{"id":84,"date":"2018-08-10T19:02:18","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T19:02:18","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/megforward.com\/birds\/?p=84"},"modified":"2023-08-24T19:36:33","modified_gmt":"2023-08-24T19:36:33","slug":"steeple-sitters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.megforward.com\/birds\/index.php\/2018\/08\/10\/steeple-sitters\/","title":{"rendered":"Steeple Sitters"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

High above one of several churches near the Old Burying Ground<\/a>, various birds land on the cross atop the steeple and perch there for a while. They even tussle for a spot sometimes, since perching space is limited.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

One of the remarkable features of this old graveyard is that there’s a church located at each corner<\/a> of the block on which it sits. From the bird’s perspective, these four different crosses offer an attractive choice of rest stops with advantageous views, well above the treetops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

I’ve seen a variety of different species perch on these crosses. They are particular favorites of the Boat-Tailed Grackle<\/strong>, a bird that is also comfortable perched atop masts of large sailing yachts at the marinas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Crows<\/strong> are another species that frequently stops there…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

European Starlings<\/strong> also venture to the heights of a steeple cross, although they are smaller birds than the previous ones…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

These past species have all been black in color. That’s not a prerequisite for a “Steeple-Sitter.” Here are a few other birds that are not black…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Northern Mockingbird<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n
\n
\"\"
Great Horned Owl<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
\"\"
Pair of Great Horned Owls<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"
Red-tailed Hawk<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Here are related bird posts to visit:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n