When Robins cock their heads near the ground, it looks like they’re listening intently for a worm. But how much noise does a worm even make? None. So why is the Robin cocking his head?
You can see all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood
Month: March 2014
Red-bellied Woodpecker Defends His Nest against Starlings
Red-bellied Woodpeckers and Starlings are arch enemies, mainly because Starlings so often gang up and attempt to seize nesting holes that the Red-bellies have just dug. Watch to see gorgeous closeups of a Red-bellied male calling for a mate and excavating a cavity. Then watch the battle that ensues for possession of the hole.
See all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood
A Carolina Wren Flies
Carolina Wren
You can see the outline of this Carolina Wren’s other wing through the translucent wing in the foreground. And I can all but feel his weight, slight though it is, lifting off as I look at his extended legs and his feet.
Robins Sparring in Spring
These male Robins like hangin’ together, but every few seconds, they flutter up into the air circling each other in mock combat. Soon as they land, they’re best buddies again.
You can see all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood
How to Tell a Hairy Woodpecker from a Downy
Can you tell the difference? You’ll be able to after watching this little movie. But even if you don’t care about the differences, it’s worth watching the film to see these beautiful woodpeckers in action.
See all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood
Brown Creeper: a Car without a Reverse Gear
Brown Creepers can only motor about on tree trunks in one gear: drive. And for them “drive” equals “UP”.
See all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood
Do birds remove from the nest eggs that aren’t going to hatch?
I ask because the Great Horned Owls that have nested in the woods in back of our house these last eight winters have a failed nesting this year. We observed them mating (in fact, I filmed them once in late January), but the activity around their nesting site all but halted by mid-February. Then, on March 6th, I found a Great Horned Owl egg about a hundred feet from their nest. When I opened the egg, I found a blob filling half the cavity. It wasn’t developed: no discernible appendages or features.
I think I’ve read that birds remove eggs that aren’t viable, but I searched the internet and couldn’t find confirmation of that. If you can confirm my suspicion, I’d love to hear from you. The mystery of that egg sitting a hundred feet from the Sycamore is nagging me.
We file our nails; birds file their bills.
This female Cardinal rummages in her kitchen drawers for the right tool, finds it, and uses it to sharpen her bill. She needs to keep her beak sharp so she can crack seeds.
You can see all my movies on my YouTube channel: Jo Alwood.
Bird Movies by Jo 