I’ve had some unusual (for southeastern Minnesota) visitors at our backyard feeders the
last few days. Yes, we birders get really
excited when the out of the ordinary shows up. Especially in winter. We’ve had titmice, which are north of their
usual range, a few times before. The
collared dove is a “lifer” for me, so all in all it was an exciting day to see
them. On top of all that my friends Mr.
Science and his wife Bobbi spotted some overwintering bluebirds recently in
nearby northeastern Iowa.
Another fairly rare birding event in these parts. Guess where me and Mrs. T will be heading
next week…..
. Dove Picture from Cornell Ornithology Lab.
Congratulations Ray -- always so exciting to see a new bird. :)
ReplyDeletewe have a flock here this winter, too. really pretty birds. :)
ReplyDeleteThe collared dove is in Tennessee as well, but I have never seen one in Nashville. With warmer winters many animals are moving north. We have armadillos here now!
ReplyDeleteAbout the only birds around here in winter are ravens. Yesterday when it was -20 three were frolicking on the power line outside.
ReplyDeleteIowa has a lot more than the map is sharing. We noticed them being around all the time a few years back and after taking shots of them we did the same research as you. I don't remember what country from overseas that they originated bu I do remember them coming in through Florida.
ReplyDeleteWell aren't you lucky! That is one of the advantages of living in the more tropical part of Minnesota! Thanks for sharing your sightings..makes me a tad jealous:)
ReplyDeleteI need to get out and search more. I rarely see any of the things you other bloggers do and I know they're bound to be here, just not in my yard.
ReplyDeleteHi troutbirder...how exciting to see those birds. I recently watched the movie "The Big Year". Do you travel around looking for birds like in that movie? Is there really "a big year" for birders? I really enjoy watching the birds. I saw Cedar Waxwings in my garden for the first time a couple of weeks ago and was thrilled!
ReplyDeleteHow interesting to see a new bird. We still have the usual suspects at out feeders.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thrill!! Do you see that itty bitty dot at the north central part of Iowa? That must be my aunt. She spotted the collared dove last winter and has again seen them this year. Hope I see them!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting about those collared doves. I love the cooing sounds that doves make.
ReplyDeleteSo you snowbirds are beginning to fly this way? Well, most of you will be winging your way farther south. The last few days have been fairly balmy here, but more cold weather is still in store for us.
Common birds at uncommon times of the year. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteI so enjoy spotting the bluebirds in the winter. I think they're a bit easier to see against a white background! If you're heading south, I'm very jealous indeed, but enjoy!
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you have been able to see and capture some new visitors to your backyard. We haven't spotted any new visitors, but we're enjoying our old friends.
ReplyDeleteHI There, We're having FREEZING rain here today.. Pretty to look at--but not good for one to have to be out in it.... I did get some good photo shots though!!!! ha
ReplyDeleteAmazing that those doves have migrated so far. We have the Mourning Doves here.
Good picture of the bluebirds too.. The birds are at the feeders constantly in bad weather.
Have a great day.
Betsy
We have the Titmouse year round as well as the Mourning Dove but not that pretty dove you show today! How exciting. I spotted a new visiting bird recently but he flew from a bush as I walked past and I only got a quick glimpse but pretty sure it was the Ruby-crowned Kinglet...
ReplyDeleteThank goodness for the winter birds. Winter would be extra long without them!!!
ReplyDeletexo Catherine
Cool! I've heard that they're getting around rapidly but I've yet to see one.Congratulations on your rare visitors!
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