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Post by hazelrunmama on Jan 13, 2016 15:10:56 GMT -5
We've not seen a lot of 'exotic' birds, other than siskins (PISI) and common redpolls (CORE) (and those have been common enough in the past few years to seem pretty normal to us), but the usual denizens of the winter feeders are keeping us entertained. LOTS of Blue jays (see video below)--they flock together when the Northern goshawk is around. They might be bullies at the feeders, but I think all the feeder birds appreciate them being around--they're alarmists and they have sharp eyes. They've been providing warnings about the Sharp-shinned hawk, too. Somehow the squirrels can tell the difference of a Blue jay 'Goshawk Alarm' and a Blue jay 'Sharp-shinned Hawk' alarm. If it's a goshawk, the squirrels scatter, too. (Both alarms sound about the same to me, though!) Here's a video of the Blue jays from Jan 10: Lots of Blue jays this year!As I mentioned above, we also have PISI and CORE to go along with our goldfinches, but not in near the numbers we've seen them in the past. I think most of the PISI are the ones that bred here and they're offspring--there seem to be fewer than 50 all together (as opposed to the hundreds we saw last year). Because there are so relatively few, the goldfinches and CORE are also sticking around--last year, the sheer number of feisty PISI scared off all the other winter finches and most of the chickadees! And they are feisty--here's a short video from December 2015: Feisty siskinsWe also get visits by the usual chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and titmouse, so it's been quite entertaining! Anyone seeing anything out-of-the-ordinary this winter?
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Post by luv2bird on Jan 14, 2016 13:36:11 GMT -5
We've not seen a lot of 'exotic' birds, other than siskins (PISI) and common redpolls (CORE) (and those have been common enough in the past few years to seem pretty normal to us), but the usual denizens of the winter feeders are keeping us entertained. LOTS of Blue jays (see video below)--they flock together when the Northern goshawk is around. They might be bullies at the feeders, but I think all the feeder birds appreciate them being around--they're alarmists and they have sharp eyes. They've been providing warnings about the Sharp-shinned hawk, too. Somehow the squirrels can tell the difference of a Blue jay 'Goshawk Alarm' and a Blue jay 'Sharp-shinned Hawk' alarm. If it's a goshawk, the squirrels scatter, too. (Both alarms sound about the same to me, though!) Here's a video of the Blue jays from Jan 10: Lots of Blue jays this year!As I mentioned above, we also have PISI and CORE to go along with our goldfinches, but not in near the numbers we've seen them in the past. I think most of the PISI are the ones that bred here and they're offspring--there seem to be fewer than 50 all together (as opposed to the hundreds we saw last year). Because there are so relatively few, the goldfinches and CORE are also sticking around--last year, the sheer number of feisty PISI scared off all the other winter finches and most of the chickadees! And they are feisty--here's a short video from December 2015: Feisty siskinsWe also get visits by the usual chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches and titmouse, so it's been quite entertaining! Anyone seeing anything out-of-the-ordinary this winter? Enjoyed your videos, never saw so many Blue Jays in one place, how much seed do you go through for one feeding?
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Post by hazelrunmama on Jan 14, 2016 21:50:43 GMT -5
Every morning I put out about 3 gallons of BOSS, another 2-3 gallons of cracked corn, about a half gallon of sunflower hearts, maybe 3 ounces of mealworms, and I top off the thistle feeders with whatever it takes (usually less than 3 cups). I put some corn, sunflower hearts and mealworms on the corner stump for the bluejays on my way around the corner, and by the time I finish filling the rest of the feeders along the fence and make my way back, the jays have about cleaned up the stump area. So I always save a little seed so I can give them a 'second breakfast' on my way back up. LOL Yes, they have me well-trained!
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Post by downylover on Jan 22, 2016 16:11:49 GMT -5
OMGosh, blue jay heaven! That's beautiful. I think my big group formed as a feeding flock. I read an article that jays form flocks in the winter to travel and eat. It fits what I'm seeing. They now are usually only here in the morning where I used to have 2-4 that were here any time I looked outside. The same pattern happened a few winters ago. In the spring I should get my pairs back full time They do have you trained. Birds are so smart. The cardinals start gathering all around the feeding area just before dark. They know I throw them out some peanuts without a shell when most of the birds are gone for the day. They always seem to back off when other birds are around so its how I make sure they get a peanut too.
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Post by BarbK on Jan 22, 2016 18:43:05 GMT -5
Hazel and Downylover, you are true friends to the birds.
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Post by hazelrunmama on Jan 24, 2016 17:35:58 GMT -5
The cardinals start gathering all around the feeding area just before dark. They know I throw them out some peanuts without a shell when most of the birds are gone for the day. They always seem to back off when other birds are around so its how I make sure they get a peanut too. This is a good idea! I've been trying to figure out how to sneak the cardinals some peanuts. Maybe I'll put a small container of peanuts by the basement door and put some out after the other birds have called it a day...
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Post by hazelrunmama on Jan 24, 2016 17:36:29 GMT -5
Hazel and Downylover, you are true friends to the birds. Or are we just pushovers? LOL
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Post by downylover on Jan 24, 2016 19:59:13 GMT -5
Hahaha I am definitely a pushover. Kids, dogs, cats, birds and even squirrels peg me within minutes.
I think everyone on this forum is a friend of the birds!
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Post by luv2bird on Feb 2, 2016 8:44:34 GMT -5
Every morning I put out about 3 gallons of BOSS, another 2-3 gallons of cracked corn, about a half gallon of sunflower hearts, maybe 3 ounces of mealworms, and I top off the thistle feeders with whatever it takes (usually less than 3 cups). I put some corn, sunflower hearts and mealworms on the corner stump for the bluejays on my way around the corner, and by the time I finish filling the rest of the feeders along the fence and make my way back, the jays have about cleaned up the stump area. So I always save a little seed so I can give them a 'second breakfast' on my way back up. LOL Yes, they have me well-trained! Wow! That's a powerful lot of seed.
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Post by hazelrunmama on Feb 5, 2016 21:45:47 GMT -5
I used to just use BOSS as ground feed--so thankful I finally looked into the cracked corn because it's sooooo much cheaper, plus there's no waste to clean up . Our seed bills are way down from past years and we might just stay under budget for a wonder!
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Post by BarbK on Feb 5, 2016 23:30:11 GMT -5
I think I live on another planet when it comes to numbers of birds visiting my feeders. Never get the amounts most of you get. But I did get about 50 or more male Cowbirds the other day along with a few starlings. However, now I only have three feeders out but intend to hang more out soon. I usually have six. Also have the heated birdbath.
I used to be plagued with Grackles but rarely see them now. BUT House Sparrows have taken over. Would get one or two once in a while, but now that we lost some trees from Sandy, they've discovered the feeders. I always have a lot of Mourning Doves. Just lately, which is late in the season, I've been spotting Chickadees and a Nuthatch or two. No sign of a Flicker which I've always seen or the Carolina Wrens. But the Blue Jays (the most three) and Cardinals and the sweet Song Sparrow always show up. Oh, and once in a while the Mockingbird shows up and, of course, I don't have the jelly out. Will start leaving it out permanently for him/her.
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Post by luv2bird on Feb 6, 2016 10:34:22 GMT -5
I used to just use BOSS as ground feed--so thankful I finally looked into the cracked corn because it's sooooo much cheaper, plus there's no waste to clean up . Our seed bills are way down from past years and we might just stay under budget for a wonder! My A. Crows enjoy cracked corn as well as some other species such as N. Cardinals, and it is a big savings on my bird feeding budget.
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Post by hutchgigi on Feb 6, 2016 21:19:32 GMT -5
I think I live on another planet when it comes to numbers of birds visiting my feeders. Never get the amounts most of you get. But I did get about 50 or more male Cowbirds the other day along with a few starlings. However, now I only have three feeders out but intend to hang more out soon. I usually have six. Also have the heated birdbath. I used to be plagued with Grackles but rarely see them now. BUT House Sparrows have taken over. Would get one or two once in a while, but now that we lost some trees from Sandy, they've discovered the feeders. I always have a lot of Mourning Doves. Just lately, which is late in the season, I've been spotting Chickadees and a Nuthatch or two. No sign of a Flicker which I've always seen or the Carolina Wrens. But the Blue Jays (the most three) and Cardinals and the sweet Song Sparrow always show up. Oh, and once in a while the Mockingbird shows up and, of course, I don't have the jelly out. Will start leaving it out permanently for him/her. Barb, I saw a slew of them come in with the cold blowy wind and snow. Then they were gone. Cow birds. redwing. We pulled into the driveway and a black cloud of birds went flying out of the back yard. wow. Ginny H.
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Post by hazelrunmama on Feb 7, 2016 18:53:24 GMT -5
Barb, do you get mockingbirds all year off and on?
I wish our crows would come for the corn, l2b. I love crows and ravens, but nothing I offer seems to entice them to visit....
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Post by BarbK on Feb 7, 2016 19:55:26 GMT -5
Ginny, I'm still getting the cowbirds and some starlings, but not as much as the other day. I have seen black clouds of birds flying overhead. Wonder if it was because of the snow.
Hazel, Once in a while, the crows will come to the birdbath. My biggest treat was when, a while back, a mother brought her two babies to the bath. It was adorable. If I know they're around, and have bran muffins, I'll put them out for them, and they'll come down to snatch them up. I love the crows, too. Don't think I'd be able to tell a raven from a crow. But just looked at the map. I don't think we get ravens here in NJ. Wish we did.
About the mockingbirds--I don't remember if I get them all year round. I think this is about the third time I've seen the mockingbird in about 6 months. It's not that often, but he/she does show up once in a while. Only one, though. I'll have to keep track.
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