I’d like to say I just did a half-assed count this week because I wanted to see how many birds I’d see if I didn’t really try, which might help me determine which of my backyard birds are more casual and which require more looking, but that wouldn’t be true. I just did a half-assed count. Still, I was surprised that I saw so many species. I didn’t see very many individuals, though.
The only unusual bird was the Ladder-backed Woodpecker who made his second appearance in my counts. They’re not really that unusual around here; I just don’t see them in the yard very often.
The week 11 count for Project FeederWatch:
- Orange-crowned Warbler (1)
- House Sparrow (2)
- American Goldfinch (1)
- Carolina Wren (1)
- Black-crested Titmouse (1)
- Chipping Sparrow (8)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)
- Bewick’s Wren (1)
- Carolina Chickadee (1)
- Northern Mockingbird (1)
- Blue Jay (2)
- Ladder-backed Woodpecker (1)
- White-winged Dove (5)
- Squirrels (lots)
Be sure to check out I and the Bird #92 at The Marvelous in Nature.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
That’s interesting that you’ve counted Ladder-backed Woodpecker more than once on your Feeder Watch. In my neighborhood they are uncommon. But Downy Woodpeckers are frequent yard visitors here. Have you seen any Downy Woodpeckers on your counts?
I haven’t seen the Downy’s on my counts, but I saw one in the neighborhood last spring. Only one I’ve ever seen. The Ladder-backs are what I see most around here, though last summer we got daily visits by a Golden-fronted for a few months.