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Post by Calamity Creek Gal on Mar 4, 2015 21:32:45 GMT -5
I've meant to say that there has been some regulars not showing up this year. Specifically, the Scaled Quail, Cardinals, and Pyrrhuloxias. I think it is because of the rain we've had this year. They can get a drink most anywhere and the native seeds were plentiful this past fall. Duke and I flush the large covey of quail on are walks, so they are around. Occasionally I will see them by the brush pile but not like the last few years.
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Post by hazelrunmama on Mar 4, 2015 23:13:44 GMT -5
Very interesting how the weather can affect what shows up at the feeders. Same with the predator situation. We've had shrikes almost all winter and both a Cooper's hawk and a Northern goshawk around since December. Our nuthatches and chickadees have almost disappeared this winter as compared to last--and we're down to one titmouse again. I think our missing buddies are still around, but keeping hidden and not gathering in large groups so as to avoid the avian predators. In the past, they've gone missing in action and then show up again once the predators move on in spring.
Although I worry about about them while they're MIA, it makes me feel a little better about what happens in the future if we move or I get so old and decrepit I can no longer fill the feeders. Since they can obviously stay away and survive quite nicely without the feeders, I know that birds can cope with whatever the future holds. And, meanwhile, I'm happy to feed them and enjoy watching whatever shows up!
I do hope your Scaled quail come back for pictures, though, Lue--they're really beautiful birds! I think maybe my favorite quail species!
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Post by BarbK on Mar 5, 2015 1:07:01 GMT -5
Hazel, I think no matter how old and decrepit you get, you'll be out there feeding your birds! Funny you should mention the chickadees, nuthatches, and titmice being scarce. I have the same problem. Saw them today for the first time in ages, and I don't have a hawk problem. Unless I'm not aware of one being around. I thought it was very strange.
Lue, I would love to see a scaled Quail.
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Post by luv2bird on Mar 5, 2015 14:46:30 GMT -5
If the winter weather is mild with little or no snow, the bird population is lower, but we had a big snowstorm today, and the birds are everywhere; the weather does effect what birds and how many show up at feeders.
l2b |
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Post by downylover on Mar 5, 2015 14:51:15 GMT -5
I've had the opposite - I've had chickadees, nuthatches and titmice every day since the fall.
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Post by Calamity Creek Gal on Mar 5, 2015 20:23:39 GMT -5
Thanks HRM and Barbara - the Scaled Quail are probably my favorite here - thus my avatar! You're absolutely right l2b, weather is the key. Kim, has it been unusually cool/cold since fall? I know you've had 'more than your fair share' of the white stuff this year.
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Post by hazelrunmama on Mar 6, 2015 15:40:22 GMT -5
Maybe ours all went on vacation to your house, downylover!  |
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Post by downylover on Mar 7, 2015 11:19:41 GMT -5
has it been unusually cool/cold since fall? I know you've had 'more than your fair share' of the white stuff this year. We've had a lot of snow but i think its the cold too. February was the coldest month ever recorded here. I always have them on and off throughout the winter but they have been here every day. I've seen up to 6 chickadees at once, which is the most I've ever had at one time. Same for titmice. I think they'd head to Florida or somewhere for vacation hazel! How those little tiny birds make it through the winter amazes me. |
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Post by hazelrunmama on Mar 7, 2015 16:35:08 GMT -5
Right on cue, we're above freezing today and my White-breasted nuthatches suddenly reappeared this morning! They must be back from Florida! LOL
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