Given those conditions, I would have expected a lot more birds at the feeders, but things were pretty much the same as they have been during previous weeks. In past seasons when the snow would start to fly, the birds would usually "freak out," as I call it, and would just mob the feeders as if were going to be their last meal. Needless to say, they were much more calm this weekend than I expected them to be.
I was amazed to still be hearing Yellow-crowned Kinglets bubbling around in the trees in this cold weather. Unfortunately they don't come into the feeders, so I'm not able to count them.
I am still impatiently waiting to see Eastern Towhees and Blue Jays. I have not heard so much as a peep from either species anywhere in the neighborhood for months. I heard them around in late summer, but it's not like these are birds that migrate south for the winter. Where the heck did they go?! I guess I just need to stop being so impatient. After looking at data from last season, neither of these birds showed up regularly at the feeders until January.
The tally for my 4th set of observations (12/5/09-12/6/09):
| Mourning Dove | 16 |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | 2 |
| Downy Woodpecker | 1 |
| Hairy Woodpecker | 2 |
| Carolina/Black-capped Chickadee | 4 |
| Tufted Titmouse | 4 |
| White-breasted Nuthatch | 2 |
| Carolina Wren | 1 |
| White-throated Sparrow | 1 |
| Dark-eyed Junco | 1 |
| Northern Cardinal | 8 |
| American Goldfinch | 9 |
And here's a video of several different birds visiting the peanut feeder (taken with my new Nikon Coolpix camera). Happy birding!
7 comments:
...we haven't had massive feeder bingeing yet either, but the temps keep dipping lower. I bet soon... Cool video! My little Red-breasted Nuthatch has been AWOL for the last two weeks. I guess he's moved on... He would have been a nice addition for Feederwatch too!
Oh so cute! I love nuthatches and titmice! What a lovely winter wood you have as your backyard! I'm glad you are doing Feederwatch.
Sounds like it's very cold all across the country by the blogs I've been reading. We haven't had any snow yet, but it's been clear and in the 20s for the last several days. No overactive bird feeders here either, but I'm sure they appreciate the reliable food source to help stay warm in this early winter weather!
I didn't get your snow over this way. Sorry to hear you don't have any Blue Jays to watch. Mine seem to be having a contest to see which one can bury the most sunflower seed in the yard. There must be 50 pounds buried already.
Nice selection observed Heather even if not in the no's expected. Loved the video.
Plenty of activity here in the garden but only from 4 or 5 species.
Heather I loved the video. It was great. I counted 8 cardinals the other day when I filled up my feeder and today the blackcap chickadees didn't want to leave when I stepped outside to leave for the day. It's going to be windy tonight and get much colder tomorrow and Thursday brrrrrr. Stay warm. Carol
Kelly - I was hoping to see a RBNU this year, but nothing so far. We'll see if your little Red-breasted cuties comes over our way!
Kathie - I really enjoy the nuthatches and titmice, too! They really make the watching/counting time entertaining!
Monika - Yes, it does sound like the cold really has affected much of the nation. I'm much more diligent about keeping the feeders full when it gets cold!
Steve - Wow, you didn't get any snow, eh? You must be close to Cincy if you didn't get any of it. As to your naughty Jays, I guess you're not called Blue Jay Barrens for nothing!
Frank - Yes, even though I always hope for more birds than I actually see, it is comforting in a way to see the same birds week after week. Glad they see our place as a fit and safe place to get their food!
Carol - I love seeing lots and lots of Cardinals. They are just so dramatic! We are expecting high winds this evening as well, with a rise in temps overnight, but then a dip tomorrow. Gotta love the weather!
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