Approach of spring brings a change in bird feeding

16 years ago

As the weather warmed, I noticed a reduction in birds at the bird feeders. They still come, but just not in the concentration they used to.

I notice that the Junco's seemed to have disappeared. Normally, they are the first birds at the scene in the morning, arriving at about the first light of day. Recently, they have been largely absent. I am not sure where they go after the winter, further up north perhaps? The American tree sparrows are still around, but I expect them to leave around spring.

The cardinals are still around, but they no longer appear in flocks.

I am getting a zillion black birds. Most appear to be red wing black birds, some grackles, and some Starlings. Despite the large number of male red wing black birds, I have only seen one female.

Candian geese lands regularly on the frozen wetland, but it's still frozen, so they sit on the ice for a few hours. Weird.

Even if I can't see them, I can hear them. The air is now filled with bird sound and they are loud.

Paul

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Comments (6)

donald lucius
16 years ago
we are still getting show storms with a smaller one last night and today and still have some Juncos and some Chickadees around but not as big of numbers. Usually by end of March the juncos and Chickadees have left for the pine and spruce forest just north of here where they nest.
the orioles don't return from down south till mid apriland the red wing blackbirds flock in in april or early may and lots nest around the wetlands and streams then. A few woodpeckers are showing up and drumming or setting up territorys and may nest soon
chickadeemelrose
16 years ago
Hi Paul,

I am not seeing as many birds at my feeders either - except the usual constants - house finches, goldfinches, chickadees etc. But not even as many of those as a month ago.

The birds that migrated that we've had here - the juncos -have mostly left. They do migrate north in the spring, so that's where I assume they have gone. They arrived here with snow in early December I think. I have heard Canada geese flying overhead in their formations, which I haven't heard since the fall. And I heard the first robin the other day, which I haven't heard since the fall.

Speaking of snow, we have hardly any here in eastern Massachusetts. I don't remember where you live - but here the grass and leaves, and flower and vegetable gardens are exposed, and we've had some nice days lately. I bet the birds are benefiting from bugs, and seeds they haven't seen in some time, so feeders are not as needed. I have four different kinds of food out, but not that many birds, not like a month ago.

Just my thoughts - I could be wrong.

Donna
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bandjzmom
16 years ago
Here in NW GA, I am also noticing less birds at the feeders. I have recently been plagued with a plethora of Grackles and Starlings, but they seem to be thinning out now. I seldom see the Juncos unless it snows! They really do seem to just magically show up in the snow. We have had a really hard and cold winter, and there haven't been very many "better" days yet. Yesterday was excellent, and I was so happy! Green things are beginning to poke their heads through the soil, and I am there with pom poms cheering them on out!!! Come on Spring!!!
georgia_kate
16 years ago
This is my first spring watching birds, so I am learning a lot about their behaviours and migratory patterns and such but I have such a long way to go! I am so impressed with some of you and how you know which birds leave when and when to expect their arrival! The best I can do is consult my field guide.
But I have noticed the flocks of goldfinches I only started getting maybe two months ago have disappeared. I mean, I am not seeing a single one. Disappointing, because I was noticing they were getting brighter and prettier! The other thing I have sadly discovered is the American Kestrel that was living by my neighbors house seems to have left. It had gotten to the point that I would see him almost everyday in a tree in the house three lots away from mine. I attempted several times to get a picture but I scared it off. And now, its gone. :(
But I am soo excited about spring. I live outside Savannah where we have had the coldest winter I can remember! We had our first measurable snow since '96 (so much fun!), but the last time it really, really snowed was '89. So all the birds I was enjoying the last few months are definitely on the decline as the weather warms and they have a bigger food supply, but at least we can enjoy beautiful weather and the birds can too!
bandjzmom
16 years ago
kate, I am in NW GA, and the same thing happens with my AGF's. They disappear for a bit. They will return later on, and they will be all dressed up in bright yellow when they do! They actually begin their nesting really late in the season. (like July) When they thistle comes into bloom, they use the down to line their nests, and then they later eat the seeds. I have not noted them nesting here.
aimee_2010
16 years ago
Yesterday we had our first warm day here in Florida,(upper 70's after months of miserable cold, wet weather.) it was a free for all of territorial fighting, the noise from so many species was unbelievable.

Today, the second warm day.....few if any birds. I am so disappointed. After feeding all fall and winter it's like they all have better things to do and eat apparently.

aimee

Approach of spring brings a change in bird feeding

Comments (6)

donald lucius

chickadeemelrose

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