![\"Photo](\"http:\/\/naturalcrooks.com\/rambles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/01\/RustyBlackbirdMaleProfileOnNaturalCrooksDotCom.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThere are no official paths that I could see at this location. Instead, dog walkers and nature enthusiasts had beaten down a rough trail through a goldenrod meadow and a second-growth forest. So I wasn\u2019t sure exactly where I should be going but I ambled along noting landmarks and realizing I could easily see buildings to keep my bearings. A large pond bordered one side of the trail providing another orientation feature.<\/p>\n
As I entered the woods, I noticed the first of several places where someone had spread a lavish amount of seeds and grain on the forest floor. The chickadees calling and flitting up and down to the seeds tipped me off so I slowed way down and stepped cautiously closer. Usually, the only small mammals I am privileged to see are Chipmunks, Red and Grey Squirrels. So I was quite pleased when I met something else this trip. I had noticed some dead leaves twitching near the seed pile and I focused on them, expecting a junco or sparrow to emerge. Instead, I saw a small, furry creature.<\/p>\n Dark grey, it zipped a few centimeters further over and dove headfirst under another pile of leaves. It repeated this fast-paced hunting for several minutes. I didn\u2019t want to alert it to my presence, so I crept closer very slowly. Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t interested in posing or in resting, so at no time did I clearly see the entire animal. Usually, I was lucky to see its rump or a hind foot.<\/p>\n The creature was not interested in the seeds at all so I doubt it was a mouse. Its tail was also only about 3 cm long (1.2 inches) from what I could see.<\/p>\n Based on the \u201chunting\u201d behaviour and the very fuzzy look I got at it, I suspect it was a Northern Short-tailed Shrew. I\u2019d love to get a better look another day! However, based on some quick online reading at the Smithsonian website<\/strong><\/a>, it seems that these Shrews hunt frantically for about 5 minutes, then rest for about 25. If so, it would be almost impossible to predict when or where you might see one.<\/p>\n Later, at another feeder, I saw another small mammal. This one was more likely a mouse, although I am far from certain. I only saw it for a second, long enough for this one photo of its ear. Mice, which often eat seeds under feeders, should be easier to find a second time than a shrew, so I may get to see this one again on another visit.<\/p>\n Although the mammals and uncommon birds made this a memorable walk, I still enjoyed the chance to watch many other feathered feeders. Blue Jays, Northern Cardinals, Mourning Doves, White-throated and American Tree Sparrows, and Dark-eyed Juncos all mobbed the seeds. And overhead, a Red-tailed Hawk soared.<\/p>\n In fact, the Red-tailed called a few times in a row. For some reason, I just assumed it was a Blue Jay mimicking a hawk, but when I finally looked up, it was right over head. That should teach me to look closer when I hear a bird call.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\nA female Rusty Blackbird.<\/em><\/p>\n
\nI\u2019m glad I took my time, because a group of 5 skittish Rusty Blackbirds were enjoying the seeds. While, as usual for me, the light was in the wrong direction, I started taking photos. Fortunately, the sun came out briefly when the flock zipped up into the surrounding trees briefly. The Blackbirds fed again for another few minutes, then left towards the large pond.<\/p>\nInvestigating Small Mammals Made an Interesting Opportunity<\/h2>\n
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\nPossible Northern Short-tailed Shrew<\/em><\/p>\n<\/a>
\nCute ears.<\/em><\/p>\nThe Feeders Attracted Lots of Common Winter Birds<\/h2>\n
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\nThis Dark-eyed Junco is probably a female.<\/p>\n<\/a>
\n<\/a>American Tree Sparrows with their two-coloured bills and rusty caps added some colour under the feeders.<\/em><\/p>\n