This morning there was more movement than usual in the backwoods.  I noticed the following creatures near the feeding station which is set up about 20 feet from the house: 

  • two Red Squirrels
  • one male Ring-necked Pheasant
  • one Downy Woodpecker
  • several Blue Jays
  • several Mourning Doves
  • one American Robin (could be Canadian if he spent the winter here)
  • numerous Blackcapped Chickadees
  • a dozen Dark-eyed Juncos
  • a few Starlings

birdbath2What would attract so much activity?  Black oil sunflower seed, ’suet’ made from bacon drippings, 1/4 cup of crumbs from the bottom of a Cheerios box and some fresh water.

Due to lower hormone levels, birds that usually would never get along the rest of the year are able to flock together during the winter.  This gathering allows them to pool their food hunting abilities and share the burden of keeping watch while feeding. Once spring arrives and mating hormones kick into groove, they go their separate ways.

It’s always a pleasure to see birds at the feeder but especially delightful to see so many at once.