I may start this as a semi-regular feature. All observations are from my backyard, unless otherwise noted.

So why take up bird watching? It was sort of an accident. I have always had feeders, and of course have enjoyed the birds that frequent the yard. Then of course came the squirrels … err tree rats. Adult airguns in form of a Beeman R7, Beeman R1, and Beeman R1 Carbine quickly followed.

As I have gotten more into the airgun hobby it was natural to stumble across sites, forums, and blogs that discuss defending cavity nesting birds from such non native species as European Starlings. Sparrows are also a favorite pest species to “remove” from one’s property. Ah, but which sparrows? One sparrow looks like another until you take the time to properly identify your intended target. As I said, one accident (misidentification) sort of led me into this potential new hobby.

It should also be noted that according to the 2008-2009 Georgia Hunting Regulations:

COYOTES, ARMADILLOS, GROUNDHOGS, BEAVERS, STARLINGS, PIGEONS AND ENGLISH SPARROWS: No closed season. No limit.

Now onto my observations …

Today (01-04-09)
Cardinal (male)
Carolina Wren
English Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (male and female)
Mockingbird
Mourning Dove
White-throated Sparrow
*Unidentified: Mostly drab grey (maybe olive green), with yellow tip tail feathers. Medium sized ~8-9″ long; 3-5 in a group.
*Unidentified: Mostly drab grey; maybe slightly blue-ish tint. Small sized ~5-6″ long. Eating berries in the palm tree?

01-03-09
Carolina Chickadee
Carolina Wren
Cardinal (male and female)
House Finch (male)
Mourning Dove
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Tufted Titmouse
White-throated Sparrow
*Unidentified: Canada Goose? Flying overhead in “v-shaped” formation (~25 birds).

01-02-09
Brown Thrasher
Carolina Wren
Cardinal (male and female)
English Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (male)
Mourning Dove

01-01-09
Brown Thrasher
Carolina Wren
Cardinal (male and female)
English Sparrow (male)
House Sparrow (male)
House Finch (male)
Mourning Dove
Pileated Woodpecker
White-throated Sparrow