So, I put up 3 feeders in early January, all tube type and squirrel proof. One is a peanut feeder, the second is a standard seed feeder and the third is a niger seed feeder. Believe me, these squirrel proof jobs actually do deter the squirrels and the only presence we have is one or two, on the ground only, picking at "spilled" seeds.
We have been very pleased to have a great mix of Juncos and sparrows, and a few goldfinches and house finches, plus the odd cardinal. Of course we do also have mourning doves and once in awhile a couple of pigeons will drop by.
The sparrows like all three types of feeders, and of course they are always picking around on the ground. Both the seed feeder and the niger feeder seem to "spill" a certain amount of seeds to the ground.
Although many consider Grackles to be a nuisance they really are very colourful in the sunlight, we don't mind them. More than one on any feeder at a time will close the feeder, so they don't stick around too long.
Pigeons are also very colourful, and they stick only to the ground, and don't usually stay very long
The goldfinches in particular have been a lot of fun, and this morning we had 12 at one go, as well as a few sparrows and juncos mixed in at the same time!
It's really neat to see the goldfinches changing colour from winter olive green to bright yellow, literally day by day and right before our eyes.
Goldfinches - male and female
House finches - male and female
Dark-eyed Juncos
Sparrows ( house )
Cardinal - male and female
Mourning Doves
Pigeons
Starlings
Grackles
Still waiting for our first woodpeckers and Jays.
Considering hummer feeders next!
