With the outdoor temperature this morning, Nov. 27, at 23
degrees F., there’s no question in my mind that we can expect
plenty of cold weather this December. On the other hand, this
month also brings warm thoughts in my heart, especially regarding
the wild birds. Forty-three consecutive years of doing Christmas
bird counts alone enables me to relive some of my most favorite
of all birding experiences.
Frequently early December brings very little snow, so you can
expect to see plenty of rough-legged hawks this month as long as
the landscape remains free of a snow cover. Their huge size,
hovering kestrel-like over a field in search of mice, deep slow
wingbeats and white rump patch are all helpful in identifying
these large "mousers." One of their habits is to perch
for quite some time in a tall tree overlooking a weedy field
where the rodent population might be high – waiting for something
to move.
A common question at this season is, "What kinds of
northern birds can we expect to see this winter? Good
communications exist between North American birders and those who
live in the far North usually have a pretty good idea of
available natural food for the birds. If the maples, box elders
and ashes have a lot of seeds, this factor may keep species such
as evening and pine grosbeaks there for the winter. It is when
these seeds are lacking in their home territories that the
so-called "finche s" venture farther south in search of
food.
There aren’t many years that we don’t get at least some pine
siskins wintering here. In fact there have been winters in the
past when this region was virtually inundated with them –
thousands. In the case that you put out Niger seed for the
birds, the siskins are usually very quick to take to this
favorite handout, and you may end up having more of these feisty
little sprites than you ever wished for.
Redpolls too are very unpredictable in their wintering habits.
Some years they are here in great numbers while they are entirely
absent in others. Niger and black oil sunflower seeds appear to
satisfy their hunger. It has been quite common for these
beautiful little birds to not appear in the county until later
into the winter.
Snow buntings have already been reported from the Mink River
area. For some strange reason seeing the first ones in this area
has often occurred near the shore especially along the east side
of the peninsula. Surely they’ll soon be appearing over the
weedy fields where they feast on the seeds. We often also see
them along the shoulders of the roads where there is bound to be
large quantities of ragweed seeds, one of their favorites.
How I wish that more white-winged and red crossbills would
winter in this area. Unfortunately they make only occasional and
unpredictable appearances here. Count yourselves lucky if you
have some visit your feeders and offer you close looks at their
incredibly interesting bills with the decidedly hooked and
crossed mandibles.
The winter flocking birds coming to our feeders now, along
with the regulars, are the American goldfinches and dark-eyed
juncos. Those of you who put out Niger seed most likely realize
how easily the small "distlefinks" (German for thistle
finches) can become thoroughly hooked on these small but tasty
seeds. The goldfinches spend most of their time at our place
picking at the cracked corn on the ground or especially at the
bits and pieces of sunflower seeds that I get by putting a cup or
so of black oil sunflower seeds in our old blender each morning,
grinding them up on "high" for a half minute or so, and
scattering them on the platform feeders.
Bear in mind that the male goldfinches have gone through their
plumage change and now resemble the females quite closely. These
are the same birds that most likely nested in this area too, for
they are non-migratory in habit and will remain here for the year
around. They commonly flock together during the cold weather, a
habit that greatly improves their chances of food finding.
With the West Nile Virus having been reported in so many
species of birds, and with there being so many unanswered
questions about its severity and the extent, Christmas bird
counts this year will be of special importance. Please help if
you can!
Accept the oncoming cold season with a smile and remember that
when people’s tempers get the best of them, it brings out the
worst in them!
It was George Burns who said, "I’m getting older every
day – but I’m NOT getting old! Enjoy the birds of December, stay
warm and be well!
A flock of evening grosbeaks dine on sunflower seeds at the platform feeder.
This female evening grosbeak shows the huge bill that gives this species its name.
This column appeared in the Door County Advocate
on 12/03/2002.
© Copyright 2002 Roy Lukes. All rights reserved.
