LIFE'S BETTER IN THE MOUNTAINS

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Get the Water Where You Can, I Suppose

We have a birdbath mounted on our deck railing.  The birds need water, and we are delighted to see all the different birds coming there to drink, winter and summer.  We change the water several times a day in this hot weather so the water is always fresh.

A goldfinch at the water.



The other day, I saw a little chickadee getting water from the ant trap of the hummingbird feeder.  It had rained and the ant trap was full of water.  I have no idea why the chickadee chose the feeder rather than the birdbath.

 I think this is a juvenile who is just learning how to make it on its own.




Much to my surprise, a little titmouse did the very same thing just minutes later.



Sweet little titmouse.




I looked up from my book and saw a little goldfinch getting water from the same hummingbird feeder.  I was able to pick up my camera and get a few shots.



Upside down goldfinch. 






Amazing!


There was one great moment that I missed with the camera.  A hummingbird dive-bombed the goldfinch.  The goldfinch gave in immediately and I didn't get a photograph.  But I laughed out loud at the little fighter.  The hummingbird did not go to the feeder, but he wasn't about to allow the bigger birds to take it over.  I have no idea why three different birds would choose the water in the ant trap over the fresh water in the birdbath not three feet away.  I got up and checked to see if there were any seeds or insects in the trap.  Nope, there was nothing but water.  You figure.

16 comments:

Dog_geek said...

Hmmm... who knows? My dogs claim that rain puddle water is more delicious than the clean water in their bowls. Maybe the birds feel the same way?

Ginnie said...

Do you think the water was scented from the hummingbird liquid? There must be a reason if all 3 birds did it ... can't blame it all on being a juvenile!
I love that you got pictures of them all.

Rudee said...

Spectacular photos!

I'm with Ginnie. Perhaps the hummingbird water provided just a little something different.

Busy Bee Suz said...

Isn't that funny? I wonder if they might like the red color too???? Lovely photos...the upside down goldfinch made me laugh!

Debi said...

Silly birds. I know they are so tired of the heat too. I try so hard to keep water in my birdbaths. Its a job with all feeders for the hummers and water for the dogs and water for the horses. Geez.......Debi

Arkansas Patti said...

Maybe they think it is water trapped in a flower. Might be interesting to see if they would be attracted to a nice red bird bath?? Really great pictures.

Ms. A said...

Perhaps they feel safer on the feeder, versus the porch?

Toni aka irishlas said...

I fill water daily for our little winged friends, but, I haven't had anytime to watch the visitors.

Maybe the water was a little sweet and a treat for the thirsty birds.

Vicki Lane said...

How odd -- I've never seen other birds at our hummer feeders. Wonderful captures!

George said...

Sometimes I think the birds just dream up things for us to think about. We've also seen birds getting water everywhere except the bird bath.

troutbirder said...

Another of life mysteries. I got an old fashioned bird bath recently. I dog loves it. :)

Cheryl said...

Well, how interesting. I doubt we will ever know.

Nature is always fascinating.....we learn more from watching, than we ever can from a book.

Wayfarin' Stranger said...

Loved the Goldfinch. Think maybe it has a Nuthatch somewhere in its family tree? Jim

Shelley said...

All your birdy friends must have a sweet tooth - lol! Very cute!

Anonymous said...

Fascinating! Maybe they were like baby bear. . . found it just right for their size.

Karin said...

I suppose I'll never know why those birds were drinking so. I'm inclined to think drops from heaven taste more precious than a drink from the tap at the sink.... Ok, I'd better go do my shopping - poetry isn't working this morning, lol! Adorable bird photos!