What's Going on with Birds - Late October

We have a couple types of migrations going on right now,  providing some great bird activity in our yards. 

Native sparrows

White-throated Sparrow

Native sparrows that regularly migrate through our area like White-throated, White-crowned, and Fox Sparrows are in yards now.  Watch for them on the ground beneath your feeders or on open tray feeders.  When spooked, they'll head for cover in nearby shrubs.

Juncos

Dark-eyed Junco

Dark-eyed Juncos are on the move too.  Lower elevation yards are now seeing the juncos that spent the breeding season in higher elevation locations.  While in my yard, my breeding juncos are being replaced by birds from even further north.  Juncos will return to the same yard each winter.

Winter Irruptives

Pine Siskins

So-called "winter finches" are starting to arrive, some in force!  Groups of Pine Siskins are being seen throughout the area, crowding many feeders.  Since American Goldfinches have molted, make sure you check each finch flock to see who's really there.

Here's some tips on how to handle the masses of siskins.

 

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Many folks are hosting Red-breasted Nuthatches for the first time.  You can keep them VERY happy by feeding them shelled peanuts and Nutty for Nuts cylinders or Stackables. 

Red-breasted Nuthatches are feisty but very approachable, and might even eat from your hand.

 

Purple Finches

Purple Finches are also becoming a new yard bird for many folks.  Besides niger seed, Purple Finches will feast on safflower seed as well, a real advantage if you're battling the squirrels.

 

Evening Grosbeak

Evening Grosbeaks are also starting to show up in the area.  They're most comfortable on open tray and hopper feeders.  They love the sunflower and  safflower seed that come in WBU Supreme Blend.

Let us know what you're seeing in your yard this late October day.

 

Comments

[Nancy Castillo]

Ellen, hope you see them! Let us know when you do.

[Ellen]

We have all of the above... except the Evening Grosbeak! Considering we're at 900' elevation, those grosbeaks should be here by now. Crossing my fingers!