Red Shouldered Hawk Calling

Red Shouldered Hawk Calling

Red Shouldered Hawk perching on the highest point looking like the apex Backyard avian predator. I just love the late afternoon light giving this beautiful raptor a nice glow. This bird is too big and clumsy to get squirrels and small birds in cover and its favorite food is snakes that venture out into the open, but caution is always the order of the day as Cooper's Hawks stalk the trees and heavy brush and they get the birds and squirrels.
Filmed with Canon SX60HS https://amzn.to/2S6W6oY and external microphone https://amzn.to/2CkRnKE
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Red Shouldered Hawk Calling

Red Bellied Woodpecker Couple Foraging and Calling

Red Bellied Woodpecker Couple Foraging and Calling

The Red Bellied Woodpecker Couple continue to hangout and use the Woodpecker nest box for roosting. The male mostly spends the night in the box. The male has a full red "helmet" the female half a red head. She will likely not lay eggs until spring - they are in no hurry. They keep in contact through the "chuck" or "cha" calls. Check out this documentary from a few years ago on another nesting couple: https://youtu.be/06-tT52YdDs
Filmed with Canon SX60HS https://amzn.to/2S6W6oY and external microphone https://amzn.to/2CkRnKE
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Red Bellied Woodpecker Couple Foraging and Calling

Cottontail Rabbit

Cottontail Rabbit

Appalachian Cottontail Rabbit eating grass on an Autumn evening as a rain shower moves in - sights and sounds of Nature and relaxing music.
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Cottontail Rabbit

Squirrel Shadow Puppet Theater

Squirrel Shadow Puppet Theater

Mother Squirrel is in an artistic mood and gives a squirrel shadow puppet theater performance in the spirit of Wayang as only a squirrel can do! Note that this work can only be performed right around the December Solstice when the days are short and sun angles very low in the morning so this is a special Holiday occasion.
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Squirrel Shadow Puppet Theater

Florida Cooter Turtle Rescue

Cooter Turtle Rescue

Turtle Deja Vu - another big Florida Peninsula Cooter passes through the Backyard and goes to the exact same place as the last one and gets stuck - mentally and wont give up. I'm going to have to design a permanent turtle door. These big ones are likely females and I think they are moving seasonal to the lake and are taking a shortcut through the yard and the fences are stopping them. One thing they are certainly persistent at trying to climb the fence but I don't think that is happening! They are also faster than people give them credit for.

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Cooter Turtle Rescue

Stray Cat Eats Stale Cornbread Muffin

Stray Cat Eats Stale Cornbread Muffin

Just a little slice of stray cat life from the Backyard Mountain trail cameras. That's old stale dry cornbread that I couldn't gag down with out a gallon of hot fluid so I was giving them to the Blue Jays who loved them, but I didn't expect a cat to eat it and even come back for the crumbs!
I forgot to mention this is the same stray cat hanging around the bird and squirrel feeders and competing with raccoons last fall, not looking to eat them but to eat/share their food because its so little see: https://youtu.be/dHzkl3Odsqk I'm not there anymore, but one of the neighbors has started putting proper food out for it on the deck. The little guy had taken to look for houses and see what scraps he could find. The long term plan is to find it a proper home.
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Stray Cat Eats Stale Cornbread Muffin

2018 in Review - Backyard Birds and Animals #YouTuberewind

2018 in Review - Backyard Birds and Animals #YouTuberewind

#YouTuberewind
Time flies - as 2018 ends let's take a look back at some of the memorable stories and highlights from the Backyard! What was your favorite video of 2018 - put it in the comments!
The following clips are included in this annual compilation:
Blue Jays in 4K UHD – Incoming! https://youtu.be/RXcYfBjy0mg
Squirrel Sees Its Reflection For the First Time https://youtu.be/bT3qQWFuFac
Painted Buntings - Most Colorful Songbird Close-Up https://youtu.be/L98AUjmSeMU
Gopher Tortoise Visits Backyard https://youtu.be/Tt1LvyF3A6A
Screech Owl Parents - Silent Wings https://youtu.be/k64ZlsnkAkg
Brown Thrasher Singing https://youtu.be/nE4IeNZy760
Catbird Sings - Bananas Are "The Cat's Meow" https://youtu.be/U1z1NGSFETU
Blue Jay Meets Banana - Makes Monkey Sounds https://youtu.be/tvRk0Lbz_4c
Mourning Dove Courtship and Mating https://youtu.be/XBCFRAV9q2k
Mother Screech Owl and Child - Strong Bond https://youtu.be/avkPtYz9r-I
Screech Owl in Flight - Slow Motion https://youtu.be/5cIbWzAkD60
Baby Screech Owl Has Rat For Breakfast https://youtu.be/70ZRXy5BCLM
Cute Young Red Squirrels in a Basket https://youtu.be/_4Ogl64Bg9A
Pileated Woodpecker Close Up https://youtu.be/-E87Txs1mcU
Squirrels Survive Severe Storm in Florida https://youtu.be/77_7ftqshws
Big Eyed Click Beetle https://youtu.be/AZFcyw-Hds0
A Chat With Wild Rabbit and Squirrels https://youtu.be/qbLYgv_E3nA
Baby Rabbit Nests - Hiding in Plain Sight https://youtu.be/0YiK7eUP5Hs
Wild Rabbit's Epic Yawn https://youtu.be/rhCY0Me9Ouw
House Wren Singing https://youtu.be/5LvRj3cbmBc
Man Teaches Squirrels to Play Games https://youtu.be/zUNekLDPnSA
Bobcat Extreme Closeup - Raccoons Run Away - Brave Mouse https://youtu.be/PVl2GJfhFrM
How This Blue Jay Gets Revenge on Chipmunk Is Hilarious https://youtu.be/QnFme8Mhj4I
Stunning Chipmunk Singing Performance https://youtu.be/QMc3zhoaU-Y
Animal Personal Space Violations https://youtu.be/M3HvhSwk0fg
Run Chipmunk - Run Like You Stole It https://youtu.be/dQ1ieSqRvHM
Rabbit Versus Elk https://youtu.be/x-O7bXYrJ3E
Rose Breasted Grosbeaks Galore https://youtu.be/hkvqV5uS4R4
Exceptional Blue Jay Calls - Play This in Your Backyard https://youtu.be/_6P7k4np0Js
Bull Elk Bugling and Marking Territory in the Yard https://youtu.be/Gf208xnsYGI
Red Squirrel Throws Annoying Little Brother off the Deck https://youtu.be/oR9cZH6WEdg
Red Squirrel's Amazing Feat of Strength https://youtu.be/E9kaUz5GtT8
Eastern Meadowlark Song https://youtu.be/8pDVFUxG5Vk
Squirrel Unties Rope From Tree in Amazing Display of Intelligence https://youtu.be/t7cLmApkJYE
Terrifying Sounds in the Forests of the Great Smoky Mountains https://youtu.be/C6NhqZdW0gY

2018 in Review - Backyard Birds and Animals #YouTuberewind

Meet Mother Squirrel

Meet Mother Squirrel

Meet Momma Gray Squirrel - the Matriarch of the Backyard. She has a nest high up in the oak tree and loves to hang out and eat sunflower seeds. The next generation of Backyard Squirrels is in good hands! We should probably see them out and about in February.
Filmed 12/21/18 with Canon SX60HS https://amzn.to/2S6W6oY and external microphone https://amzn.to/2CkRnKE :
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Meet Mother Squirrel

The Christmas Birds - Painted Buntings and Cardinals

The Christmas Birds - Painted Buntings and Cardinals

In the southeast the Painted Bunting is the perfect Christmas Bird in the land of snow most people probably consider the Northern Cardinal for that role and they are all in the same family of finches so I included a pretty female in the mix. Note the red berries and dark green foliage of the invasive Brazilian Pepper Trees in the Background - brought to Florida in the 19th century for Christmas color and now are virtually impossible to eradicate.
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The Christmas Birds - Painted Buntings and Cardinals

Wild River Otter Encounter

Wild River Otter Encounter

A pair of River Otters frolicking and rolling on the bank of a marsh. Its mating season now so these two may be a couple. Most glimpses of otters are as they cross roadways as in the thumbnail and sadly many get killed by cars so it is a delight to see these amazing creatures living safely in their natural environment. Special bird moment for those who watch until the end!
Filmed 12/17/18 with Canon SX60HS https://amzn.to/2S6W6oY and external microphone https://amzn.to/2CkRnKE :
These semi-aquatic, slender, long-bodied mammals are specialized for finding and capturing prey in the water. The broad flattened head has numerous stiff whiskers around the nose and snout, and these very sensitive tactile hairs are used for locating prey underwater. Otters have a long muscular tail, short stout legs and thick oiled fur. Small rounded ears and nostrils close when the otter is underwater. In Florida, river otters weigh 5-14 kg (11-31 lb). Males are larger than females.
River otters forage alone or in pairs. They are active during the day and at night, hunting in streams, rivers and ponds for fish, crayfish and turtles. Otters have a high metabolic rate, an adaptation for living in an aquatic environment where body heat is rapidly lost. They need to eat 15% of their body weight a day.
Although otters always remain in or near the water, they spend their inactive time in burrows dug into riverbanks or at other rest sites on land. Dens are located in shelters dug by other animals or natural hollows.
Otters are very vocal and have a large repertoire of calls. If you are canoeing on a quiet river or stream, their bird-like chirping contact calls will often be your first indication that otters are nearby.
They breed once a year and in Florida mating occurs in fall and winter.
Though the embryos actually develop for about 8 weeks, gestation can last for 11 to 12 months because of the extended period of delayed implantation. Litters usually consist of 2-3 young, which are born fully furred. The young open their eyes after a month and are weaned at three months. They travel and feed with their mother until they are about a year old.
River otters are the most commonly encountered of Florida’s mustelids; they are found throughout the state except the Keys. It is not uncommon to see an otter if you are canoeing or kayaking in one of central Florida’s springs or rivers.
Because they move over large areas, otters often have to cross roads and are frequently seen as road kills.
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Wild River Otter Encounter

Raccoon Family Adventure

Raccoon Family Adventure

Mother Raccoon has her hands full keeping track of her five young kittens out on the vast marshland of Florida. I really had a lot of fun filming this!
Filmed 12/17/18 with Canon SX60HS https://amzn.to/2S6W6oY and external microphone https://amzn.to/2CkRnKE :
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Raccoon Family Adventure

Sandhill Cranes Calling

Sandhill Cranes Calling

The sounds of a pair of Florida Sandhill Cranes making traditional croaking or rattling calls evoke thoughts of ancient wild times. This pair is mated for life and is likely a resident pair of Florida Sandhill Cranes. thousands of cranes join the small resident Florida population each winter and they are usually in large groups not mated pairs like these. This pair in remote marshland are very wary of humans however in many suburban areas of Florida and golf courses these huge birds just go about their business oblivious to the people and development around them.
from FWC.com:
Sandhill Crane: Grus canadensis
Appearance:
Sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis) are long-legged, long-necked, gray, heron-like birds with a patch of bald, red skin on top of their head. Cranes fly with necks outstretched like geese, whereas herons fly with necks tucked in on their backs. For positive identification, look for reddish skin on top of the crane's head.
Habitat:
Two subspecies of sandhill crane occur in Florida. The Florida sandhill crane (G. c. pratensis), numbering 4,000 to 5,000, is a non-migratory year-round breeding resident. They are joined every winter by 25,000 migratory greater sandhill cranes (G. c. tabida), the larger of the two subspecies. The greater sandhill crane winters in Florida but nests in the Great Lakes region. Sandhill cranes nest during late winter and spring on mats of vegetation about two feet in diameter and in shallow water.
Behavior:
Two eggs are normally laid. Cranes are monogamous breeders. Within 24 hours of hatching, the young are capable of following their parents away from the nest. Together, they forage for seeds and roots, crop plants such as corn and peanuts, insects, snakes, frogs and occasionally young birds or small mammals.
Cranes are quite omnivorous feeding on seeds, grain, berries, insects, earthworms, mice, small birds, snakes, lizards, frogs, crayfish, but do not "fish" like herons.
Resident sandhill cranes are usually seen in very small groups or pairs. In November and December, however, large flocks of northern cranes move in, more than doubling the population in the state and then leave during March and April. The sandhill crane is a close relative to the nearly extinct whooping crane, which is being reintroduced into the state. Young sandhills weigh about twelve pounds, males are larger than females, but external markings are identical. Cranes live to be older than most birds, some reaching 20 years old.
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Sandhill Cranes Calling

Squirrel Unties Rope From Tree in Amazing Display of Intelligence

Squirrel Unties Rope From Tree in Amazing Display of Intelligence

I tied a rope from the deck to a tree and a squirrel untied it and took it down! Red Squirrels are known to be very smart and fastidious, but this is the most incredible thing I've ever seen a squirrel do. This is primate level reasoning and dexterity. Squirrels are grossly under-appreciated.
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Squirrel Unties Rope From Tree in Amazing Display of Intelligence

Raccoon Family Foraging

Raccoon Family Foraging

Four Raccoons on a night on the "town" foraging and generally hanging out. Notice how two of them share a tender moment.
Filmed with the TEC.BEAN 12MP 1080P Trail Camera: HDhttps://amzn.to/2UFxXYq that is now behind the Backyard in the "Jungle".
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Raccoon Family Foraging

Tree Rat Imitates Squirrel

Tree Rat Imitates Squirrel

No, not a squirrel which are sometimes tagged with the derogatory moniker "Tree Rat", but a real Tree Rat (Rattus rattus) trying to pretend its a squirrel as I get within inches of it. "Just stay cool and peanut man will think I'm a young squirrel" , but the tail and huge ears give it away. They are smart creatures and I have never seen one in daylight at a feeder until this one. They are tasty morsels for the nesting screech owls. I occasionally hear from people who get rats at their bird feeders and it is usually a case of overfeeding and letting excess food like seed and outdoor pet food etc hang around. I generally only feed the squirrels a small amount of food at a time so they do not have food just waiting for them, but this little rat was smart enough to join their morning feeding and the squirrels tolerated it. Rats are OK out in the wild where they belong and are eaten by other animals, but not around the house.
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Tree Rat Imitates Squirrel

Screech Owl and Woodpecker Nest Boxes For Your Backyard

Screech Owl and Woodpecker Nest Boxes For Your Backyard

I discuss Woodpecker and Screech Owl nest boxes and cameras that I use to provide endless entertainment and habitat for our avian friends. Now is a good time to install nest boxes and they make great holiday gifts!

Products mentioned in video available on Amazom:
Birdhouse Hawk Eye HD Camera: https://amzn.to/2UeEd9d
Fantronics HD USB Endoscope: https://amzn.to/2SsjKMf
Stovall 6H Screech Owl Box: https://amzn.to/2QahtJ4
Stovall 4H Woodpecker House: https://amzn.to/2SrUF4c
Chuckanut Squirrel Condo: https://amzn.to/2rjeLCf
I earn a small commission for purchases on these affiliate links that goes to support Backyard wildlife. None of these products were provided - I bought them all myself.
More info on nest box placement:https://screech-owls.blogspot.com/201...
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Screech Owl and Woodpecker Nest Boxes For Your Backyard

Squirrel Man's Best Friend

Squirrel Man's Best Friend

Just hanging out playing games and getting some exercise with my best little squirrel Buddy. Hadn't seen each other in over a month. I don't know of any other wild animals that will give this much attention and interaction!
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Squirrel Man's Best Friend

Eastern Meadowlark Song

Eastern Meadowlark Song

Eastern Meadowlarks singing two different flute like songs and foraging for food on the vast St John's Marshland in Florida. These birds are just gorgeous and their song a winter delight - note the blooming mass of swamp sunflowers - filmed on December 4th, 2018 with:
Canon SX60 HS: https://amzn.to/2UnWFfq
Comica Metal Compact Cardioid Directional Mini Shotgun external Microphone: https://amzn.to/2QfKoLO
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Eastern Meadowlark Song

Corn Snake Encounter

Corn Snake Encounter

The Corn Snakes or Red Rat Snakes are one of the most beautiful and beneficial wild snakes and its always a joy to see one even briefly. Not as common around the Backyard as in past years they and Black Racers are one of the favorite foods of Red Shouldered Hawks. This one was sleeping in the crotch of a palmetto branch that I cut down so he basically fell on my, luckily it wasn't injured by the saw. Never kill these pretty reptiles just let them be or in this case pick them up and take them to the back fence away from trouble.
A large one being mobbed by blue jays can be seen here: https://youtu.be/z577-h9JiAQ

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 Corn Snake Encounter

Wild Rabbit Bonding and Courtship Behavior

Wild Rabbit Bonding and Courtship Behavior

Like watching a real life Watership Down. Wild cottontails interacting in the Backyard set to relaxing music a perfect antidote to the day's news and chaos! Rabbits are somewhat unique among wild creatures in that they will carry on their lives right out in the open more like domesticated animals where we can share in their highs and lows as we observe or pass by.
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Wild Rabbit Bonding and Courtship Behavior

Black Vultures Mate for Life

Black Vultures Mate for Life

Black Vulture couple spends some quality time behind the Backyard. You can tell by the twinkle in their eyes they are deeply in love. They are monogamous and mate for life but don't build traditional nests in trees.

Another lovely couple is at: https://youtu.be/FJcsyvNxLRo
To to see a pair actually mating (Rated R) check out: https://youtu.be/RNtxd7y465I
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Black Vultures Mate for Life