Surprise visitor

[Mountaineer370]

Tindomul, very nice photos of the red-headed woodpecker! I may only see a pair of those once a year in my yard, but they are a bit more common at a nearby park, which, unfortunately, I have not visited this year (well, I went once and was not comfortable with the close proximity of other people).

I forgot to mention that I also see northern flickers in my yard, but they are about as rare as the red-headed WPs.

Those of you who offer meal worms, how to you do it? Is there a special feeder for them, or you just put them out on a tray, or what? We also have many squirrels. AFAIK, squirrels are not carnivorous, but they are probably opportunists. Any issues with having the meal works stolen by squirrels, raccoons, etc.?

[Dollythehun]

We use this:
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B006GKEO..._.0f-FbFSNHEJJ

It has an adjustable dome to keep larger birds out. I order 5# of mealworms from Amazon too. (Don't keep your mealworms in the kitchen.) I know WW buys them from the feed store but, you can find them at Walmart and Meijers etc. They just cost more.

Racoons will eat anything. But, the Chief is merciless, so we don't have many, and now they aren't very active. (My nemesis are possums, which tunnel in my flower beds.)

We use hot pepper suet, which critters don't like, we put down a tarp on our deck ,weighted and water, that keeps most of the mess off the deck. Our main feeder is an old squirrel proof with a weight sensitive perch.

Our hulled sunflower is in a little round Cling a Wing, which hangs right outside the patio door. Lots of fun there, and little mess.

[Tindomul]

Originally Posted by Dollythehun

Red heads are plentiful a few miles from here, at the Indiana Lakeshore. Some of my best birding was done there during migration. I'd love to see another Ruby Crowned Kinglet!

We have a flock of wild turkeys, hawks nesting, and many "common" birds, as well as the confusing warbler type migrating through. We're treated to Sand Hill cranes and often visit their congregation at Jasper Pulaski, south of here.

We feed a fruit and nut mix, suet, mealworms, and a small feeder of hulled sunflower. I think we have a nice variety of birds. It's our "vacation." And, we are roadbirders, always on the look out.

Tondo, what are you holding in that inaturalist picture?!

Oh man, Ruby-Crowned Kinglets in the right season our basically our daily bread here in NYC. Out of season, not too uncommon.
I have to travel far and wide in NY State for a chance at Sandhill Cranes, but I usually manage one pair per year.

Oh in that picture of me, I am holding an Alligator Snapping Turtle. I am using the leap of faith hold.

---------- Post added at 10:43 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:40 AM ----------

Originally Posted by Mountaineer370

Tindomul, very nice photos of the red-headed woodpecker! I may only see a pair of those once a year in my yard, but they are a bit more common at a nearby park, which, unfortunately, I have not visited this year (well, I went once and was not comfortable with the close proximity of other people).

Thanks, they are always a treat to see so I try to get good photos of them.