Gone in a Flash

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ATTENTION

Our eyes and ears should be open and alert to the natural wonders that surround us every day. Take time to look out our windows to see the birds that visit us and open our windows to hear them. Walk around whatever space we have to enjoy the birds in nature. Every day, work on improving our powers of observation.

ACCEPTANCE

Nature happens. We cannot MAKE natural things happen (or NOT happen). We can create habitats to encourage natural things to happen around us, but there are no guarantees.

RESPONSIBILITY

Birdfeeding comes with responsibilities to the birds and the environment we share with them. If you are unwilling to accept these responsibilities, you shouldn’t feed the birds. We also have a responsibility to share these natural wonders with the next generation.

March 18, 2013

Though I'd rather have them stay, I love seeing and hearing when a flock of Common Redpolls departs in a flash. There's not only the visual flush of dozens (or even hundreds) of birds, but also an auditory whooosh, as they all leave at once to a high perch in a nearby tree.

This image captures a little of the visual; you'll have to hear the whoooosh for yourself next time you have a flock in your yard. Let me know what you think and feel when you do!

Posted at 10:01 AM in Attention, Feeder Birds | Permalink

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Kathleen and Heidar, I have niger seed (thistle seed) for them, but redpolls (and goldfinches) eat alot of everything, from sunflower chips, our no-mess blend, as well as seed cylinders. About the only thing they don't tend to eat is suet and the peanuts.
Margaret, it IS that time of transition!
Bernie, where you are, keep looking for them as the more southern birds start heading north. They'll be followed by the siskins on their way north too!

Posted by: The Zen Birdfeeder | March 26, 2013 at 09:35 AM

Redpolls came to our yard early and mid winter (South Burlington)in large numbers (up to about 30 at a time). Then the the numbers dropped till now only a few come by. We feed primarily black oil sunflower seed.
Bernie Paquette
http://litterwithastorytotell.blogspot.com/

Posted by: Bernie Paquette | March 20, 2013 at 05:01 PM

Same here, we've never seen them at our feeders. We use a pretty good mix that does attract alot of different birds. As well as suet. Is there something specific you're using?

Posted by: Heidar | March 19, 2013 at 08:54 AM

Nice! We are getting to that time of the year when you may see a Redpoll and a Yellow-Rumped Warbler "crossing paths" in the same yard (which is pretty neat).

Posted by: Margaret | March 18, 2013 at 05:21 PM

What a sight! I know there have been redpolls in my area thanks to ebird, but I haven't had any at my feeder. What feed are you using to attract them?

Posted by: Kathleen | March 18, 2013 at 04:16 PM

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