From Left Field

Yard Bird Activity

It's been awhile since I've posted anything about the birds around here, so here's an update.

Our new birds of the year are:

Cooper's Hawk
Eastern ("Red") Fox Sparrow

The Fox Sparrow is special because they are already uncommon and their numbers are in decline. They summer up in Canada and we're on their nothernest edge for winter, so either he's been here all winter or is traveling north. I'm not as thrilled about having a Cooper's around since they are song bird predators and I've seen it snatch a Dark-Eyed Junco and a male Cardinal. While walking in the wooded ravine across from our house, I saw a large patch of feathers that I think were once a Blue Jay. I know that it's all a part of a large ecosystem, but I worry about my bluebirds. I can't imagine the sorrow I would feel if I saw Papa Blue in the talons of that Cooper's Hawk! Now, if they developed a particular fondness for House Sparrow and European Starlings I'd do everything in my power to see their numbers increase.

But so far, the bluebirds have been doing really well. All winter we've been feeding Bluebird Banquet and mealworms in a wonderful feeder that I received as a wedding shower gift. Other birds eat it as well, but the bluebirds manage to get the lion's share. Happily, they have claimed the new bluebird box that is in the yard. The House Sparrows have claimed the other one, so for now, I choose to leave that up as a decoy. My plan is to capture the male once he's made a nest in there and has a regular routine of being in the box. I WILL NOT tolerate a House Sparrow nest on my property!!

American Robins have returned although the snow flurries outside must not be the most welcoming sign for them. Seems that they've arrived a couple of weeks too soon. This March we're having weather that we should have had in January. My daffodils are equally baffled by this recent plummet of temps. Ah, global warming, isn't it just swell?

There has been one good aspect of the milder temps this winter, however. The suet cages haven't been completely occupied by those bastard European Starlings. I've had to out-maneuver them on occasion by removing them entirely for a couple of hours, but compared to last year, my efforts have been minimal.

Recently, I've noticed a large flock of Grackles who enjoy poking around in the yard, searching for grubs and eating the corn we put out for the Wild Turkeys. With them is a lone Red-Winged Blackbird. It's the funniest sight; seeing this oddball out there.

Oh, and right now as I type, a (I'm guessing male) Carolina Wren is chirping his heart out on the deck railing near the feeder. Apparently he doesn't want to be left off the list of visitors. So, yes, we still see Carolina Wrens, two at a time even, which is an encouraging sight. I just love those little birds and having taken care of one last summer I know how fragile that species is. I root for the Wrens and the Bluebirds the most.

If you're interested in providing food for the non-seed-eaters during the winter months when insects are gone, I suggest making up some Bluebird Banquet. I highly suggest adding ground eggshells which provide very needed nutrients that will help them maintain healthy bone density and produce healthier eggs. Wrens, Bluebirds, Nuthatches, Song Sparrows, Woodpeckers will really appreciate it, as will seed-eaters such as Cardinals, Juncos, Tufted Titmice, and Chickadees.

The Wild Turkeys show up nearly on a daily basis. There are two large groups of them who will engage in turf battles if they are here at the same time. There seems to also be a splinter group of a few young birds who tend to show up first to the corn. I think that they are the younger turkeys who are at the bottom of the pecking order grabbing what they can before having to share with their elders.

I've noticed that the birds are definitely taking on their mating plumage. Red feathers are really starting to stand out and Papa Blue looks really blue again. I'm definitely looking forward to spring and the new life that it provides.

Posted by Elizabeth at March 11, 2005 10:12 AM