Our More Colorful Birds

This series of five pictures illustrates the magnificence of God's creation with the bird's plumage including the colors of rufous, orange, blue, yellow, and brilliant red.

Rufous-Sided Towhee

We see the Rufous-Sided Towhee in early spring and it is common for their nests to be found in or under a large spruce tree in front of our house. They get their name from the rufous (reddish-brown) plumage on their sides and "towee" which is an imitation of their call. Their tales are quite long and they are further characterized by white spots on their back and tail. They range from 7" to 8" in length.

Baltimore Oriole

The Baltimore or Northern Oriole arrives in Ohio during the month of May, announcing that spring has really arrived. They are around 7" in length and are noted for their nests which hang down from branches near the tops of tall trees, thus concealing them from view to the casual observer.

Eastern Bluebird

This male Eastern Bluebird, along with his mate, actually took up residence in our bluebird house. It is quite common for the wrens to occupy this house later in the spring if the bluebirds don't beat them to it. These birds are about 7" long with the male being characterized by a bright, entirely blue back and rusty throat and breast.

Goldfinch

These two pair of Goldfinch are typical of their spring and summer plumage. The males, on the left, are very brilliant yellow in color while the females on the right are more greenish-gray. In the winter months, the males color is similar to that of the females. The males are also distinguished by their black caps. These little birds are about 4" in length and are fond of thistles (hence the thistle feeders) and sunflower seeds.

Pileated Woodpecker

The Pileated Woodpecker is about 17" in length, or nearly as large as a crow. They are identified by striking black and white neck stripes and a brilliant red crest. The Pileated's call is always a series, never a single call. They are very wary and thus seldom closely observed

Our Winged Guests

Living in rural Holmes County and on a lake means that we do not hear many cars, are not in a flight pattern for a major airport, and we do not have trains going by. We do have boats on the lake, especially on weekends. The next few photographs show some of our winged guests starting with an ultralight that was the only one that made any noise.

"If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, Even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." Psalm 139:9-10.