Winter Feeders and the Usual Suspects
Outdoor Ontario

Winter Feeders and the Usual Suspects

Axeman · 10 · 3917
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Axeman

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on: November 14, 2008, 01:10:51 PM
I love the variety that spring, summer and fall feeders bring...its exciting...you never know who you might spot...but nothing gives me more peace than watching my feeders in winter...the snow adds something to the beauty...but...its always the usual suspects....juncos, chickadees, jays, a pair of cardinals, the odd American Tree sparrow...nuthatches...downey and hairy woodpeckers...and that it...

Are there any other birds that I may expect or look out for?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Axeman »

Halton Hills

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Reply #1 on: November 15, 2008, 08:24:45 AM
.


It usually depends on what kind of year it was up north for the various seed producing plants and trees.

This effect can bring new birds into your area that normally you wouldn't see.

Last year, for me, was the year of the Redpoll (due to the poor seed crop) It was not unusual to have 50 + at my feeders every day.

This year, though the Juncos have arrived already, it doesn't seem like there are as many as there normally would be. (so far)

Also, this summer, it looked like there was bumper crop of pine cones (locally and up in cottage country anyways)


.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Halton Hills »
The world is your oyster........shuck away.... \"8)\"

.

Axeman

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Reply #2 on: November 22, 2008, 01:55:56 PM
The juncos seem to be around in their usual high numbers...there also seem to be a few American tree sparrows...usually I have only one hanging around...and last year it didn't make an appearance...

Its just that in the summer, I can watch...knowing at any moment I might get a visit from an indigo bunting...or a rose breasted grosbeak...or rufous sided towhee.....I know...I gotta get out more...
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Axeman »

macman_canada

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Reply #3 on: January 19, 2009, 11:32:51 PM
Hey there, I live in North Mississauga backing onto a wooded lot. I have a couple of pairs of Cardinals (although the last week or so, I have only seen one pair), I have lots of Dark Eyed Juncos, Chickadees, Morning Doves, 1 nut hatch, 1 Woodpecker, 1 pair of Blue Jays, and some House finches. But i was really surprised when about a week ago, I noticed a new bird.. after some checking turns out to be a Gold Finch. This past weekend, I must have had at least eight of them feeding from new feeder. Amazing!

macman_canada
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by macman_canada »

guinness

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Reply #4 on: January 25, 2009, 02:39:48 PM
I live in the north end of Whitby and this is the 1st year for bird watching/feeding for me. The first bird that showed up at my feeder this spring was a Gold Finch. I was pretty surprised to fine out that they stay up here during the winter. I've been even more surprised to find that the finches have been joined by Pine Siskins.

Last weekend I had a combined flock of 45 Gold Finches and 25 Pine Siskins. They been hitting my nyger feeder like crazy.

I've been seen a Common Redpoll aswell.
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by guinness »

macman_canada

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Reply #5 on: January 25, 2009, 03:12:00 PM
The last two weekends, I have noticed I have a party as I call it in my backyard now.. tons of Gold finches and House finches... very pretty birds... I alos love the little Dark eyed Junco's. I have one Nuthatch, wish I had more of them, they are very interesting to watch...

Happy watching!!!

macman_canada
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by macman_canada »

Bird Brain

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Reply #6 on: January 25, 2009, 03:38:32 PM
Quote from: "macman_canada"
The last two weekends, I have noticed I have a party as I call it in my backyard now.. tons of Gold finches and House finches... very pretty birds... I alos love the little Dark eyed Junco's. I have one Nuthatch, wish I had more of them, they are very interesting to watch...

Happy watching!!!

macman_canada


Just out of curiosity ... was it a White-breasted Nuthatch or a Red-breasted Nuthatch?

Jo-Anne  :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

Axeman

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Reply #7 on: January 27, 2009, 11:07:32 AM
I have both frequenting my feeders but most often its the red breasted...lol...geography makes a big diff...I can't imagine getting excited about juncos...they swarm my feeders...recently though I've had the goldfinches...which has me kinda excited...

BTW, I have had an anecdote about robins being spotted in our area -- Grey / Bruce
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Axeman »

Bird Brain

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Reply #8 on: January 27, 2009, 10:51:39 PM
Hello "Axeman".   :lol:

Today's excitement at the lake (Aquitaine) was an invasion of Starlings, approximately 300+.

Also:  Blue Jays, Crows and Juncos.

Jo-Anne  :)
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Bird Brain »
Jo-Anne :)

"If what you see by the eye doesn't please you, then close your eyes and see from the heart".

Axeman

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Reply #9 on: January 29, 2009, 09:39:27 AM
Hi there,

Don't you guys in GTA have starlings year round?
« Last Edit: December 31, 1969, 07:00:00 PM by Axeman »

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