December 28, 2007
What to look for in your backyard this time of yearKeep an eye on those brushy areas that you didn't cut back in the fall. Notice the many birds who feed on the wildflower and other seeds. Many times you will spot a bird who doesn't usually go to your feeders.
Backyard Tip of the Week
When you're ready to get rid of your cut Christmas tree, consider holding on to it for just a while longer. You can provide a great feature for your feathered friends if you take it outside, set it upright, or lay it the ground, in an appropriate area of your yard. Occasionally spread black oil sunflower seed on the tree or even attach your own homemade bird-treats. The birds will love it!
Backyard sightings for last week
Blue-jays were out in force, especially happy that a feeder was filled with whole peanuts for the holidays. They kept their usual protective watch over the yard, sounding off as needed, when predators came near.
Juncos, white-throated sparrows and goldfinches were probably the most abundant visitors to the feeders. Also seen daily were several pairs of resident white-breasted nuthatches, tufted titmice, black-capped chickadees, house finches and the occasional pair of crows. On Monday, a flock of European starlings stopped by to raid the feeders.
The real backyard excitement began after the ice covered the ground during the recent storm. That's when the birds made the most use of the feeders. Of course, that's also when our local red-tailed hawk began making more regular stops in search of prey, especially on cloudy days.
The hawk was spotted last Friday, perched atop the fly-thru feeder for ten minutes, looking about and seeming to be innocent enough, while waiting for an easy lunch, no doubt.
Red-tailed hawk sightings continued throughout the week, including a brief pose atop the house-shaped feeder on Christmas Day, and on Wednesday morning when the hawk was seen to have been victorious over his prey as he feasted in the rain.
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