This year, for the first time, we participated in the Great Backyard Bird Count, which takes place each February about this time. We've been watching/studying the birds in our area since we moved to the "sticks" almost 35 years ago, and keep them fed and watered year round. The list below represents the most of each species who showed up at one time in the area outside our kitchen/den windows over the 4-day counting period.
We were disappointed not to be able to list the 10 Eastern Bluebirds who frequented our heated bird bath during the week of January 12. They only show up during dry times, and with all the snow and rain we've had lately, I'm sure they're getting their moisture elsewhere in the yard and neighborhood. Just one male visited us during the weekend.
We don't usually see so many Goldfinches in the winter, but it's been so cold and snowy this year, we decided to buy a new Thistle (Niger seed) feeder and feed them the expensive seed. The feeder has perches for 20 birds and those who don't get a "seat" eat what's been dropped below or feast on the millet R. throws on the ground.
The picture shows three of our feeders on a snowy January day two weeks ago. Note the Carolina Wren inside the glassed-in house, feasting on dried mealworms. We have a pair who hop in and out all day. (We bought this hoping that the Bluebirds would like it, but they've shown no interest yet.) The suet feeder is visited by the Wren, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-Breasted Nuthatch, and Downy Woodpecker (so far). The rest of the birds visit the sunflower seed feeder (not shown to the left), drink from or bathe in the birdbath, which is between the suet and mealworm feeders, or feed on the ground.
I learned to identify the birds in our area about 30 years ago, when I took a year-long bird identification class offered by Metro Community Education. Mike Bierley, our local expert, taught us what to look and listen for, then let us look up close and personal at specimens. He had a license to preserve birds for this purpose, and had dozens of birds in his collection who had met their demise in one way or another. (No, he didn't help them die.) It was my first opportunity to hold a hummingbird.
Here's our list. What's in your yard?
Red-tailed Hawk - 1
Mourning Dove - 12
Red-bellied Woodpecker - 1
Downy Woodpecker - 2
Northern Flicker - 1
Blue Jay - 6
American Crow - 4
Carolina Chickadee - 4
Tufted Titmouse - 4
White-breasted Nuthatch - 1
Carolina Wren - 2
Eastern Bluebird - 1
American Robin - 1
Northern Mockingbird - 1
European Starling - 27
Eastern Towhee - 2
Field Sparrow - 4
White-throated Sparrow - 30
Dark-eyed Junco - 4
Northern Cardinal - 17
Red-winged Blackbird - 1
Common Grackle - 1
Brown-headed Cowbird - 13
House Finch - 1
American Goldfinch - 52
3 comments:
I have many of these at my feeder, but my favorite is, without a doubt, the carolina wren!!!
AND, I would love to have a red tailed hawk come to my window!!!!
I checked with R on where he actually saw the hawk. He said it was in the "big" lot, not in the backyard. We love the Carolina Wrens, too!
Wow, I'm impressed at your ability to identify all these birds! And to have held a hummingbird. Wow. I just usually see the hawk out the back window, when he perches on a dead tree trunk. And now the swans are back. I always enjoy watching the change of seasons through the natural world. Thanks for your postings about your own natural world, Ellen!
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