there was a cheerful crowd of birds noshing at the seeds, courtesy of Heather, and the leftover turkey bits, courtesy of Boud. Then that bigbeaked chickadee gave the warning and they all flew for cover as I opened the door.
Sandy has carried many species way off their normal tracks this year, and I wouldn't be surprised to find a few unusual species showing up on the patio.
Already the juncoes arrived weeks ahead of schedule, probably blown north ahead of their plans, since they landed here two days before Sandy. Many species were trapped behind the storm and needed to set down anywhere to find food after being blown hither and yon in the skies.
This morning's haul of birds at the feeder, at the seeds, flying off with sunflower seeds and cracking them on the nearest branch, then chucking the shells down for me to sweep up, and nibbling on the leftover turkey net and chunk of fat,great for insulating little birds in this bitter wind with snow in it, anyway today's haul included the following participants:
Juncoes, several,varying colors and ages
Carolina wren, probably one bred and born on this patio,and I hope they'll nest again next year
Cardinal, Mister only, Missis usually waits to see if he keels over from the food before deciding to try it Chickadees, too hard to count, they move like little rockets, and they're always the first adopters of new food
Mourning dove, one advance scout shuffling around the deck checking the pickings
Tufted titmice, or titmouses, pair arguing as usual
Sparrows, various, including red breasted house finches
This was the breakfast crowd, all jostling at once, even shoving the squirrel out of the line. I wonder if we'll get woodpeckers and nuthatches and tree creepers this year. They have so much Sandy-downed timber to forage in that they might not need to come closer to houses.
They like the insects you find in rotted wood, a good argument for not keeping woodlots too neat and tidy.
However, the tendency of unpruned trees to get top heavy and crash down on your house in autumn gales is a very good argument for spending the money to keep them pruned and open. My little cherry survived because it had windows opened in its foliage ahead of the winds.
Love listening to and watching the birds except for the silly ring-necked doves that trot around our back lawn from time to time. Their incessant cooing drives me up the wall. Our tuis are always in full voice and I love waking up to their song.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the birding report! Right now our little ones are quite befuddled because we've had to take down the feeder for a few days in order for the powers that be to paint our building outside. The poor little birds are sitting on the railing peering inside wondering why we're being so mean. Sure hope they hurry up and get the painting done!
ReplyDeleteWe've had a great horned owl sitting on our railing these past few weeks, hoo-hoo-hoo-hoo-hooooo-hoooooo-hooooo It's a little eerie, plus it has left claw marks. The cats go into hiding when it comes 'round. J in Cowtown
ReplyDeleteSo glad you're enjoying the show! :)
ReplyDeleteLike reading about your visitors. I do miss the dear little house finch husbands who used to come and sing their hearts out on our balcony. They would visit with us too, if we stayed out very long - hopping along the top of the brick parapet (?) little heads turning up to look at us, then hopping away and bursting into song.
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