Feederwatch 2014/2015

Many thanks to Paula and Ned for keeping us updated on winter birding. This is Paula’s 4th year of reporting on Feederwatch and her dedication is much appreciated–by the birds and the Bird Club.

Ned Kraft says:
04/04/2015 at 3:42 pm Edit
Feederwatch week 21: This is the final week of the 2014-15 Feederwatch season. I had 19 species check out the feeders and the ground below. They are as follows: House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, white-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Morning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Eastern Towhee, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrows, Mockingbirds, Pine Siskin, Brown Thrasher, and Starlings. Now that the Feederwatch season is over come out to the Greenway on Wednesdays for bird walks. Check the schedule on the website for locations.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 04/03/2015 at 10:23 am Edit Feederwatch–FINAL COUNT for this season: My 2 days–Mar. 30/31–were very pleasant and I had 18 species. I was afraid that some birds wouldn’t come around since we had been away several days and couldn’t refill the feeders, and the count did begin rather slow. But little by little they found their way back–those who didn’t come on Mon. & Tues. were here on Wed., but just couldn’t be counted in my final report. My 18 species were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am. Crow, C.Chickadee, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wren, Am.Robin, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, C.Grackles (lots), Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches. Can’t wait to see ALL of you on Wed., April 8, for our birdwalk on the Greenway starting at Salali Lane!!!

Ned Kraft says: 03/29/2015 at 9:42 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 20: Lots of birds came to the feeder and areas around it both days. There were 2 Mockingbirds who decided that it is easier to feed from the platform feeder that feed on the ground. They both come everyday to feed. Even a cowbird was on the feeder. There also are 3 Chipping sparrows that have been feeding for the past week. The rest of the 21 birds that I spotted are as follows: House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinal, Goldfinch, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco’s, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Wrens, Crows, Pine Siskins, Brown Thrasher, Northern Flicker, and Song Sparrows.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 03/25/2015 at 10:22 am Edit Feederwatch Week 20: Once again I had beautiful Spring weather for my 2 feederwatch days–March 23 & 24–and the birds were nonstop. In all I had 23 species which included the return of some Red-winged Blackbirds that seemed rather hungry as well as a Chipping Sparrow that has been stopping by. The other 21 species were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, C.Wrens, E.Bluebirds (looks like they have moved into my Bluebird house), Hermit Thrush, Am.Robins, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows (more are coming now), Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, C. Grackles, Purple Finches, House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches. My only usual eater that I missed seeing this week was the White-breasted Nuthatch…he/she must have slipped in for a bite when I wasn’t looking! Only ONE MORE week to go for Project Feederwatch!!!

Ned Kraft says: 03/24/2015 at 10:42 am Edit Feederwatch Week 19: It rained all day on the first of my 2 days. Just a few birds braved the rain to come and eat. I did see a group of 7 Blue Jays make a stop in the tree near feeders. The second day many more birds made a stop at the feeders. In all there were 17 species this week. They include: House Finch, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, American Goldfinch, Robins, Red-winged Blackbirds, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco’s, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Wrens, Song Sparrows, Downy Wodpecker, Mockingbirds, Pine Siskins, and a Northern Flicker.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 03/18/2015 at 10:42 am Edit Feederwatch Week 19: My 2 Feederwatch days–March 16 & 17–were like Spring with sunshine and warm temps which the birds loved. Once again I had 22 species with the welcomed return of a Hermit Thrush to my list. In addition I had the following 21 more: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Am.Robins, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, N.Cardinals, Common Grackles, Purple Finches (male and Female this week), Pine Siskins, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. I can’t believe that there’s only 2 more weeks left for Project Feederwatch–but then I’ll see you on the Greenway!!!

Paula Gorgoglione says: 03/11/2015 at 10:09 am Edit Feederwatch Week 18: Overcast, sometimes drizzly. sometimes sunny–that’s how my 2 feederwatch days were (March 9&10)–and the birds were nonstop. I had 22 species including a Dark-eyed Junco who hasn’t been here for awhile and my first Fox Sparrow of the season. The others were Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Am.Robins, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, Common Grackles, Purple Finch (only female), House Finches, Pine Siskins and Am. Goldfinches. It’s hard to believe that there’s only 3 more weeks of Project Feederwatch left…and our Greenway walks will begin in April. Just as there are surprises to find at our feeders, there are always surprises to find along the Greenway–such as an ALBINO ROBIN I saw last Wednesday near the Community Garden area. It was so white and beautiful–IF I ONLY HAD A CAMERA!!!!!!!!

Ned Kraft says: 03/06/2015 at 9:46 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 17: The weather started out on the warm side with some rain and then the cold air came back. It didn’t stop the birds coming to the feeder and our surrounding trees. I had a total of 21 species. There were a group of 4 Northern Flickers and a group of 15 Blue Jays that came for a visit. Then there were 2 Red Shouldered Hawks watching the birds at the feeders. In addition to these birds, I saw the following: House Finch, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinals, Pileated woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Robins, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Wrens, Song Sparrows, Downy Woodpecker, Mockingbird, Pine Siskins, European Starlings, and American Crows.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 03/04/2015 at 10:58 am Edit Feederwatch Week 17: The first of my 2 Feederwatch days (3/02/15) was the busiest and by about 10:00 AM I already had 19 species. Although there were lots of birds during both days, my species count stayed the same. Here’s the list: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, lots of Robins, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, C.Grackles (more are coming now), the male and female Purple Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am. Goldfinches. As we approach Springtime keep an eye out for new surprises at the feeders or around your home area.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 02/26/2015 at 10:32 am Edit Feederwatch Week 16: My first of the two feederwatch days was mostly mild with some sunshine and the birds were rather QUIET at the feeders. But with Tuesday’s snow I ended up with 19 species–and I was happy to see the Purple Finches back (and with the 2 females was the first male Purple Finch I’ve had in a few years). The other diners were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Brown Thrashers, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, Pine Siskins, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. If you want to get a good view of baby Bald Eagles go to http://www.berry.edu/eaglecam.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 02/18/2015 at 4:23 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 15: On my first feederwatch day, Monday Feb.16, I was happy to be in my WARM house overlooking my feeder area, observing the non-stop feeding going on outside. The action was never-ending in spite of the yucky snowy/icy rain, wintry mix, sleet or whatever other name you would give the weather outside–as the birds fed, the icicles grew on the squirrel baffles and on the feeders as well. Fortunately Tuesday was much nicer! In all I had 20 very brave species between the two days with my greatest surprise being a quick visit by a Cooper’s Hawk. The others were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C. Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, Common Grackle, House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am. Goldfinches.

Ned Kraft says: 02/17/2015 at 10:41 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 14: It was very cold over the 2 days, however, it didn’t deter the birds wanting to eat. The Pine Siskins are still around and I counted 21 of them. Also saw a group of 15 Robins below the feeders. The other 17 species I saw were: house finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, morning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Wrens, Song Sparrows, Downy Woodpecker, European Starlings, and American Crows.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 02/11/2015 at 9:11 am Edit Feederwatch Week 14: It was drizzly on Monday, Feb. 9, but that did not deter the birds from coming and by noon I had 18 species. That ended up being my total species for the two feederwatch days since Tuesday was relatively quiet. My newest guest was one Common Grackle–he visited several times over the 2 days but I never saw him with any companions. The other species were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wren, Am.Robin, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches. If you want to watch some special little hatchlings go to http://www.allaboutbirds.org–You can view live cams showing a Great-Horned Owl’s nest in Savannah, GA, with at least one baby hatched on Feb.3 and also “go” to Hawaii to see the little Laysan Albatross hatched on Jan.31. There are several other cams to keep an eye on as well.

Ned Kraft says: 02/07/2015 at 5:20 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 13: The mornings were pretty cold but that did not stop the birds coming to feed. The Pine Siskins are still swarming the feeders and I think they are eating more than any other bird. I had a total of 22 species this week and they include: House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted titmice, Northern Cardinals, Pileated Woodpecker, Red -bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, Robins, Morning doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Eastern Towhee, Carolina Wrens, White Throated Sparrow, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpeckers, Cedar Waxwings, Brown Thrasher, European Starlings, and the Northern Flicker.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 02/04/2015 at 11:04 am Edit Feederwatch Week 13: Wow–my feeders on Monday, Feb. 2, were swinging in the wind/snow!!! And the more fierce the winds the more the birds came, especially the Goldfinches/Pine Siskins. They seemed to love the “carnival” rides. I had 18 species and most of those I observed on Monday since I hardly had a chance to watch on my second day. These were my guests this week: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, N.Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches. You can still sign up for Project Feederwatch for this year and get NEXT YEAR included as a bonus if you are a new Feederwatcher!!!! Just go to http://www.feederwatch.org/2-for-1 and sign up by FEB.28. It’s fun and you discover a lot about who’s coming to your yard.

Ned Kraft says: 02/02/2015 at 4:31 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 12: The Pine Siskins are still swarming the feeders, however, 15 other species have managed to come to the backyard this week. They include House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, Robins, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco’s, Carolina Wrens, Downy Woodpecker, European Starlings, and American crows.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 01/28/2015 at 9:58 am Edit Feederwatch Week 12: These 2 feederwatch days (Jan.26 & 27) brought everything from a little drizzle on Monday AM to a little snow on Tuesday AM–and both days saw the sun eventually come out with temps mostly in the 30’s. My happiest find was to see a couple of bluebirds checking out the feeder area and hopefully the “available” bluebird house. I would love to have them become residents this year! In all I had 18 species and the other 17 species were as follows: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted TItmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, House Finch, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches.

Ned Kraft says: 01/27/2015 at 11:34 pm Edit Feederwatch week 11: Well, the Pine Siskins are still here in force. All the other birds wait patiently for the Siskins to leave before flying to the feeders. I just got the Quarterly Guide “All about Birds” and found an interesting article. Scientists say that about every other year there is an irruption of Pine Siskins and Redpolls in the lower 48 states and this is the year for them. They think that a shortage of conifer seeds (spruce and pine) and catkins (birch and alder) in Canada are driving these birds south and they are finding plenty to eat at backyard feeders across the US. So far this year Pine Siskins have been found as far south as Brownsville, TX. The other birds that I saw this week were: House finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Goldfinch, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Eastern Towhees, Carolina Wrens, Song sparrows, Downy Woodpeckers, and European Starlings.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 01/23/2015 at 10:27 am Edit Feederwatch Week 11: The mornings were chilly but these two days warmed up and felt like Spring had already arrived and once again I had 19 species come to my feeder area on Jan. 19 and 20. My greatest surprise was to have 2 Purple Finches–it has been a couple of years since I have seen them here in town at my feeders. My other guests were the following: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, Am.Robin, Brown Thrashers, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals,. House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinch. Keep watching your feeders–there are always surprises to see! PS–That rooster still is also around eating too much of the seed that we offer to our wild feathered friends.

Ned Kraft says: 01/16/2015 at 10:25 am Edit Feederwatch week 10: The Invasion of the Pine Siskins, sounds like a horror movie doesn’t it. Well it’s happened at our house this week. I never saw so many birds trying to get on 2 feeders. The ones not on the feeders covered the deck like a carpet. When the Pine Siskins were not at the feeders the other birds I saw were as follows: House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpecker, American Goldfinch, Robins, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Juncos, Eastern Towhee, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, Downy Woodpecker, Mockingbirds, and Brown Thrasher.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 01/14/2015 at 3:02 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 10: On Jan. 12 and 13 the skies were overcast and drizzly rains were around but the birds were hungry–especially on Monday! I had 19 species visit my All-You-Can-Eat-Buffet as well as my neighbor’s Rooster who would not leave no matter how many times we tried to shoo him away!!! We also had a plump Cottontail Rabbit who started getting his fill just after sunrise. Here are the the “invited” guests: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, N.Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals,. House Finches, Pine Siskins, and Am.Goldfinches.

Ned Kraft says: 01/11/2015 at 7:17 pm Edit Feederwatch week 9: This week it was very cold, but it didn’t bother all the birds that I saw. There was a group of Pine Siskins (13) fighting for space on the feeders. The other birds that I spotted are as follows: House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, American Goldfinch, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco’s Eastern Towhee’s, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrow, downy Woodpecker, and Mockingbirds.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 01/07/2015 at 3:12 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 9: As the cold weather is settling in the birds are really coming to the feeders–I had 18 species on my count days (Jan. 5 & 6) with my best sighting being a group of Pine Siskins along with the Goldfinches. My other visitors were Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Field Sparrows, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, N.Cardinals, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches. You can still sign up for Project Feederwatch–it continues until April. What a nice way to go birding–in a warm home with a hot cup of coffee or tea…and there are always surprises to see, like my Pine Siskins this week. Plus you’re being a citizen scientist for the Cornell Lab of Ornithology when you enter your counts.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 12/30/2014 at 8:34 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 8: On Dec. 29 and 30 it was busy at the feeders again and I had 16 species come to the feast. There were no surprises but I am always happy to see the following: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am.Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, Brown Thrashers, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-Throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinches. Hopefully they will also be around to counted on Jan.3 for our annual Audubon Christmas Bird Count!!!

Paula Gorgoglione says: Feederwatch Week 7: Well, my All-You-Can-Eat-Bird-Buffet was back in business on Dec. 22 and 23–it was practically non-stop feeding. I had 17 species and the counts of the individuals of each species was up. The following were lined up: Mourning Doves (my highest number of doves ever–a flock of 20), Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, Am. Crows, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C.Wrens, a N.Mockingbird, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N. Cardinals, House Finches, and a constant flow of Am.Goldfinches in and out. Thanks to Suzanne and Ned for their sharing as well as for sending some of my birds back!!!!!

Suzanne Fosselman says: Neither of you need ever worry that your birds have moved to Wayah Cove. We have our faithful few with VERY occasional exceptions (usually on non-count days.) We can count on seeing Mourning Doves, Red-bellied Woodpeckers, Downey Woodpeckers, American Crows, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, Northern Cardinals, American Goldfinches and Whitebreasted Nuthatches. Recently, we’ve been excited to add: Blue Jays, Juncos (full-time), Purple Finches (very sporadic), Pine Siskins (what a surprise) and Eastern Bluebirds (non-count day.) We really enjoy reading what you’re seeing, so keep sharing.

Ned Kraft says: 12/18/2014 at 11:10 pm Edit Feederwatch week 6: This was a great week to see birds. They must have left Paula’s house to see what type of food I had. There were 16 species seen at the feeders and in the trees around the house. I counted 20 House Finch in one tree and a group of 20 Cedar Waxwings in another tree. In addition I have seen the following birds: Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted titmice, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Robins, Morning Doves, Dark-eyed Junco, Carolina Wren, Song Sparrows, Downy Woodpecker, and Mockingbirds.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 12/18/2014 at 10:41 am Edit Feederwatch Week 6: Oh where, oh where did all the species go?????????? I searched and searched but only had 11 species this week on Dec. 15 and 16, 2014–that was my lowest count ever. Maybe they all went to visit Ned’s feeders or Rita and Suzanne’s? But all of our birds are important and these are the faithful ones who came: Mourning Doves, Downy Wdp., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatch, C.Wrens, E.Towhee, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, and N.Cardinal. You can still join Project Feederwatch at any time–or just let us know what you are seeing.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 12/12/2014 at 11:03 am Edit Feederwatch Week 5: Thanks Ned for sharing who’s coming to the feeders at your home! My counts on Dec. 8 & 9 were rather slow but little by little my number of species rose to 14 which were the following: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays,C.Chickadees, C.Wrens, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, E.Towhees, Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, N.Cardinal and Am.Goldfinch. To view other feeders go to allaboutbirds.org to see live cams of feeding birds in Ithica,NY as well as in Ontario, Canada. And let us know what you are seeing–ALL birds are important even the most common ones!!!

Ned Kraft says: 12/11/2014 at 9:45 am Edit Fedderwatch Week 5: Dec. 9 and 10th I saw my first flock of Robins in quite a while. Besides the robins I spotted House Finch, Blue Jays, Carolina chickadees, White-Breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Morning Dove, Dark-eyed Junco, Carolina Wrens, and Mockingbirds.

Ned Kraft says: 12/03/2014 at 11:12 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 4: My count days are Tuesday and Wednesday and this week I spotted 15 species. This week is the largest number of species that I have seen this season. The following is the list of birds: House Finch, Blue Jay’s, Carolina Chickadee’s, White-breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Goldfinch, Robins, Carolina Wren’s, Song Sparrow, Northern Yellow-shafted Flicker, Downy Woodpecker, Mockingbirds, and a surprise visit from some American Crows.

Paula Gorgoglione says: 12/03/2014 at 6:02 pm Edit Feederwatch Week 4: Dec. 1 & 2 were not quite as exciting as last week’s count (no chickens and no invasion of robins and blackbirds) but I did have 16 species come and the numbers of individual birds of each species is increasing! The following made their way to my buffet: lots of Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, N.Flicker, Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C. Wrens, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, Dark-eyed Junco, N.Cardinals, and Am.Goldfinches. What are YOU seeing at your feeders?????????

Paula Gorgoglione says: Feederwatch Week 3: I had an interesting time watching my feeder area on Nov. 24 and 25 including a parade of 8 chickens following a very large rooster into my yard (we have a neighbor who believes that his flock should be free to roam anywhere and sometimes they love all the seed on the ground); and then at the last minutes of sunlight on Nov. 25 I had an invasion of robins and blackbirds–too many to count. The blackbirds included Redwinged Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, Common Grackles, Rusty Blackbirds and Brewer’s Blackbirds. They kept falling down from the treetops, taking off, and then more would take their place! What a show! However, before I could try to figure out how to begin to count them they were scared off and didn’t return. In all I had 21 species–the rest of my visitors were: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., Blue Jays, C.Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, C. Wrens, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, a Dark-eyed Junco, N.Cardinals, House Finches, and Am.Goldfinches.

Paula Gorgoglione says: Feederwatch Week 2: Nov. 17 and 18 brought some rain at first and then cold but sunny weather. On Mon. the birds really seemed to “love” coming out in the rain before the winds kicked up and brought the lower temps. In all I had 18 species with my highest counts on Monday. These species enjoyed my buffet: Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Wdps., a N.Flicker foraging on the ground, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Wrens, White-breasted Nuthatches, a Ruby-crowned Kinglet who seemed to like my suet, a Hermit Thrush, Brown Thrasher, E.Towhees, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrows, N.Cardinals, House Finch, and Am. Goldfinch. Keep an eye on your feeders and let us know what you are seeing!

Paula Gorgoglione says: Nov. 10 & 11, 2014 was the GRAND OPENING of the ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT BIRD BUFFET on Forest Hills Drive in Franklin, NC for the new season of Project Feederwatch and the birds were lined up for miles around to partake of seeds, suet, berries, etc. OOPS–I think I need to make a REALITY CHECK–Actually all was rather slow but I did have 15 species come which were the following: lots of Mourning Doves, Red-bellied and Downy Woodpeckers, Blue Jays, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, White-breasted Nuthatches, Carolina Wrens, E.Towhees, a Field Sparrow, Song Sparrows, White-throated Sparrow, N.Cardinals, House Finch, and Am.Goldfinch. Sign up for Project Feederwatch at ANY time or at least let us know what you’re seeing at your feeder areas.

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Just when you think the birding excitement is over for this year, along comes Feederwatch. This citizen-scientist program is sponsored by The Cornell Lab and the 2014-15 season begins on Saturday, Nov. 8 and ends on Friday, April 4, a total of 21 weeks. So how do you get involved? If you have a bird feeder that you keep filled all winter–and a little time to watch it, you’re set to go. Just visit feederwatch.org. The cost for your registration and materials is $18.00 this year. Okay, you’ve visited feederwatch and it’s a great site filled with information. What’s next? 1. Choose 2 consecutive days each week for your observations. 2. Watch your feeder area for as much or as little time as you choose. (This part used to really worry me, but I find breakfast is a great feederwatch time for me, or maybe while I do the dishes. The amount of time doesn’t have to be the same each time you watch.) 3. Next, record the maximum number of each species seen at one time. (For example, you see 3 goldfinch together. Then 4 later in the day, and finally 6 a couple of minutes later. Your count would be 6.) 4. After your 2 days of observation, go to feederwatch.org and post your observations. It’s painless. I forgot to add that you can skip weeks. For example, if you’re out of town or have company. Feederwatch offers a great chance for all of us to be scientists in our own backyard. The info we report, often sighting the same birds each week, when added to all the other observerations across the country, really does help ornithologists keep track of what’s happening with the birds. This is just a brief overview of Feederwatch. Be sure to visit feederwatch.org for the full story and registration.