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snow bunting

15 years ago

We have never had a lot of variety here so when I saw this white bird I looked it up on the Cornell site to find out what it was. My book told me that it was likely some kind of Bunting and when I did a search I found out it was a Snow Bunting. Last year we only had one but this year it brought its mate. They like to take turns at the feeder and then sit on the patio beams and look in the diningroom window. They also seem to intimidate the BJ because when the Bunting is eating the BJ won't go near the feeder. As soon as the Bunting leaves, the Jays take over. We only put sunflower seed in the flat feeder but I was wondering if we should also be putting niger seed up there for the Buntings? Anyone know what the best food for them is? I'd like to keep them sround here. Thanks. Marg

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Comments (9)

donald lucius
15 years ago
i don't get the snow buntings but i do get the lazuli buntings. in one feeder i have a seed mix of millet and boss and cracked corn in a tube feeder and the buntings use it. i have only seen them on it not the other feeders
Konrad___far_north
15 years ago
One's I saw them in a wheat field
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marricgardens
Original Author
15 years ago
Great picture Konrad! The ones here have more white on them. I think the Cornell site classified them as non breeding females? Not to sure what that means tho.

dklucius: I asked hubby what he was putting in the feeder and he said the same mix that you are using. I've never heard of a lazuli bunting, I'll have to look it up.
The buntings weren't here yesterday but I hoope they come back. Marg
bandjzmom
15 years ago
Hey marg! That is really cool that you have the Snow Buntings. I so seldom get to see any Bunting here. My friend who lives in Florida hosts Painted Buntings each year, and she buys special seed for them. She fills their feeders with pure WHITE MILLET. Have to go to a specialty bird store to buy a bag of it I think, or you could find it on the internet. I would imagine that those Snow Buntings might love it. :o)
kelvinpl80
14 years ago
awesome picture of white birds with perfect location.
@ konrad you always share amazing pictures here and i enjoy your photography.
Konrad___far_north
14 years ago
Thank you so much!
These birds are incredible hardy species and I'm amazed how
they can survive the cold. They breed in the artic/tundra, male will feed the mate when incubating, never leave the nest in this harsh environment, not to chill the eggs...smart eh!

Another shot of this migrant bird.
deanie13
14 years ago
Thanks, Konrad, beautiful picture. It is so great to see pics of birds we don't get where I live. Marg, hope they stay around a while for you to enjoy.
beegood_gw
14 years ago
Great shot as usual Konrad.Haven't seen any of them since I left Northern Ontario.
anna_lisa
14 years ago
I wonder if they come to Quebec we got the snow and i do put food out for the chickadees on my cloths line in the winter

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