Changing of the Guard

All across the country bird watchers are reporting the arrival of the winter birds while the summer breeding birds are making their way further south. In just the past two days Dark-eyed Juncos are being reported in Cashton, WI, Connellsville, PA, Medford, OR, Canton, NY, Hanover, MA, and here in St. Louis, MO.

Other returnees joining the year-round birds of St. Louis include the White-throated Sparrows, Brown Creeper, and Yellow-bellied Sapsucker. I am not looking forward to the dark days of winter, but at least the birds will be around to brighten them.

Late this morning a Cooper's Hawk flew in and landed on the open umbrella on my deck to survey the yard. The birds had wisely flown off, but he had his eye on the beastly squirrel sitting on the fence. He swooped down at him, but unfortunately left without lunch in his talons. Better luck next time. I'm pulling for you Coop!

These are pitiful pictures of the White-throated and Yellow-bellied. Poor lighting, but here they are just the same.