# Today in nature I saw **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [July 20, 2020, 6:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854 "2020-07-20T18:22:11Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 116
**Author:** ![mordecaiB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mordecaib/32/7725_2.png) [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Post date:** [May 19, 2023, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2303 "2023-05-19T20:24:36Z")
> [@Treppenwitz](#): > > Mrs T was digging in the garden this afternoon and had to put up with constant harassment from the robins as they flew in for more worms Mine knock at the patio door for raisins. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/Y326qKu.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/Y326qKu) > [@Love\_Rhombus](#): > > Saw/heard two Baltimore orioles this weekend. This actually is not a blurry picture, that’s smoke from the Western Canada fires. In southern Minnesota. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/wRIceSh.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/wRIceSh) > [@purplehorseshoe](#): > > I saw a goldfinch! First time in my life. It was like a fat dot of lemon yellow sunshine, black hat and all. Sat nicely for me (I didn’t have my phone, or fancy camera) in all its bright yellow glory. Good on you, they are not shy! [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/xqTrthI.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/xqTrthI) And, just for the heck of it, a bunch of Grosbeaks, 3 male and 1 female. Unfortunately, they are usually just passing thru. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/AuaZUKF.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/AuaZUKF) ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2023, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2304 "2023-05-20T01:18:09Z")
I miss the goldfinches and grosbeaks that would feed at my old house. @purplehorseshoe You can get a feeder for cheap and lure more goldfinches to your home. They sure are cheerful bits of sunshine, aren’t they? My big news for today is that at least two of the peregrine falcon eggs hatched today. One in the wee hours of the morning, one later. Two were visible this afternoon. Parents were keeping them warm and under wraps for the rest of the day and the light is fading now, but just wonderful to see. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2023, 11:45am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2305 "2023-05-20T11:45:44Z")
> [@mordecaiB](#): > > a bunch of Grosbeaks The rose breasted grosbeak’s return, usually paired with orioles, is always a cool sight for us. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2023, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2306 "2023-05-20T15:09:11Z")
I checked on the peregrines this morning. Still only two chicks. Two hangry chicks. Dad brought in a mouse, thank goodness. ---
**Author:** ![mordecaiB](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mordecaib/32/7725_2.png) [@mordecaiB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/mordecaiB)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2023, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2307 "2023-05-20T21:08:23Z")
> [@kayaker](#): > > The rose breasted grosbeak’s return, usually paired with orioles, is always a cool sight for us. I love them too, great colors all around. Something I don’t usually see here, but I had an Orchard Oriole here yesterday. I’ll post a pic when I get a chance. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2308 "2023-05-21T02:22:36Z")
We have had a bumper crop of bird babies here this spring. Multiple wren and finch nests, there’s at least one cardinal nest here somewhere, and a mockingbird nest in the loropetalum. The bluebird nesting box on our back fence currently has babies too - I hear them begging when mom or dad show up with food. I know songbird populations have been declining but the birds here are working hard to keep their species going. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2309 "2023-05-21T19:42:07Z")
A robin repeatedly tried to pull an earthworm out of the ground, but wasn’t able to get it all the way out. Finally the robin flew away. ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 7:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2310 "2023-05-21T19:45:56Z")
Well, it looks like two baby peregrines are all we get. There’s a third egg that has not hatched and the fourth egg has disappeared, so I assume the parents knew it wasn’t viable. Those two voracious babies sure are keeping their parents busy. My friend’s home now has a pair of mallards hanging out in the small back yard. The female apparently does not have a clutch. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2023, 10:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2311 "2023-05-21T22:58:58Z")
Today I saw tomato plants and what I think is a squash vine growing in my back lawn. Husband was mowing and came in to ask me if I’d planted anything in the back corner - said he saw some ‘stalky things’ that didn’t look like weeds there. I went out to see the ‘stalky things’ and identified them. I’d filled several divots in the ground back there over the winter with compost after we’d had some cypresses taken down and the tree company’s equipment had torn up a few spots. I guess the compost wasn’t quite composted enough. ---
**Author:** ![Dendarii\_Dame](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/bbce88/32.png) [@Dendarii\_Dame](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dendarii_Dame)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 8:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2312 "2023-05-22T20:18:30Z")
I saw a groundhog run across a busy road without getting hit. I didn’t realize they could run that fast. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2313 "2023-05-22T20:43:48Z")
I saw a baby bun (who froze when s/he saw me), and a catbird at the mealworm feeder, which is something I hadn’t seen before. It would grab a few worms, toss them on the ground, and then go eat them. [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/pw/AJFCJaVjsOgn8ZJ06bPA44TjZoqy0JElmw4NGHfBWb-_4yXpLtYL_rlk1fLwXaJ13n00-S9sTzQ1yhnOl6l-AvOizMkRhDgB7X4lZkNrd627jP55QMnxjVqc=w600-h315-p-k "New item by Romansperson") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/cLq9L2PYus2spUgJ6) [![Google Photos](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/d6LRpvgmyqjbipDbAjikbyjZQ78YjD_eYmYSAJgQ8yd3lDUgKrhxMyZq1Kgy00lnC9oqP3-SbIuPcwuu6gTb3K4RKN2Ov4FGMv9DgzgJSxDJvW0s_UmFQEr--FXAq7QUfHNVoVNeMXw=w600-h315-p-k "New item by Romansperson") ](https://photos.app.goo.gl/bFMk4E3uFiLjK1CF6) ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 10:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2314 "2023-05-22T22:51:29Z")
Just back from a walk in the woods with our dogs. At one point they were sniffing deer poop. Up ahead I saw a turkey, the dogs missed seeing it. When we reached the spot where I saw it, they were _extremely_ excited, sniffing and looking around, wanting to follow the scent trail. I was the party pooper, taking the walk in a different direction. ---
**Author:** ![Dung\_Beetle](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dung_beetle/32/7945_2.png) [@Dung\_Beetle](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dung_Beetle)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2023, 11:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2315 "2023-05-22T23:09:47Z")
Squeeeeee! What a beautiful baby! ---
**Author:** ![carnut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carnut/32/3531_2.png) [@carnut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carnut)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2316 "2023-05-23T01:05:19Z")
The catbird is adorable. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 1:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2317 "2023-05-23T01:08:26Z")
Squirrels. Which I realize are not exotic animals. But during an eight block walk today, I think I must have seen close to twenty of them. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 4:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2318 "2023-05-23T04:07:05Z")
Nothing like spotting a sweet little baby bunny. ---
**Author:** ![Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kolak_of_twilo/32/73_2.png) [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kolak_of_Twilo)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2319 "2023-05-23T04:40:59Z")
So the King Rail isn’t really a “rare” bird but more one that is tough to find because it is really good at hiding in marshes and tall grass. Official classification is Near Threatened so there are reasons for concern. It is the largest member of the Rail family and is about the size of a skinny chicken. I basically stumbled across this one purely by accident. It was near a dirt path and was going in and out of the tall grass. A very exciting moment and the only time I’ve ever see one. [![Imgur](https://i.imgur.com/WfJeTtO.jpeg "imgur.com") ](https://imgur.com/WfJeTtO) ---
**Author:** ![TRC4941](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trc4941/32/6792_2.png) [@TRC4941](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TRC4941)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 2:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2320 "2023-05-23T14:23:47Z")
> [@Kolak\_of\_Twilo](#): > > Nothing like spotting a sweet little baby bunny. I call them Fluff Buns! ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2321 "2023-05-23T14:44:53Z")
Walking Simi just now I/we saw a killdeer. She tried to convince me her wing was broken, but I’m onto their ruse. It must suck tho to be a killdeer with a broken wing for reals, and nobody believes you. ---
**Author:** ![romansperson](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/romansperson/32/17100_2.png) [@romansperson](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/romansperson)\ **Post date:** [May 23, 2023, 5:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854/2322 "2023-05-23T17:22:28Z")
One term I’ve heard for a group of rabbits is a ‘fluffle.’ [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854.md?page=115) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/today-in-nature-i-saw/915854.md?page=117)