I had love birds show up to my feeder this morning. Not fast enough to get pictures. I also have a bird I don't recognize. It's about the size of a sparrow, but a lighter brown, almost yellow, with reddish coloring around the head. I initially thought finch, but seems too big.

Could be Liz, your description makes me think House Finch.

This is a first for me. Baltimore Oriole taking a drink from the hummingbird feeder. It sat there for awhile as a mad hummingbird buzzed it. It took a few drinks and flew off. I think they migrate through but don't stay here. I've never seen one in person before.

Not the best pictures since I zoomed in through the window but I have proof!


I think its reading the plaque

Liz, my first thought was possibly a House Finch too. For comparison, these are old photos of House Finches from 2015 and 2016.

Male .................................................. Female


Males


Female and two males

Christine, on those gorgeous Orioles! They are rare here in Florida too, I've only seen them twice in the 50 years I've lived here. Great shots through the window, one shot where he's turned looks as if he's reading the cute sign!

I have come to learn that birds and wildlife which I think of as rare or uncommon may actually be extremely common, but very good at hiding from people.

Likewise, some that I think of as common might actually be less common than some of the ones I never see.

Yes! It's a house finch! Thanks so much! I had looked up Arizona birds and that one wasn't listed. Now I know!

Yesterday evening just before dark, we were outside with the dogs and I heard Blue Jays screeching and making a huge racket on the other side of the house so I ran back inside and got my camera. I figured there must be a hawk out looking for dinner; it took me a couple of minutes to find it but this guy/gal was perched up in an oak tree:


This morning I went out to get the newspaper from the driveway and a lone White Ibis was strolling through the front yard:

No bird photos here today ... but I found this guy/gal in the garage this afternoon! I know it's just a black racer but it sure freaked me out! My husband got the broom and scooted it outside and it slithered off into the mulch. I sure hope it made it's way out to the woods at the perimeter of the property. Last week I saw one about the same size on the opposite side of the house; I hope it was the same one and I really, really hope it finds someplace else to live!

Black Racer Snake ... the black object in the photo at the back right is a garden hose.

EEEEK! If I found a snake in my garage, I might die of fright! OMG!

I started a new Bird thread for May , please join us and post any new bird discussions there
The thread "Bird Photos, May 2017" in Gardening for Butterflies, Birds and Bees forum

plantladylin said:Claudia, is that pretty Oriole a Baltimore Oriole or the Orchard Oriole? We don't see Orioles very often here in Florida and I sure wish they were regulars! on that handsome male Ruby-throated Hummingbird! He is gorgeous!

I am sorry in no t getting back sooner! That is a Baltimore Oriole. Although Orchard Oriole are reported to be here I have yet to see one. Would love to add one to my list!