before I took these photos.  The  photos below show how they flick their tongue out in search of food. Flickers are a member of the Woodpecker family.

They are very attractive birds and have a loud distinctive call.  You always know when they are in the neighbourhood.

Enjoy!

~Sharon

More Manitoba Birds today. The Western Meadowlark’s melodious call is unmistakable. These beautiful yellow birds are found at the fringe of the city as well as in the country.

Below: Male Red Winged Blackbird followed by a female Red Winged Blackbird

Enjoy!
~Sharon

With another migration season nearly done I thought I would feature some urban birds. During spring and fall migration one can attract some very interesting varieties of birds to city feeders. In addition to Oriole feeders you could just try oranges. The orioles love them.  I hear grape jelly is another Oriole favourite.

Below: Juvenile Cedar Waxwings – a very elegant bird. A small flock found a mountain ash to feed on the berries.

The Black Capped Chickadee is a year round guest at the feeders.  They love black oil sunflower seeds.

Finally – a beautiful Downy Woodpecker. Try putting out some suet if you want to attract these birds to your yard.

Enjoy!
~Sharon