With all the devastating fires going on around Texas and the near-miss we had ourselves today with a brushfire near our house, I feel the need to report something more heartwarming.
Yesterday I was ecstatic to see a Baltimore Oriole couple visiting one of our hummingbird feeders. The hummingbirds were completely at a loss about what to do with these giant birds (giant to them, that is) on their feeders. Of course, the camera was nowhere nearby, and I missed capturing a picture. But I did rush out with a pitiful offering to my newest avian visitors: one small Clementine orange. Guess who showed up instead?
You naughty squirrel! I roll my eyes at you!
Also arriving to tease me but still thrill me was this Nashville warbler. Peekaboo!
The female Oriole later came back, and I ran and got the camera and ran right back, snapping a ton of pictures. Then I realized that idiot me left the compact flash card back in the computer.
In the end, I finally got this pitifiul picture of the male Baltimore Oriole staying just far enough away to allow for any sort of decent image.
Well, it still counts, Mr. Oriole!
I have to admit, as pesky as squirrels are, they sure have style sometimes, don’t they? What form on that first photo!
Two words of advice on the flash card issue: USB cable. 😉
Have you ever seen orioles in your yard before. We had the in San Antonio this weekend and it was a first on my bird checklist.
Wow, what a pretty Oriole! I’d be doing backflips if I saw an Oriole in my yard. And that warbler is too cute 🙂 The squirrels keep taking my squirrel buster bird feeder and throwing in on the ground — well, I have never actually caught them in the act, but every day the feeder is on the ground and there are chew marks in the METAL cap. There is a squirrel out there with some really sharp teeth! Take care with the fires around.
Alan, that squirrel ate quite happily in that position for a long time before finally having a seat, so to speak.
Abbey, these were our first Orioles, so I was jumping up and down (inside) with joy — in reality I froze like a statue and whispered to my kids, “Nobody make a noise while I go get the camera.”
Toni, it figures that wildlife will find a way! Is it happening in the daytime, or could it be a raccoon or a possum?
The first photo of the squirrel is amazing. They certainly are persistent and acrobatic! I’ve never seen an oriole before … Wildlife photography can be so rewarding – and frustrating.
The next post I read after yours was also about orioles – this time from Northern blogger watching them leave. Thought you’d be interested if you haven’t already seen it: http://www.restoringthelandscape.com/2011/09/farewell-orioles.html#comment-form
I think I saw an oriole yesterday, too – the first we’ve seen at our house (in Hays County). Beautiful!
We have goldfront woodpeckers at our hummingbird feeders. The hummers dive bomb them, but they hold on and drink away.
We had a Scotts Oriole at one of the birdbaths last night.
And, we have several Yellow Warblers. They’re fast…yellow streaks.
In fact, we have lots of different birds this year. Putting out lots of water and food gives them a chance.
Stay safe….
sweet pictures (even if they are far away – they’re still much better than my bird photos, which have thus far been from inside the house through a window and screen).
I also have a picture of a squirrel hanging upside down getting some sunflower out of my feeder. which just reinforces my theory of only setting out half a cup of seed at a time.
Glad you are safe from the fire.
Your squirrel is an acrobat and a gymnast.
So glad your home and gardens… and You! are safe. Love your post!
As fat as that squirrel is I would think she is almost ready to have her second litter of the year. The eating around there must be pretty good.
We too have been been blessed with the arrival of Baltimore orioles in Pipe Creek for the first time in our 11 years here. At one point this past week I counted 6 pairs of orioles in our live oak tree. They have been here a week now and are loving the hummingbird feeders. They are comingling with the Scott’s orioles which are common residents. I have some great pictures of them on our feeders. Hopefully they will stay awhile.