{BIRD NOTES} ~ January 13, 2011

Northern Shrike © Hilke Breder & Common Redpoll © Chris Petrak

Bird Notes

 

A Marlboro Variety

Along with the regulars -- white- and red-breasted nuthatches, chickadees, blue jays, downy and hairy woodpeckers and juncos (missing a

titmouse) -- a flock of 40+ Pine Siskins and 15+ Common Redpolls have been at the feeders here for a couple of weeks.  An occasional Evening Grosbeak, either male or female depending on the day, checks out the feeders, but doesn't hang around long.  A single Ruffed Grouse crossed the road in front of my driveway on Whitaker Farm Road yesterday.

---Molly Martin, Marlboro, VT

 

 

Redpoll Invasion

Today’s slowly developing snow storm brought a redpoll invasion around my feeders – an estimated 200-300 Common Redpolls.

A few photos are posted at Tails of Birding: http://tailsofbirding.blogspot.com/

Evening Grosbeaks continue to be present daily – this morning the number was 60+

---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT

 

 

Northern Shrike on Marina Road

This morning while walking my dog on the West River Trail near the Marina I spotted a Northern Shrike perched on top of a tall tree on the swamp side of the trail. It flew off after a while but I don't think it went far. It's a first winter bird. Here are some photos;

http://onejackdawbirding.blogspot.com/2011/01/northern-shrike.html 

---Hilke Breder, Brattleboro, VT

 

 

Blizzard Birds

The feeders in my yard were active during Wednesday’s snow storm. A few images are at:

Tails of Birding – www.tailsofbirding.net

 

Residents and visitors included:

 

Evening Grosbeak (75-100)

Common Redpoll (75-100)

Northern Cardinal (4)

European Starling (10)

Black-capped Chickadee (10)

Tufted Titmouse (4)

Downy Woodpecker (6)

Hairy Woodpecker (3)

White-breasted Nuthatch (2)

Mourning Dove (25)

Blue Jay (35)

Red-bellied Woodpecker (1)

Song Sparrow (2)

Dark-eyed Junco (25)

Rock Pigeon (7)

Red Squirrel (3)

Vole (4)

---Chris Petrak, South Newfane, VT

 

HOW TO HELP THE BIRDS IN SNOW STORMS

Most of the country is reeling from all the snow and ice storms. Don't forget to help out the birds, these are hard times for them too!

 

~ Stock feeders full before the storm as birds will eat heavily before, and during the storm. Birds can sense when storms are coming so they chow down. Most birds cannot go without food for more than about 2 days or less, so it is essential they get food during the storms.

 

~ Offer high calorie items like suet cakes and black oil sunflower, which have a high fat content. Birds burn more calories to keep warm in severe weather so this will give them energy. Offer the suet cakes in holders that have a roof. Woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, and even wrens, bluebirds and others will eat suet. We put out multiples suet cakes.

 

~ Keep snow off feeders by going out during, as well as after, the storm and brushing the snow off the feeders. (It's not fun, just remind yourself you are helping the birds.)

 

~ Birds that eat off the ground, like Mourning Doves and Juncos can be hard hit during these storms that cover the ground in deep snow. Shovel out under the bird feeder and sprinkle seed on the ground for these birds.  You can even build a shelter of boards and put seed under it for them.

 

~ Put up extra feeders, as many more birds will be forced into feeders in search of food during storms. Birds like goldfinches like to eat as a flock all at once, so having multiple feeders with multiple perches will help them get the food they all need.

 

~ Come inside, pour yourself some hot cocoa and watch your grateful feathered friends at your feeders with your binoculars. That's your reward.

---Stokes Bird News

 

 

At Chipmunk Crossing

Along with the regulars at our feeders here at the “Crossing” were a Carolina Wren and 3 Tree Sparrows.

 

 

 

 

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 Al Merritt

W. Brattleboro, VT

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Check out the SVAS website:

http://sevtaudubonbirdnotes.blogspot.com/

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A friend is someone who reaches for your hand and touches your heart.