Well, Katelyn and I completed our first count for the feederwatch program last week. I plan to include the count for the week and some photos, if I get to take some.
Quickly, the count. 11/16-11/17, 30 was the lowest temp, 53 was the highest. We had some rain the first day and wind the second. (I have noticed overcast and misty days bring the most activity. It’s as if the birds want the easiest meal when the weather is crappy….and who could blame them?)
Eurasian Tree Sparrows – 15
Chickadee – 3
House Finch – 3
Dark-eyed Junco – 1
Mourning Dove – 10
Blue Jay – 1 (the first one at the feeder in months)
Red-bellied woodpecker – 1
Northern Flicker – 1
Downy woodpecker – 2
Goldfinch – 2
Cooper’s Hawk – 1 (swooped through after a pile of doves, but came up empty)
White-breasted Nuthatch – 1
Titmouse – 3
House Sparrow – 2
Northern Cardinal – 2
Common Grackle – 1
Now, since then, I’ve notice a lot. As the feeders are being rediscovered, word is traveling the streets again. I know have a minimum of 8 goldfinch regulars (this morning I saw 11). I have more house finches. I have counted as many as 41 Eurasian Tree Sparrows in the yard simultaneously when I thought I topped out at about 20. I also counted over 40 doves in the trees that same day…..over 90 birds in the yard at one time is a record for me for sure.
I know of at least 3 Cardinal pairs, but never see them at the same time. I know of 2 pairs of Downys. I know of 4 titmice that I saw simultaneously the day after I counted. The juncos are on the increase daily. And, the house sparrows are mixing in with the ETS’s. Where I saw one every so often, I am seeing more regular visitors with the flock…..that’s how you know word is spreading.
I can’t wait for my other sparrows to come in, and I think I may notice my finch populations grow through the winter as migrating birds come back to where they found food last year.
Here are some untouched shots from the week. I haven’t had a lot of time for editing…
Click to view slideshow.
