What's Going on with Birds - Early November

My outdoor thermometer this morning is reading 21 degrees, so there's a good reason that my birdbaths are frozen solid.  So I thought it would be a good time to talk about what's going on with birds in upstate New York yards right now.

My birdbath froze solid last night.
Makes it tough for the birds!

GET HEATED BIRDBATHS OUT

We've had some frosts and freezes already, so if you haven't already swapped out to your heated birdbath, you should get that done now.  Make sure to double wrap with electrical tape the connection between bath and extension cord - that is where most heated birdbath "failures" occur.  I even wrap it in a baggie and put another layer of tape.  This year, though, I'm converting to the new Lock n Dry® extension cord that seals the connection and eliminates the work.
Make sure clay and concrete baths are put in storage so they don't crack during freeze and thaw cycles.

NO SISKINS

Pine Siskins seem to have moved on from many area yards but American Goldfinches are still numerous and busy.  Give your niger seed loose by giving the feeder a shake and make sure it's fresh to keep your goldfinches happy.

 

Dark-eyed Junco eating Bark Butter
at our WBU Double Decker Feeder

BIRDS CALORIC NEEDS INCREASE

As days get shorter and temperatures go down, birds have to take in more calories in a shorter period of time.  Add more high-calorie birdfoods to your offerings like suet, Bark Butter, peanuts, shelled sunflower seeds, and No-mess Blend (birds expend fewer calories eating seeds without a shell.)

NO MORE CHIPMUNKS!

Eastern Chipmunks have gone into hibernation but may emerge during warm spells.

PROJECT FEEDERWATCH STARTS NOVEMBER 10

If you watch the birds in your yard, why not count them for science?  Read up about Project FeederWatch then join me in being a citizen scientist this winter!

Comments

[The Zen Birdfeeder]

Ellen, I know! I saw one romping through the snow this morning!! Go back down!
Marianne, cardinals are gorgeous birds to see in your yard. Enjoy the birds and stop by my blog often to learn how to host the birds in your yard.

[Marianne Anastasio]

I live in Connecticut. I don't really know a lot about birds but I'd love to learn. This morning I saw a cardinal in my back yard. It was so beautiful. I enjoy watching the birds outside.

[Ellen]

I just saw a chipmunk this morning! Hopefully he'll be hibernating soon and not mooching bird seed. ;)