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.
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!