Wood Thrush Notes January 29th

Update on Live Mealworms

Good news. We now have live mealworms back in stock and should be seeing a consistent supply from our normal distributor again.

Recent Interesting Bird Sightings in TN

Birdwatchers in TN have been treated to a number of rare birds and firsts for the state this winter. Our friend Mary Glynn Williamson found the Cassins’s Kingbird at Bells Bend Park for a state record. The Chattanooga area has had at least 4 rare bird sightings recently including a first ever: A White-throated Swift seen between January 10 and 16. A Bullock’s Oriole was reported visiting a feeder for about a week. This is the first reported sighting of this species of Oriole in 25 years. And a Snowy Owl was present up until January 20th.

In east TN a Pacific-slope Flycatcher was a first in TN.

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Cassin’s Kingbird

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White-throated Swift

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Bullock’s Oriole

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Snowy Owl

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Pacific-slope Flycatcher

Territorial Mockingbirds           

Based on a number of comments recently from customers our very sassy state bird the Northern Mockingbird seems to be getting a head start on defending nesting grounds. 

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Northern Mockingbird

Usually by mid-February we have several calls a week from frustrated customers experiencing a Mockingbird relentlessly swooping in to chase birds from feeders.  Mockingbirds usually have no interest in the seed in the feeder, although they may consume shelled sunflower and peanuts in very cold weather, however, the reason for their defensiveness is likely because the feeder is close to its chosen nest site.  As spring gets closer the Mockingbird’s territorial instincts heighten and they will let every bird that comes close know they are intruding.  Mockingbirds often choose hedges or evergreens for a nest site. 

Our suggestion is to offer another feeding station out of sight of, or at a good distance from, the one being patrolled by the Mockingbird.  He or she cannot be in two places at once.

In early spring we see Mockingbirds quite often behind The Wood Thrush Shop where they quickly learn we offer live mealworms. They become quite familiar if not friendly. They have been known to come in the backdoor when open and sit on a shelf waiting for us to throw a few more mealworms their way. They have lots of personality and are very intelligent. So, our other suggestion is to try and get to know this great bird and be patient. By the time they complete their first nesting they will typically settle down and not be so defensive.

Wood Thrush Notes December 10, 2020

There’s no doubt bird feeding activity has picked up significantly over the last month. Many of you are seeing lots of Pine siskins at your feeders. They do not seem to be very discriminating gravitating to finch feeders with nyjer and sunflower chips, or any feeder with black oil sunflower, and even going to the ground to feed on millet. I don’t ever hear of Pine siskins feeding on safflower so it could be that the shell is too hard to crack open for their very small bills. If you have Pine siskins now you will likely have them visiting the rest of the winter.

Pine Siskin

Goldfinch winter with plumage

The past few weeks we have encountered several customers who were surprised to find Bluebirds stay here for the winter. Yes, the Eastern Bluebird is a year-round resident. In fact, it is likely the winter population of Bluebirds increases in the Southeast during winter months as many leave more northern areas for more plentiful food sources here like insects and fruit. And we are often asked, “Should I feed them”? That is entirely up to you and the Bluebirds. I am fortunate to see Bluebirds visiting my suet feeder regularly in colder weather.

The same strategies to feeding Bluebirds in the spring and summer apply in the winter. Presenting food for Bluebirds, whether it is live or dried mealworms, suet nuggets, fresh fruit, or a dried fruit like raisins, timing is important to success. Live mealworms continue to be the preferred choice; however, dried mealworms can be just as appealing when it’s cold.

Just putting out food will not usually attract Bluebirds. However, if Bluebirds are already visiting your yard to take advantage of a birdbath, or continue to check out a nest box, presenting the food when and where they are present is the most effective path to success. Presenting the food initially where Bluebirds are most likely to see it rather than where you want to feed them is recommended. After a few successful feedings, you may be able to incrementally move the feeder to the spot you prefer.

Male and female Eastern Bluebird

State Record Bird Sighting!

A recent bird sighting by a friend and customer of the TWTS turned out to be a state record! A Cassin’s Kingbird was seen and photographed on Dec. 7th by Mary Glynn Williamson at Bells Bend Park in Davidson Co. This was a first ever sighting of this bird in the state. You won’t find this bird in your Eastern-Central U.S. field guide because its normal range is west of Texas down into Central America. As always if you’re going for a walk be sure to bring your binoculars. You never know what birdwatching opportunity may suddenly appear. Way to go Mary Glynn!