Suet Surprise!

If you have noticed a few new "songs" in your neighborhood lately, it could be migrating wood warblers.  These tiny crooners have been making their way northward the last few weeks.  While they are mainly solitary birds, they are often seen in loose flocks during migration.  I have had several flocks of Yellow-rumped warblers and chickadees visiting my yard and stopping for a drink at the bird bath. However, I had a special surprise when a Pine Warbler decided to visit my suet feeder for a few days (picture below).

Warblers can be overlooked during the Spring migration because they don't often visit traditional seed feeders.  Their diet consists mainly of insects and spiders, but many of them will visit a suet feeder.  Having a clean bird bath and a fresh cake of suet may be all it takes to lure one to your backyard.  

Because they move about so quickly, warblers are often difficult to photograph and identify.  It is a good idea to have a good field guide and a pair of binoculars within easy access.  Make sure that your field guide is geared specifically for "Eastern North America".   It will help you to identify those species of warblers that nest in your area, as opposed to those that are simply "passing through".

So keep your ear to the woods and your field guide at the ready!

Belinda's Website

A New Spring Wardrobe

As the temperatures continue to rise, we start to pack away those wool sweaters and dig out our shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.  The American Goldfinch is no exception, as these birds are currently in the process of changing their Spring wardrobe.

Many people mistakenly believe that these golden beauties migrate to warmer climates during the cold winter months.  While a few birds may fly a bit further south in harsh winters, the vast majority of finches are year-round residents. Looking more like tiny sparrows, the goldfinches shed their yellow feathers each fall. They simply aren't as recognizable in their "drab" winter jackets.

Goldfinches love "Nyjer" seed or thistle, as it is commonly called.  Nyjer seed is actually grown in Africa and Asia from a relative of the sunflower family.  While the seed is not cultivated from our native thistle plant, the goldfinch does utilize native "thistle down" for the building of their nests.  Because they have to wait for the thistle to flower and mature in order to harvest the down, the goldfinch is one of the last species to nest.

Below is a male and two females on my feeder in the process of changing their attire.  If you don't currently have a finch feeder hanging with fresh seed, get one out now.

Spring Cleaning

Finally, the crocus are blooming and the tulips and daffodils are pushing up through the soil.  Spring is truly just around the bend, and it is time for a good cleaning!  Don't forget to turn over or bring out your birdbath for our feathered friends.  My robins have been here for a few weeks, and I made sure to clean out their favorite birdbath.  It didn't take long before they indulged!

While most birds enjoy a refreshing bath from time to time, robins seem the most enthusiastic!  They may not come to a bird feeder, but they are drawn to a birdbath like no other species.  Enjoy their antics!

The Greatest Show On Earth - The Spring Migration!

I woke this morning to the haunting sound of migrating common loons. Despite the fact that there was snow falling, the timely return of the loons is always a spiritual experience for me and an assurance of the promise of Spring.  While they are only here for a brief layover before continuing northward to their breeding lakes, their presence this year is especially joyful.
  

With wintering grounds in the "oil laden" Gulf of Mexico, I was concerned about the numbers that might be returning this season.  As I drove around the lake this week, I was delighted to note higher numbers than last year, with a large grouping of 20+ birds near the eastern shore. 

While my children have since "left the nest", I have fond memories of the many years that our family has anticipated and counted the number of returning loons.  While Tichigan Lake in Southeastern Wisconsin is but a stop on their journey, I feel privileged to play a small part in this annual ritual.

In addition to the loons, hundreds of other species of birds will be making their trek northward in the coming weeks.  I encourage everyone to take time from their busy days and electronic devices to stop for a moment and bear witness to this spectacular show!  You won't be disappointed!