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I wonder if the reduction in mature confer forests would explain the =
declines in pine grosbeaks, crossbills, and more recently, siskins. =
Just speculatin=E2=80=99. There are probably numerous and =
species-specific causes.
=20
We used to use a feeder, but now, I toss roughly a half-litre of feed =
out under a row of rose and other bushes (punctuated by a Japanese =
quince and a mock orange). Not sure if that mitigates th disease risk =
problem, but does allow the birds to spread out when they eat.
=20
Last night=E2=80=99s frigid weather brought back at least one fox =
sparrow, which tended beneath the mock orange, out of the view of the =
blue jays.
=20
Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing more crows coming in to =
feast. Not sure why, but the next door neighbour has a bakery, and may =
put stuff out with his compost. A turkey vulture was perched there one =
day, as I drove past.
=20
Re. feeders attracting raptors, yup. I remember one winter putting suet =
on a tall spruce stump. It got attacked by a large collection of =
starling quite quickly. I soon heard a cacophony, and got to the window =
in time to see one being carted off by smallish to mid-sized accipiter. =
So that may be one strategy for helping keep those hawks alive!=20
=20
From: naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca =
[mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] On Behalf Of Donna Crossland
Sent: March 12, 2017 9:50 AM
To: naturens@chebucto.ns.ca
Subject: [NatureNS] feeder birds
=20
It really was a popular day yesterday at the feeders (and similar =
today). None of us, feathered or otherwise, are accustomed to the =
sudden drop in temps and high winds that were experienced since =
it=E2=80=99s been a pretty smooth coast for most of the winter. I dove =
into the woods to get out of the biting winds yesterday afternoon. =
It=E2=80=99s amazing what a difference forests makes on a cold windy =
day. Glad I don=E2=80=99t live on the prairies. =20
=20
The sap sucker was back at the suet feeder. He=E2=80=99s very =
predictable when the temp drops. For a while, my feeder area was very =
colorful with a male and female cardinal on the ground beneath, and the =
gorgeous red flashes of the male sapsucker feeding from the last bit of =
suet low to the ground. I made up a fresh batch of suet with black oil =
sunflower seeds mixed in (delicious) and hung it out to ensure everyone =
had a rich caloric intake to get through the cold afternoon and night =
ahead. I made a second batch this AM, and the chickadees immediately =
began to vocalize the news of the new suet being hung in a sheltered =
spot.
=20
Similar to Marg=E2=80=99s observations, there are no purple finches =
around, but I have gold finches a plenty. Considering what purple =
finches consume, I suspect the population will be extra low for a while, =
aside from its usual irregularities as a winter feeder visitor and its =
reported declines elsewhere from House finch invasions. I was observing =
air photo imagery under DNR=E2=80=99s Harvest Plans Map Viewer a few =
days ago. It is clear that we are flattening nearly all the remaining =
mature conifer forest in NS that would have supplied much of the natural =
sources of seed. With 55 year harvest rotations set up on Crown land, =
it=E2=80=99s not certain what natural food supply will remain for the =
next while. Trees need time to mature before producing any significant =
quantity of seed. It=E2=80=99s a dire situation we are creating for =
wildlife. Meanwhile, the =E2=80=9Cfield and roadside junco and =
goldfinch crews=E2=80=9D seem perfectly fine. =20
=20
I=E2=80=99ve heard valid and science-based criticisms against =
maintaining bird feeders through the years, and how this can do more =
harm than good for birds. We know the feeders can spread diseases if we =
don=E2=80=99t sanitize them, and they can set birds up for easy =
predation. It=E2=80=99s perhaps mostly a selfish pleasure watching =
birds at feeders, I suppose, bringing nature closer to us. But with the =
sudden removal of food sources normally obtained from forest resources, =
I wonder if perhaps it=E2=80=99s more acceptable for the next little =
while.
=20
Other thoughts, opposing or otherwise, are welcome.
=20
Donna
=20
=20
On 11 March 2017 at 13:31, Marg Millard <mmillard@eastlink.ca> wrote:
Today has been interesting for us in that we have been visited by both a =
Fox sparrow and a Woodcock! We only see them once in awhile and the last =
time was during that big fallout a couple springs ago when we had many =
feeding here as we had grass.
The regulars are here in varying numbers. They include Mourning Doves, =
not in the thirties the past week or so but close to 20 by times, Blue =
Jays, a few Starlings, numbers are climbing, must be a dozen or so now. =
There are Red-winged blackbirds, male and female/junveniles. One was =
calling from the swamp, another from our ash tree, the other day.
We have Juncos, Sparrows; song and white throats, Chickadees, a larger =
than normal group of American Goldfinches, Nuthatches, what appears to =
be a pair and a spare in the white breasteds, and a red breasted.
We have a family of big crows that are usually about the area and =
several who seem to be setting a nest in a tree down the road in a big =
pine tree. Maybe teaching youngsters? I don't know.
The strange small Grackle hasn't been seen since last week's wind. Steve =
saw a Barred owl in our Ash tree when he returned from bowling Wednesday =
evening.
We still have a solitary Robin. This may sound strange to some but could =
this be a Robin who was born here, stayed several winters with us, =
finally had a mate, and offspring. It went away for awhile but always =
would come back early and let us know it wanted the apples set out. The =
behavior is so similar it is hard to think it isn't the same bird. Even =
taps on the studio window for fresh apples.
There are a number of Woodpeckers, both Downy and Hairy. I heard a =
flicker in the distance but haven't seen one.
What is noticeably missing from the mix are the purple finches, both =
Chipping and American tree sparrows and Grackles in general. No =
Sapsucker and no Red head Woodpeckers.
My snow drops are up (very late) and wanting to bloom but they are =
pretty peaked. I had a Vole (initially I thought it was a mouse but was =
corrected when I posted a photo to Facebook). Last week after all the =
snow it dug its way up through the snow (viewed like an ant farm) =
against the studio window, to snooze in the sun atop the snow drift. =
Makes me very glad to see the snow drops at all.
I know something is hunting the neighbourhood, but which I am not sure. =
I see the frozen stance of the birds, all except the chickadees who will =
tackle a Sharpie and confuse it. Fascinating to see.
it is chilly and breezy here but sunny at times so that is nice.
Marg
White Point Artist, Marg Millard
19 White Point 2 Rd., White Point, Queens Co.,
R.R. # 1 Hunts Point, Nova Scotia
B0T 1G0 Canada (902) 683-2393
LocalArtistMargMillard.ca
By Appointment, please=20
=20
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vlink=3Dpurple><div class=3DWordSection1><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>I wonder if the reduction in mature confer forests would explain the =
declines in pine grosbeaks, crossbills, and more recently, =
siskins.=C2=A0 Just speculatin=E2=80=99.=C2=A0 There are probably =
numerous and species-specific causes.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>We used to use a feeder, but now, I toss roughly a half-litre of feed =
out under a row of rose and other bushes (punctuated by a Japanese =
quince and a mock orange).=C2=A0 Not sure if that mitigates th disease =
risk problem, but does allow the birds to spread out when they =
eat.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Last night=E2=80=99s frigid weather brought back at least one fox =
sparrow, which tended beneath the mock orange, out of the view of the =
blue jays.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Over the past few weeks, we have been seeing more crows coming in to =
feast.=C2=A0 Not sure why, but the next door neighbour has a bakery, and =
may put stuff out with his compost.=C2=A0 A turkey vulture was perched =
there one day, as I drove past.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Re. feeders attracting raptors, yup.=C2=A0 I remember one winter =
putting suet on a tall spruce stump.=C2=A0 It got attacked by a large =
collection of starling quite quickly.=C2=A0 I soon heard a cacophony, =
and got to the window in time to see one being carted off by smallish to =
mid-sized accipiter.=C2=A0 So that may be one strategy for helping=C2=A0 =
keep those hawks alive! <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><div =
style=3D'border:none;border-top:solid #B5C4DF 1.0pt;padding:3.0pt 0cm =
0cm 0cm'><p class=3DMsoNormal><b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'>From:</span>=
</b><span lang=3DEN-US =
style=3D'font-size:10.0pt;font-family:"Tahoma","sans-serif"'> =
naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca [mailto:naturens-owner@chebucto.ns.ca] =
<b>On Behalf Of </b>Donna Crossland<br><b>Sent:</b> March 12, 2017 9:50 =
AM<br><b>To:</b> naturens@chebucto.ns.ca<br><b>Subject:</b> [NatureNS] =
feeder birds<o:p></o:p></span></p></div></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>It really was a popular day yesterday at the feeders (and similar =
today). None of us, feathered or otherwise, are accustomed to the =
sudden drop in temps and high winds that were experienced since =
it=E2=80=99s been a pretty smooth coast for most of the winter. =
I dove into the woods to get out of the biting winds yesterday =
afternoon. It=E2=80=99s amazing what a difference forests makes on =
a cold windy day. Glad I don=E2=80=99t live on the prairies. =
<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>The sap sucker was back at the suet feeder. He=E2=80=99s very =
predictable when the temp drops. For a while, my feeder area was =
very colorful with a male and female cardinal on the ground beneath, and =
the gorgeous red flashes of the male sapsucker feeding from the last bit =
of suet low to the ground. I made up a fresh batch of suet with =
black oil sunflower seeds mixed in (delicious) and hung it out to ensure =
everyone had a rich caloric intake to get through the cold afternoon and =
night ahead. I made a second batch this AM, and the chickadees =
immediately began to vocalize the news of the new suet being hung in a =
sheltered spot.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Similar to Marg=E2=80=99s observations, there are no purple finches =
around, but I have gold finches a plenty. Considering what purple =
finches consume, I suspect the population will be extra low for a while, =
aside from its usual irregularities as a winter feeder visitor and its =
reported declines elsewhere from House finch invasions. I was =
observing air photo imagery under DNR=E2=80=99s Harvest Plans Map Viewer =
a few days ago. It is clear that we are flattening nearly all the =
remaining mature conifer forest in NS that would have supplied much of =
the natural sources of seed. With 55 year harvest rotations set up =
on Crown land, it=E2=80=99s not certain what natural food supply will =
remain for the next while. Trees need time to mature before =
producing any significant quantity of seed. It=E2=80=99s a dire =
situation we are creating for wildlife. Meanwhile, the =
=E2=80=9Cfield and roadside junco and goldfinch crews=E2=80=9D seem =
perfectly fine. <o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>I=E2=80=99ve heard valid and science-based criticisms against =
maintaining bird feeders through the years, and how this can do =
more harm than good for birds. We know the feeders can spread =
diseases if we don=E2=80=99t sanitize them, and they can set birds up =
for easy predation. It=E2=80=99s perhaps mostly a selfish pleasure =
watching birds at feeders, I suppose, bringing nature closer to =
us. But with the sudden removal of food sources normally obtained =
from forest resources, I wonder if perhaps it=E2=80=99s more acceptable =
for the next little while.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Other thoughts, opposing or otherwise, are =
welcome.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'>Donna<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class=3DMsoNormal><span =
style=3D'font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";color:#1F497=
D'><o:p> </o:p></span></p><div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p><div><p class=3DMsoNormal>On 11 =
March 2017 at 13:31, Marg Millard <<a =
href=3D"mailto:mmillard@eastlink.ca" =
target=3D"_blank">mmillard@eastlink.ca</a>> wrote:<o:p></o:p></p><p =
class=3DMsoNormal>Today has been interesting for us in that we have been =
visited by both a Fox sparrow and a Woodcock! We only see them once in =
awhile and the last time was during that big fallout a couple springs =
ago when we had many feeding here as we had grass.<br><br>The regulars =
are here in varying numbers. They include Mourning Doves, not in the =
thirties the past week or so but close to 20 by times, Blue Jays, a few =
Starlings, numbers are climbing, must be a dozen or so now. There are =
Red-winged blackbirds, male and female/junveniles. One was calling from =
the swamp, another from our ash tree, the other day.<br>We have Juncos, =
Sparrows; song and white throats, Chickadees, a larger than normal group =
of American Goldfinches, Nuthatches, what appears to be a pair and a =
spare in the white breasteds, and a red breasted.<br>We have a family of =
big crows that are usually about the area and several who seem to be =
setting a nest in a tree down the road in a big pine tree. Maybe =
teaching youngsters? I don't know.<br>The strange small Grackle hasn't =
been seen since last week's wind. Steve saw a Barred owl in our Ash tree =
when he returned from bowling Wednesday evening.<br>We still have a =
solitary Robin. This may sound strange to some but could this be a Robin =
who was born here, stayed several winters with us, finally had a mate, =
and offspring. It went away for awhile but always would come back early =
and let us know it wanted the apples set out. The behavior is so similar =
it is hard to think it isn't the same bird. Even taps on the studio =
window for fresh apples.<br>There are a number of Woodpeckers, both =
Downy and Hairy. I heard a flicker in the distance but haven't seen =
one.<br><br>What is noticeably missing from the mix are the purple =
finches, both Chipping and American tree sparrows and Grackles in =
general. No Sapsucker and no Red head Woodpeckers.<br>My snow drops are =
up (very late) and wanting to bloom but they are pretty peaked. I had a =
Vole (initially I thought it was a mouse but was corrected when I posted =
a photo to Facebook). Last week after all the snow it dug its way up =
through the snow (viewed like an ant farm) against the studio window, to =
snooze in the sun atop the snow drift. Makes me very glad to see the =
snow drops at all.<br><br>I know something is hunting the neighbourhood, =
but which I am not sure. I see the frozen stance of the birds, all =
except the chickadees who will tackle a Sharpie and confuse it. =
Fascinating to see.<br>it is chilly and breezy here but sunny at times =
so that is nice.<br>Marg<br><br><br><br><br><br>White Point Artist, Marg =
Millard<br>19 White Point 2 Rd., White Point, Queens Co.,<br>R.R. # 1 =
Hunts Point, Nova Scotia<br>B0T 1G0 Canada (902) =
683-2393<br>LocalArtistMargMillard.ca<br>By Appointment, please =
<o:p></o:p></p></div><p =
class=3DMsoNormal><o:p> </o:p></p></div></div></body></html>
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