Bird Feeders and Backyard Critters

[good sam]

Post pics!

My galaxy s7 with a missing lens cover is just not doing the job.

[aygart]

Finally got a few pics today with my point and shoot.


First we needed to get this guy away (picture through a window screen)

Once he was gone we had a Red Crossbill (seems to be rare one for a first pic)

And a gray catbird
Not picture yet of a female cardinal and a red bellied woodpecker.

[yitzgar]

I think this was asked before. Does anyone know if suet has basar vechalav issue? At least one I've seen had an allergy alert saying it contained milk

[Something Fishy]

Once he was gone we had a Red Crossbill (seems to be rare one for a first pic

That's a house finch...

[lfas25]

Once he was gone we had a Red Crossbill (seems to be rare one for a first pic)

This is a House Finch

[Kobe Bryant]

#7 Blue jay

[aygart]

That's a house finch...

This is a House Finch

Okay I will defer but this is where Merlin led me mainly due to the less defined stripes on the wings

[Kobe Bryant]

#8 White-breasted Nuthatch

[Something Fishy]

Okay I will defer but this is where Merlin led me mainly due to the less defined stripes on the wings.

A crossbill has an ultra-distinctive, well, crossbill.

[aygart]

A crossbill has an ultra-distinctive, well, crossbill.

None of my pictures have it closed and none of merlin's have it open.

I guess that could have also come from my input.

[justmeha]

Here's a whole setup, feeders included, for $30! Great deal or junk?

https://www.amazon.com/North-States-Bird-1862-Birdfeeder/dp/B07YP83LC9/

alive again

[Something Fishy]

None of my pictures have it closed and none of merlin's have it open.

I guess that could have also come from my input.

Merlin is a good starting point, but not totally reliable. I've gotten some insane suggestions in the past. In this case, it could be that the food on the beak fooled it.

In any case, I highly suggests learning the field marks of the birds in your area, that's still the best way to get a positve ID - and why I suggested

https://www.amazon.com/Jon-L-Dunn/dp/1426218354/
https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

I use both in conjunction. The book is best to actually learn about the birds, and, most importantly, their field marks (and of course for Shabbos). The app is great for a quick ID or to confirm a hunch, and obviously is easier to carry when traveling etc.

[Kobe Bryant]

alive again

Seems to be OOS

[aygart]

Merlin is a good starting point, but not totally reliable. I've gotten some insane suggestions in the past. In this case, it could be that the food on the beak fooled it.

In any case, I highly suggests learning the field marks of the birds in your area, that's still the best way to get a positve ID - and why I suggested

Got it. That book is going to wait for a book promo.

[justmeha]

Seems to be OOS

it said 4 in stock when i saw it

[Kobe Bryant]

Tufted Titmouse

[Kobe Bryant]

That bird on the left looks like a Tufted Titmouse, not a Gray Catbird.
Unless you are referring to a different bird which I did not notice in your picture.

Posted more photos for context.

[Kobe Bryant]

House sparrows in action

[coffeebean]

House sparrows in action

Which Camera and Lens do you use?

[aygart]

I think it will be best for me to post it like this and you can argue with Merlin.