Ever since I read Ron Pittaway's Winter Finch Forecast back in September, I've been looking forward to the arrival of Common Redpolls. In prior irruption years, they'd arrive in mid-December to early-January. But this year, only a single Pine Siskin was showing up, and somewhat irregularly at that.
But with the arrival of our last few snowfalls and single-digit temps, the redpolls have finally arrived!
Like in prior years, the size of the flocks have been increasing, from around 12-15 early on, to 30-ish a couple days ago, to a high count of 53 during today's daylong snowstorm. American Goldfinches are still abundant as well, flocking right in with their finch cousins.
I'm hoping they're around at least through March. I promise to keep the niger feeders filled for them!
Nancy Castillo
My Yard List 101 Species
Latest Addition: Bay-breasted Warbler
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.
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