Time once again for a look at miscellaneous pictures I took around the farm this past week. This first picture is of Valrhona, one of our Shetland sheep ewes, bedded down in the dry grasses in the main pasture.
The grass is maybe 6-8" long, and seems to be just perfect for nestling down into it for extra warmth. All of the 4-legged animals seem to think it's great!
Once again, the animals are out in the main pasture:
I took this picture from inside the house, looking out the window in the dining area. The sheep are in the shorter grass areas, grazing the green stuff tucked underneath. Our Maremma sheep dog, Neffie, likes to stick close, but keeps to the highest vantage point she can find.
Still looking out the window, I saw one of our Buff Orpington hens.
They love to scratch around in the leaves along the fenceline, looking for something tasty to eat.
One of the escapee roosters was doing the same thing around the base of a tree.
I sometimes throw crumbs out there, which they seem to enjoy.
The wild birds like the suet feeders. Sometimes a Tufted Titmouse comes to visit.
And sometimes these little birds show up in bunches.
I've been trying to figure out what kind of birds these are, but can't find anything that looks *exactly* like them. The nearest I've come up with is an American Tree Sparrow. But the colors aren't quite right.
Here's a couple getting a drink from the birdbath.
And one was sitting on the picket fence.
So, anybody know what this bird is exactly?
Now, I know exactly what THIS bird is.
That's an immature male cardinal with a punky ATTITUDE.
And I do mean, ATTITUDE.
I think his mohawk "hairdo" looked pretty cool. Bet he thinks he's a read macho dude!
Our farm collie, Toby, isn't so much macho as goofy. The minute we go outside, he runs around like an idiot trying to find a stick to carry. It doesn't matter if it's toothpick sized or a log.
Sometimes he gets sticks that are so big he can barely drag them around.
He and Neffie seem to enjoy grooming each other, each though they are both "fixed."
Later in the week I saw a Northern Mockingbird getting a drink from the birdbath.
Northern Mockingbird at Southern Birdbath.
The cardinals also visit the birdbath.
Male Cardinal
Sometimes even the chickens hop up for a drink from the birdbath, like this little Golden Sebright Bantam hen.
Golden Sebright Bantam Hen
Glancing through all these pictures, you might get the idea things are pretty fowl around here. From the looks of all these guineas following our male llama around, I'd say you'd be right.
We've got all kinds of birdbrains outside and inside. This one on the inside is hanging from the curtain on the back door. . .
Bye, bye! See ya later!
And bidding you GOOD-BY!
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I think your mystery birds are house sparrows. The male is in his fall plumage and is sporting the grey cap. They are also called “English Sparrows” as they came to this country from England during the 1800’s. I think I read somewhere they crossed the pond to the US in the masts of ships!
Love all your pictures!
You unidentified bird is the horrible, horrible English House Sparrow.
Some Joe Bob released 100 pairs in Central Park years and years ago. He saw them in England and thought they’d be pretty to have here in the US. They are considered an invasive species because they are in direct competition with our native species. They kill the young of cavity nesting birds (Titmice and Wrens for example) and take over the hole. They’ll even go so far as to build a nest on top of a sitting songbird as she’s waiting for her eggs to hatch.
Can you tell I don’t like them much?
Well Lisa and Ceeccee, that doesn’t sound too thrilling! I am glad to find out what my mystery bird is, but it doesn’t sound like I should be too thrilled that they’re living here! Thanks for the info.
Wow your photos are amazing-such detail. Our neighbors dog, Bill, is like your Toby-he has to carry a stick around with him : )
Hi tipper! Glad you enjoyed the pictures.
I think a lot of dogs must like carrying around a stick all the time. Kind of like they mostly all seem to like chasing vehicles if they get the chance.
I love seeing the variety of critters you have around there. They are living such a contented life full of bliss and good care, thanks to you.
~Lisa
We enjoy having lots of different critters around here, and feel especially blessed with the different sorts of wildlife too!