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I haven't traveled much--just Costa Rica and Trinidad--and don't consider myself a "real" birder. My husband is one. In fact, he dragged me practically kicking and screaming into this hobby. I didn't want to frustrate myself trying to get footage of those elusive targets. For one thing, I don't even have very good eyesight. He studies all of them and goes out just to look for birds, whatever he can find. And he has a big life list. I don't keep a life list, and if I go out to a wildlife area, I have a target bird or bug in mind. You won't see me in such places without my camera. The real birders here in St. Louis would not consider me one of their number--rightly so. But I am glad my husband nagged me into filming birds. It's been rewarding.

Looks like YT delayed your seeing this one by about four months. I'm glad you persisted. As for your inquiry about me, I'm happy but not well--got a monster cough that's keeping me from sleeping. Thank goodness I have my next movie (due to go up this Friday) basically finished. It's about how swallows fly. I just can't ever get enough of those swallows. What hypnotic birds. And I'm looking forward to hearing from you again after you see it. It and the last one (about swallows having hawk eyes) were tricky to make because if I show those swallows at full speed, nobody knows what they just saw. But if I slow the footage down, it doesn't do justice to their speed. I hope I managed a happy medium. Hope you're happy and well yourself, and thanks for commenting.

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Did they break your subscriptions into segments as well? Do you know the reason for the cough?Hope it goes away soon. Swallows are amazing and you pointed out a couple of reasons that I was not aware of. As always, listen to the teacher...and enjoy the lessons. Your swallow videos displayed the acrobatics beautifully.

@@riverbender9898 I have no idea whether YT broke my subscribers into groups. I wouldn't think so, but its ways are a mystery to me. The cough is from one MEAN virus that hangs on for dear life. It's seriously inconvenient. I'm glad to hear the swallow acrobatics didn't frustrate you. If that one didn't, then the upcoming probably won't either. Always good to hear from you.

I love them too and never tire of filming the little devils. (And by the way, I've got longer films about them. This one is pretty long--at 10 minutes--but it's full of good info: ua-cam.com/video/1cju_kkF8wg/v-deo.htmlsi=ojoCMIK_KVOLit8X)

Sorry to hear about your problem, Billy. The good news, according to Cornell Lab's Birds of the World, is that the Thrashers probably won't reuse that nest for their second brood. "Occasionally reuses nests built in previous years, rarely nests constructed within same breeding season. In ne. Kansas, 4% of 94 marked old nests were reused and only 1 of those nests reused within same breeding season (Cavitt et al. 1999). Prior to reuse, adults remove and replace all of old nest-lining and often add additional sticks." Cornell Lab says the eggs hatch in 11-14 days." Eggs hatch in 11-14 days. I didn't see I didn't see any mention in Birds of the World of how long it is before the nestlings fledge , but it's probably a couple of weeks. I don't know how much help this info is or how crucial it is to trim around your AC unit. Good luck with it. And feel free to let me know how it turns out.

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME I can wait, it's "recommended" that a 4-foot area be cleared around the a/c fan. These birds are funny, they show pretty much no fear of humans. I've sat on the back porch watching them and they'll come within 3-4 feet without a care. Right after I discovered their nest I was seeing them "tag team" for worms, then I wouldn't see them at all for 3-4 days. I'll give them enough time to be sure they're gone. Thanks for the information!!

@@billywrench2610 I'm glad you found the info helpful. When I read your original comment, I thought that I couldn't help because we've never had to bother one of their nests. But surprisingly, Birds of the World did help with the news that they don't usually reuse the first nest. I'm happy to be of use.

Thank you, Christina, for taking the time to tell me how much you enjoy my videos and the information in them. I do love to hear from someone who’s having fun watching them. It’s one of the biggest rewards I have in this hobby.

I loved hearing from you about your Mockers, Liz! Now you gotta check out some of my other mockingbird videos. They show the character of this charming bully we love. (Just search YT for mockingbirds Alwood.) And it's nice to hear that you like listening to my voice. Thanks. What is VO?

It is indeed a super cool bird. Wish I could have one land at MY window.

What a welcome compliment! It would be ANY day, of course, but today I’m sick, and you just gave my spirits a lift. Thank you. A week from Friday. I’ll post a follow up movie about how swallows fly that’ll probably interest you. Thanks again for commenting.

You're welcome, Brad. I'm addicted to filming swallows. The latest is about their hawk eyes and I'll post another one next week about how they fly--lots of Purple Martin footage in both of them. I'm glad you enjoyed the movie and thanks for commenting.

Well, your comment did prompt me to listen to the first minute or so. No, it doesn't need to be muted, but if I were doing it today, I'd pick up the pace and ease up a tad on the drama. I doubt you meant to be helpful, but you actually were.

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME oh noo,, it was to help ( the viewers). I like to watch my birds ( feeding) in silence. That's the reason I love nature - no human interaction 😂

@@michaelbarcz326 Okay. But you missed some valuable information. (And I would think that if you prefer no interaction, you'd watch the movie in silence--without comment.)

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME ok stop comment trolling and go watch your birds

@@michaelbarcz326 Good one!

And an unprecedented comment! On two counts. I've never heard the word "goated", so I googled it, hoping it was a good thing. Bingo. And obviously I was curious about another Alwood, since I've never heard from one outside our family circle. What part of the country are you in?

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME I believe that you are the wife of Butch, who is my fathers uncle

I'm assuming you don't know any of these people, right?

NOW I understand why you thought this was surreal viewing! You're the grandson of Butch's brother, Tom! And listen to this coincidence: your grandmother, Judy, just called Connie (which is what everyone except his family calls him) two or three days ago. We hadn't been in touch with her for probably ten years. About all he remembers her saying about you is that you had studied abroad.

I've never had a chance to see them perch or nest in trees. Interesting. And yes, they're loud--don't know that I'd care to have them in my yard.

I understand why you wouldn't be sure it's the same bird all the time. As I said in the movie, I can't tell individual catbirds apart. But I'll bet you're right about it being the same one. At least, that was the conclusion my husband and I came to about the one that fed from our hands. Have you thought about offering it some dried mealworms?

This movie is six years old or something like that, and I don't recall what I said that you're referring to. Care to explain further?

Yeah, I gotta appreciate these sassy, selfish, entertaining birds. You do too, I gather.

I don't have any such childhood memories of Barn Swallows--more's the pity. I envy your recollection of them dancing around the mower. What a perfect description. All I can do is enjoy your memory with you. Oh, and by the way, I published a video two weeks ago about the eyesight of swallows. (They have eyes like hawks, not like songbirds.) And next up (June 28) is one about how swallows fly. I have loved making both of these--just can't get enough of those magical birds.

Well, my explanations are just good enough to help out if you get a good, close look at one of these hawks. But much of time, I'm thoroughly confused ... and I'm not even kidding. But anyway, I'm glad you thought the vid was useful. Thanks for commenting.

Were you looking to identify that call when you happened to watch this film, Paul? Or did finding out what that call was come as a bonus when you were watching this one? I hope you get to see him too. His colors are dull, I admit , but he’s still a handsome bird. And by the way, I did another couple of movies on the sounds he makes. He does a lot more than just meow. And I bet that if you knew about his other vocalizations, you’d find you are hearing him even more often than you realized.

You're welcome, and thanks for commenting.

Funny thing you should mention that because another viewer told me that he was falling asleep to my movies that night. And I take both of you in the spirit you meant it, that my commentary is soothing. Thanks for telling me so.

Well, happy I could help,Wren. (Is Wren Your first name or is it a screen name?) Mind if I ask what mountains you were in where you saw so many different species? Southeast Arizona maybe? Four years ago we visited a place called Santa Rita Lodge, but that was in the fall. I was told that if I came in the spring, I could get that many hummingbird species there.

It’s fun to see, right? And of course, it’s the smart move for the Brown Thrashers.

If I had thought to compare the Robins to a fox jumping, I would have. What a perfect description. Thanks for commenting, Andrew.

And I don't doubt for a second that they are chowing down on your strawberries. I did another film about how much they love berries! Can you put netting over the strawberries?

Some might call the Catbird dull because of its dark colors, but I think it's as striking as a male model in a tux. And you seem to have more of a connection to yours than I did. With us, it was just a matter of him wanting the food I could give him, but yours has a relationship in mind.

Well hello again, Cynthia. Nice to hear from you. I'm happy that you're exploring the channel and especially pleased that you took a look at this video. It hasn't had a ton of views, but I think it offers interesting info. (I did make one mistake, though, in saying that they must not have much in the neck vertebrae department. They don't have ANY because they have an exoskeleton.) I'm having a blast making these movies, and I hope you'll keep browsing here and commenting occasionally.

You're right that we'll never know. And as I said, sixty percent of nestlings are destined to be food. As sad as it makes us, whatever creature it was that ate the babies, it felt no guilt--only a full stomach. It's sort of like how we feel when we eat a chicken leg that we bought at the grocery store.

Thanks for commenting, Audra. And of course I agree with you that "feeling" sweetness nearby is amazing. But then butterflies ARE amazing. In August, I'll post a movie about how they evade predators. I know you'll want to see it. 😀

I can certainly imagine that happening, and I'm sorry you're annoyed and inconvenienced. He's just trying to survive, of course--but at your expense.

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME thanks, I came online to search for it after my trap caught one, I'll get a pond safety net

You're welcome. And thanks for commenting, especially since your comment prompted me to watch this six year old movie again. I get such a kick out of watching their mating display!

Your comment brought a smile. I sure do like the idea of kids that age learning to love those birds. Are you aware that I also put up a video about the agile flight of Barn Swallows? (ua-cam.com/video/LBWuliAxypY/v-deo.htmlsi=dgD-1oCb1gYZdlfM) And a week ago I posted one about swallow eyesight: it's like a hawk's eyesight rather than a songbird's. (ua-cam.com/video/foA86HRD_Uo/v-deo.htmlsi=vNa1towIYvCXNjyZ) I hope I don't sound like I"m assigning homework or something, but I just can't get enough of those swallows--I'm working on another movie now about their flight--and in case you'd like your kids to know more, I wanted to let you know about those films.

You've watched them fool hawks more than I have, obviously, and I like your take on their strategy--enough to wish I'd been able to talk to you before I wrote my script. In fact, I'm pinning your comment so it will stay at the top of the list for those who bother to look. As for how pretty they are, we'll have to agree to disagree. I'm filming swallows these days. Their sleek bodies and brilliant colors are more to my taste.

Wow. I've never seen a female House Finch do that--though they can be quarrelsome at feeders. Anyway, I'm glad the incident prompted you to look for UA-cam footage of the finches and to find my channel. I've done a video or two on just about every common yard bird, so if you'll search YT with the species name and Alwood, you're likely to find what you want. Welcome!

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME my love of birding started when I was a little girl recovering from brain surgery. It resumed last October when Juncos started coming to my tiny yard in droves. I named it "Junco Junction" and put seed out all the time. When it snowed I shoveled for both my dogs and my new bird friends. I posted videos on Tik Tok and people loved them. I talked to them and they became friendly and unafraid of me. Mourning doves started visiting and they represented my Daddy and 2 Angel pups. When spring came I started turning my tiny area into what is now called a "Sanctuary." I've researched different birds, their favourite foods and types of feeders. I have attracted finches, sparrows, Wrens, starlings, Cardinals, chipping sparrows (a ma regularly brings her baby by and I get to hear his loud demand for her nurturing). She was feeding a baby cowbird for a while. A sweet wren has built a nest in a homemade birdhouse next to my sliding glass back door. She stopped on my grill cover to serenade me and then would off to grab another twig though I placed a bunch of dried grasses and sticks out for her.. She's very independent. I get the sweetest catbird. Every evening I have my outdoor routine of sweeping up, refilling feeders and cleaning out and refreshing my makeshift bird bath. They practically dive bomb me and I talk with them. I greet them each morning and thank them for coming, say goodnight and I love you when I last let my dog out. It might sound silly however they bring me such joy. Thank you for your channel!!

Thanks. And I see that you capture beautiful wildlife footage from the other side of the continent.

THANK YOU, MR. ROCKY! Thanks not only for the compliment but for putting up all those nest boxes. The next movie I post (June 28th) will be about swallow flight, and it's got some of this fight footage in super slomo. Only that way can you see how violent some of their squabbles are.

@@JoAlwoodBIRDSANDTHENSOME Interestingly this past week I have noticed that a pair of cliff swallows has moved into an old barn swallow nest. Thats 3 types of swallows on the farm. Any tips on how to attract more of the cliff swallows. I haven't seem any here before> Thank you Matt

@@MrRocky1996 what a surprise! The Cliffs are colonial nesters and they build a different sort of nest from those that Barn swallows make. So that would be the last thing I would expect you to have happen. I don’t know what else to say. Make sure there are plenty of bugs around - like you have any control over that.

I know what you mean. It's easy to think of the commonplace Robin as a bird we already know about. But there's so much more to them than meets our eyes.

Every time I see a Killdeer, I have to smile. Not only are they beautiful, they're charming too.

They're such beautiful birds. And I don't get to see them here in Missouri. (I filmed them on a vacation to Southeast Arizona.) I'd advise you to enjoy them except what would be the point? It's obvious you already do.

I don't understand. What do you mean?

When you started talking I seen the birds beak start moving so I got confused and thought the bird was talking lmao.

Lots of hard work defending a home. I can't imagine how exhausting.

@@audra1976oliver Hi, Audra. It's nice to see one of my long form fans enjoying the shorts as well. I just started putting the shorts up this week. My next long one (June 28th) will be about swallow flight, and it's got some of this fight footage in super slomo. Only that way can you see how violent their squabbles actually are.

@@aperson5134 Thank you for explaining. I wondered if that was what you might be talking about. And I would have included the sound of their chatter, but I took that video on a windy day, so you'd have heard more annoying wind noise than swallow chatter.

My pleasure! I loved filming the Brown Thrashers--and I enjoy hearing that this little movie is still entertaining people.