Sunday, November 27, 2016

Reynolds Gardens: Winston-Salem, NC 11-27-16








Northern Mockingbird
 It's not just other mockingbirds that appreciate a god song.  In the 19th century, people kept so many mockingbirds as cage birds that they nearly vanished from parts of the East Coast.  People even took nestlings out of their nests or trapped adults and sold them in cities such as Philadelphia, St louis, and New York, where, in 1828, extraordinary singers could fetch as much as $50!



These birds continue to add new sounds to their repertoires throughout their lives.  A male may learn as many as 200 songs throughout its life. 






Non-migratory resident birds




As most of us are aware, these birds sing all through the day, and often into the night.  Most night time singers are unmated males, which tend to sing more than mated males during the day too.  Nocturnal singing is much more common during a full moon.





Lindsay with Toby



Belle, Kali, Marti, JoAnn and Robin






Red-tailed Hawk
These hawks occasionally hunt as a pair, guarding opposite sides of the same tree to catch squirrels.


These hawks have a thrilling, raspy scream that sounds exactly like one would think a raptor should sound.  And that's what Hollywood directors seem to think.  Whenever a hawk or eagle appears onscreen, no matter what species, the shrill cry on the soundtrack is almost always a Red-tailed Hawk.


These hawks are resident or short-distance migrants.  Most birds from AK, Canada, and the northern Great Plains fly south for a few months in winter, but remain in North America.  Birds across the rest of the continent typically stay put, sharing the countryside with northern arrivals.



Keeping a watchful eye on us






Belle and Toby checking out who's been in the neighborhood.










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