Common Backyard Birds in New Jersey in the Spring

 

The Pine Siskin is supposed to be here only for the winter. Their range is extending and they may stay. I hope they let the goldfinches have a turn at the thistle feeder.

 

One female and two male cardinals have been frequenting this feeder. There appears to be quite a competition for her attention by the males.

Male Northern Cardinal

Tufted Titmouse

Tufted Titmouse and Northern Cardinal

House Finch and Tufted Titmouse

Downy Woodpecker

Ruby Crowned Kinglets Return

 

 

We stayed outside for most of the day on Saturday since good weather is such a rarity around these parts. All was quiet and Chris noticed a very small bird in the trees. At first she thought it was a hummingbird since it was moving about quickly. We eventually determined it was a few ruby-crowned kinglets. We watched them dart off the branches to get insects, and when you watch long enough and get lucky, you can even see the ruby crown on the male. The bottom picture shows a bit of the ruby crown, but occasionally there is a large brilliant flash of ruby. If the sun keeps shining and they return today , we'll try for a better picture of this little cutie showing off his crown.