Good Fences #62
Black Vulture
I spotted this Black Vulture, with half-dozen or so family members, working on a deer carcass at the side of the road. They moved away when I stopped; this one perched on a fence post. Visions of Good Fences flashed through my head as I whipped out my cell phone.
Brown-headed Cowbird juvenile
This is my new gardening buddy (in case you didn’t see it on my Facebook page). When I stepped outside to move the hose to water another area, the birds scattered–except for this one. It was still sitting on the platform feeder as I walked by. I continued across the yard, moved the hose, and as I repositioned it, I noticed this bird had followed me! Of course, I didn’t have my camera, not even my phone! So I went back inside, got my phone, and returned to where I’d last seen it. I stood there a moment, and there it was, walking toward me. So, like any responsible birdwatcher, I took its picture. Hubby said the Song Sparrow was feeding it last week while I was away. Now, it is on its own, but it approaches various birds as they visit the yard as if looking for its family. (Cowbirds lay their eggs in the nests of other birds and leave.)
What awesome photos. Yesterday, I included a vulture in my post 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks, Robin. I’ll have to check out your post. They aren’t the prettiest birds, but they do a good job.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cowbirds sure are interesting creatures. I wonder why they lay their eggs in other birds nest. And its not even afraid of humans. Thats a bit strange but who doesnt love a bird that follows you 😃
LikeLike
I think it’s too young to know to be afraid yet, though some of the adult ones will hang around the feeder when we’re outside. For whatever reason, they don’t build their own nest, just drop off an egg here and there.
LikeLike
Wow, that Darth Vader vulture is an impressive fella, isn’t he!
LikeLike
He does resemble Darth! Sounds a bit like him, too.
LikeLike
awww. little ‘orphaned’ cowbird. 🙂 love the fence sitter! thanks for linking in when you have time!
LikeLike
I’ll adopt that little birdie! 😉 It seems to know where the food is and eats well. I wish I could have gotten the whole flock of vultures–that would have been impressive! I’ll have to try that route home again–there was an emu (I think) in a field. I was so taken with it, I missed my turn-off! Had a car in a hurry behind me, too…
LikeLike
The vultures are so ugly that they are attractive – if you see what I mean – nice shots!
Cheers – Stewart M – Melbourne
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Stewart. I think the black ones are easier on the eyes than the Turkey Vultures. 😉
LikeLike
The baby cowbird is endearing but adult cowbirds that lay their eggs in Tanager’s nests and kick out the Tanager’s eggs give me a cranky!
Good Morning, Patti!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would be cranky, too! My poor little Song Sparrows always seem to be their victim. I hope to see a real-life Tanager one day.
LikeLike
I love the vulture on the fence. And that cowbird juvie is weird looking. Happy Friday, have a great weekend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It may have been the photographer that made it look weird. 😉 Hiked today, but my spare camera battery was in the bag–at home! Now I HAVE to go back and look for the Pileated Woodpeckers I saw after the battery died.
LikeLike
Dear Patti,
I assume you could tell that Cowbird was a juvenile by it’s immature behavior. Probably texting other teenage cowbirds and hanging out in questionable flocks. Hopefully, it’s just a stage and the bird will grow up to be productive adult and contribute to the overall good of the species.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Russell, this one’s a loner, no friends, kinda shy. I’m sure it will find its flock one day.
LikeLike
Sweet little gardening buddy! Hope he makes it. Great fence ornament….hope these two weren’t in the same area!
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, they were miles apart! I saw the vultures on the way home from Fredericksburg.
LikeLike
Vultures sure aren’t very “pretty” birds but how cool to capture on sitting on the fence. I do think your gardening buddy is a cutie though.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I wish I’d gotten a photo of the entire vulture “family” that was dining out, but they didn’t like me being around. I was so surprised at that little cowbird, the last thing I expected was for it to follow me around the yard! Maybe it figured out where the food comes from. Thanks for stopping by!
LikeLike
I have read that strange phenomenon about cowbirds before. How strange to abandon their eggs for another bird to raise. How sweet that other birds are willing to take in the orphaned eggs. Great post, and I think I did see it on FB.
Here is another funny thing. Today you feature a vulture that will eat anything dead and an orphan begging for food to live, an innocent victim, and a prospective villain waiting for its next meal to die. Just sayin’… Blessings to you, Patti…
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was a juxtaposition of sorts. 😉
LikeLike
Yes. Cool! Couldn’t plan it if you tried.
LikeLike
Cute little gardening bird. Have you named him?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No, not yet. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I think his name should be Hugo.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Pingback: Willy Nilly Friday 5 #47 | A New Day Dawns
Vultures are kind of creepy, but I have to say, I like the photo of this one on a fence post better than having them circle above me while out on a hike 🙂 (it’s as if they know something I don’t, haha)
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly!
LikeLike