Missing winter feeder birds

[cairnstone]

For the first time ever I have had no American Tree Sparrows at the feeder this winter. Not one. Dark-eyed Juncos are also very rare this winter which is also a first. On the plus side I have at least 5 White-breasted Nuthatches visiting the feeder daily. Most winters I'll get one at the most and some winters none. I have 3 Hairy Woodpeckers visiting the peanut butter feeder which is two more than any other winter. One Hairy Woodpecker male has a pink head rather than red. Red-breasted Nuthatches, White-throated Sparrows, Chickadees, House Finches, Cardinals, and Blue-Jays are abundant. Occasional visits from Red-bellied Woodpeckers have been a winter highlight.

[Axeman]

It's been quite a few years since I've had an ATS at my feeder...still lots of the usual suspects....chickadees, juncos, blue jays cardinals, downy and hairy woodpeckers....I'll get a few nuthatches...one or both....but the highlight for me this year too...has been the red bellied woodpecker....OK don't laugh...when I first saw it my mind said oh there's a flicker at my suet feeder....but the brightness and size of the red on the head...and distinctness of the markings on the back plus the size...plus the fact that we don't have flickers in the winter drove me to check out my guide....

I logged on now to talk about my new find but I see I'm not the only one to be pleasantly surprised by a red bellied woodpecker....my first!

I read that they are expanding their range and when they appear, they rapidly become common.

[brummiebirder]

This is the quietest winter for birds at my feeders that I can remember. Only the odd couple of chickadees and A. Goldfinches make rare appearances.