In last week's drenching rains, it was interesting to watch how different birds handle the downpour. Some birds look for shelter. American Goldfinches on a feeder will tuck under a weather guard to stay as dry as they can. I've seen Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Black-capped Chickadees cling to a pole under a hopper-type feeder for protection from the rain. And many times throughout the day, this male Ruby-throated Hummingbird parked himself on a protected feeder for the duration of the shower.
Mourning Doves will go out in a shower, and the rain just seems to bead up on their back.
Then there's birds like woodpeckers, who seem to tolerate getting wet in these warm-weather showers. But in my yard, the wettest birds are the Blue Jays. They don't let no stinkin' rain stop them from gorging themselves at the feeders!! I'm always surprised how drenched they get. But within minutes after the shower ends, they're already starting to dry out.
Linda - thanks much. Birds have been lovin' that feeder, especially filled with shelled peanuts!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 08, 2011 at 03:36 PM
Great photos and I love that "log" feeder! Very natural looking!
Posted by: Linda | July 08, 2011 at 02:19 PM
Vickie - thanks much! Jays - wet or dry - will be jays!
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 05, 2011 at 10:45 AM
Great images and post. Personalities shine through.
Posted by: Vickie | July 04, 2011 at 04:27 PM
Barbara - good to hear that "jays are jays" wherever they are! Thanks for your nice comments.
Hi Sherry and welcome to you from Austin! I just returned from a week in San Antonio. Mid-90s all week and it reaffirmed why I love living in the moderate clime of upstate NY! Thanks for your visit and comment.
Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | July 02, 2011 at 09:30 PM
Your photos are so refreshing...here in Austin, Tx we are experiencing a severe drought. The birds gather at any available water source and other wildlife appear in neighborhood yards in search of precious water and food. Keeping feeders and bird baths full is a challenge in this triple digit heat.
Posted by: Sherry Mason | June 28, 2011 at 08:45 AM
Great photos and so much fun with those greedy jays - same up here in Ontario - they ignore the rain and are delighted that there is no competition for the seed... Well done Nancy - great photos as I said.
Posted by: Barbara | June 28, 2011 at 08:16 AM