Tuesday, December 10, 2013

Wild Bird Wednesday - Mean Girls



click on images to enlarge

Who would think this sweet-faced mourning dove deserves to be called a "mean girl"?!  For sure, I didn't know until recently.  They have been visiting the yard for a while--since I started scattering feed for the ground foragers.  A lot visited, but they were very calm and non-aggressive.

Then last week, in preparations for the ice, snow and bitter temps we're experiencing right now, I set up this platform feeder and supplied it with some bird delites like peanuts and nutty suet.  Wow!  what a bunch of bullies--especially when a half dozen tried to crowd on the feeder at one time.  Lots of pecking and wing flapping going on.  So far, they've managed to intimidate a lot of the birds--and squirrels.  That is except for the tufted titmouse and blue jay.  Both of them can stand up to the mean girls! In the meantime, I'm cancelling the post titled "Peace Conference" that was planning. . .

Linking to: Wild Bird Wednesday .

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11 comments:

  1. mickDecember 10, 2013 at 7:01 PM

    Great photos and I see a whole lot of aggression in my yard when birds try to monopolize food sources. Also - Spotted Turtle Doves (an introduced species) seem to have entirely displaced the Crested Pigeons.

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  2. eileeninmdDecember 10, 2013 at 7:14 PM

    The Doves to seem to take over. I think their population has grown. They are pretty birds! Love the mosaic! Have a happy week!

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  3. CarlettaDecember 10, 2013 at 10:05 PM

    Fun post Faye!
    My mean girls fuss with each other. I had one today sitting right on the middle of a small feeder - guess she was full and didn't want anyone else to grab a bite. The Blue Jays chase them away though.
    Nice you've gotten into the bird watching. :)

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  4. Brian KingDecember 10, 2013 at 10:34 PM

    Great shots! The doves here don't really cause much trouble. They peck around on the ground and usually mind their business.

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  5. KarenDecember 10, 2013 at 11:42 PM

    A great collage! The Doves in my yard actually fly to the hanging feeders and monopolize them!

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  6. UnknownDecember 11, 2013 at 2:16 AM

    Beautiful shots of the pretty doves.

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  7. Jan n JerDecember 11, 2013 at 9:10 AM

    Survival of the fittest!!!

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  8. jp@A Green RidgeDecember 11, 2013 at 2:52 PM

    Here, it's the Blue jays that are mean???our Doves co-exist with the little ones and squirrels...:)JP

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  9. Margaret Birding For PleasureDecember 11, 2013 at 4:41 PM

    HI Faye Isupppose that is life in nature. My Doves are lovely and gentle.

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  10. Stewart MDecember 15, 2013 at 3:03 AM

    Never get between a dove and a free feed!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  11. NatureFootstepDecember 27, 2013 at 5:17 PM

    I can´t help but smile. The story and images is quite amusing. :)

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