i saw an adolescent female Baltimore oriole the other day at the millet feeder, just gobbling it. i didn't know what it was then, but noticed that the usually aggressive male sparrows who chase others away didn't try to chase this one.
i searched audubon for an ID, nada. finally ebird found it. and given the aggressive mode of BOs, i can see why the sparrow didn't try to pick a fight🤣🤣🤣
I love your willingness to understand nature.
it's endlessly fascinating. full of wonders.
@holon42 She could also be cheating on you visiting other gardens and trash cans in the area.
hahaha. i hope so. i don't want a dependent, just helping her through the early postpartum period.
@holon42 We had a mother racoon years ago we were feeding - eventually she came and instead of eating kinda guarded / checked out the area. At some point she looked back in direction she came from (signaled?) and out poured her little ones which she let eat while she stood gaurd.
yes, that's so lovely to see. those fluffy darling little ones ❤️❤️❤️
@holon42 Careful I was feeding 1 raccoon next I knew I was feeding 5 she brought the family.
she did that last year too, 4 kits, lovely fluffy sweetnesses. i don't give additional food, just portion it out. they have to find their own turf after awhile. and they did. this is mama's garden.
it's interesting too how mama raccoon paces her visits to my garden. one day she came morning and evening. next day, morning and really hungry.
this morning, she's not here. i wonder if she bulks up, then spends time with her kits longer.
or just hangs out at the local raccoon speakeasy 🤔
i figure feeding her is saving a few nestlings from her maw.