Tag: bird watching

Chipmunks at My Bird Feeder: A Backyard Delight

There’s something truly magical about watching wildlife right outside your window. Birds, squirrels, and even the occasional rabbit can turn an ordinary day into a little moment of joy. But lately, it’s been the chipmunks at my bird feeder that have completely stolen the show.

These tiny, energetic creatures are endlessly entertaining—stuffing their cheeks with seeds, darting back and forth, and sometimes even sharing space with the birds (though not always peacefully!). They bring so much personality and life to the yard that I just had to capture the moment on video.

👉 Check out my YouTube video below

In the video, you’ll see:

  • Cheek-stuffing cuteness: Chipmunks can pack away an impressive amount of seeds, and it’s hilarious to watch.
  • Playful antics: Their quick movements and curious personalities make them such fun backyard visitors.
  • Nature’s calm escape: If you love relaxing wildlife videos, this one is sure to make you smile.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a bird watcher, or just someone who needs a cheerful moment in your day, these little chipmunks will brighten it.

So grab a cup of coffee, take a break, and enjoy a front-row seat to the action at my bird feeder.

👉 Don’t miss it: Click below to see all my cute videos! I’m chipmunk obsessed. So like and subscribe to my older videos and new ones that I add

https://youtu.be/a67w_sUUS0s?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/1eBV13IjMPE?feature=shared

https://youtu.be/QeVGJw4znnA?feature=shared

If you want to create your own backyard oasis, here are a few of favorite things. *affiliate links earn commission

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Suet holder: https://amzn.to/4gyCdmH

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Hanging bird feeders

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The Fascinating World of the Common Grackle

If you’ve ever spotted a sleek black bird shimmering with iridescent blues, purples, and greens, chances are you’ve encountered the common grackle. Often mistaken for a crow at first glance, these intelligent and adaptable birds are members of the blackbird family and bring their own unique charm to backyards and open fields across North America.

What Does a Common Grackle Look Like?

The common grackle is larger than most blackbirds, with a long tail, slender body, and sharp, pointed beak. Their glossy plumage isn’t just black—it shines with metallic hues that catch the sunlight beautifully. Males are typically more vibrant, while females tend to appear slightly more muted. One of their most striking features is their pale yellow eyes, which stand out against their dark feathers.

Where Can You Find Them?

Grackles are native to much of the eastern and central United States, often gathering in large flocks. They thrive in a wide variety of habitats including:

  • Suburban backyards
  • Agricultural fields
  • Woodlands and marshes
  • City parks and parking lots

Their adaptability is one reason they’re so widespread and successful.

What Do Grackles Eat?

These birds are opportunistic feeders with a diverse diet. You might spot them at your bird feeder, but they’re just as happy foraging in fields or scavenging in urban areas. Their diet includes:

  • Seeds and grains
  • Insects and spiders
  • Small fish, frogs, and even other birds’ eggs
  • Human food scraps

This flexibility helps them thrive in both rural and urban settings.

Behavior and Social Life

Grackles are highly social and often form large flocks, especially during migration. Their calls are loud, creaky, and somewhat metallic—distinct from the more musical songs of other backyard birds. While some may find their vocalizations harsh, others appreciate the wild character they bring to the soundscape.

They’re also known for their intelligence. Grackles have been observed using problem-solving skills to access food, even cracking open acorns or raiding cornfields with precision.

Why Some People Love (or Dislike) Grackles

Grackles tend to spark mixed feelings among bird watchers. On one hand, their glossy feathers and playful behavior are fascinating. On the other, they can dominate bird feeders, raid crops, and gather in noisy flocks. Still, they play an important ecological role by controlling insect populations and cleaning up food scraps.

How to Attract (or Deter) Grackles

If you’d like to welcome grackles, consider offering:

  • Platform or ground feeders
  • Corn, sunflower seeds, or peanuts
  • A bird bath for drinking and bathing

If you’d rather discourage them to give smaller birds a chance, try using tube feeders with small perches that grackles can’t easily use, or safflower seed, which they don’t favor.

Final Thoughts

Love them or not, the common grackle is an important part of the bird world. Their adaptability, intelligence, and striking plumage make them a bird worth noticing. Next time you see one strutting across a lawn or glimmering in the sunlight, take a moment to appreciate the unique personality this bird brings to your environment.