Hamhed
Well-known member
Twelve days until the official start of spring and the birds know winter is almost over. These are the days when wintering species and migrants begin to occupy the same territory. In the yard, there are still White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Juncos, Yellow-rumped Warblers, one Brown Creeper and other visitors that are expected to stay for the colder months. Today, after some upper 60 and low 70 degree weather, a Pine Warbler visited the yard, singing and joining the "butterbutts" in the blooming red maples. A singing Red-winged Blackbird heard in our bottomland, was another breeding species newly arrived.
Earlier in the month, I witnessed two Tufted Titmice, who likely shared our sunflower feeders over the winter months, go at each other in a hormonal rage, and taking a bath in the process.
It's too early in the season to expect this warmth to continue and the daily arrival of new species. Three weeks from now however, the bird count will certainly pick up and we'll be filling the hummingbird feeders for the first time in 2016.
For many, this is the season in the mountains they've been waiting for and it's just a couple of frosts away.
Steve
Earlier in the month, I witnessed two Tufted Titmice, who likely shared our sunflower feeders over the winter months, go at each other in a hormonal rage, and taking a bath in the process.
It's too early in the season to expect this warmth to continue and the daily arrival of new species. Three weeks from now however, the bird count will certainly pick up and we'll be filling the hummingbird feeders for the first time in 2016.
For many, this is the season in the mountains they've been waiting for and it's just a couple of frosts away.
Steve