The Hard Rock Bird Cafe is back in business!

About a year ago, I opened the Hard Rock Bird Cafe while I was volunteering at Balcones Canyonlands NWR in the hill country of Texas.  My bird cafe there was run kind of on the sly since the biologist there was not in favor of volunteers putting out feeders.  Some refuges allow feeders, and others don’t.  I like putting out feeders so I can enjoy the avian visitors.  Feeders are OK at this refuge, so I put a couple up the first day I arrived.  I’ve had a couple of birds visiting, but it has taken close to three weeks for the feeders to be discovered.

I’ve had one lowly American goldfinch show up occasionally, but in the last couple of days some Carolina chickadees have discovered the free lunch program.

Today, a pine warbler showed up.  Who would have thought a warbler would visit a seed feeder?  Not me.  I thought warblers only ate insects.

And then, a tufted titmouse stopped by for a snack.  I have quite a few favorite birds, and the titmouse is one of them.  When next I buy birdseed, I’ll be switching to a heavier mix with more black oil sunflower seeds in it.  Most birds just kick out those reddish brown seeds onto the ground anyway.  Can’t seem to find my niger/thistle seed sock feeder.  Hmm…wonder what happened to that?  You wouldn’t think I could lose something like that in the limited amount of storage space I have, would you?  I’ll have to rummage through all the outside storage areas when I get a chance.  In a few weeks, I’ll also put out my hummingbird feeders, so the Hard Rock Bird Cafe can offer an extended menu.  :)

 

The bird tour this morning was very successful!  We found 7 Mississippi sandhill cranes.  Didn’t see Stumpy, but Crossbill came through for us.  She and her mate were found feeding within  50’ or so of I-10.  The folks on the tour this morning were from Alabama and Minnesota.  There’s always a bit of pressure to produce views of the desired species, so I was relieved at our good fortune.  :)

As Emma and I enjoyed the late afternoon outside the rig, I found this colorful insect on the screen door.  It has the required six legs, head, thorax, abdomen, and antennae, but I don’t know what kind of insect it is.  Any ideas out there?  I also don’t know if you call that a tongue extending out exploring the terrain of the door frame.  So much to learn, and so little time!  :( 

 

Thanks for stopping by…. talk to you later,  Judy