This was another good weekend of feeder watching. The titmice thought so too, especially since they finally noticed the pinecone feeder.
I’ve been trying for a couple of years to attract American Goldfinches to the yard. They’re only here in winter and I’ve seen them along the trail by the creek, but never in the yard. I’ve moved my nyjer feeder from place to place with no luck until this weekend when a lone American Goldfinch graced my yard, though he preferred the regular tube feeder over the nyjer feeder. He showed up on both count days so I’m hoping he’ll tell his friends and come back. Hopefully, I’ll get a picture.
The Chipping Sparrows showed up in record numbers for the year. I counted 19 at one point. I know that in late March and early April they’ll flock up and I’ll see 60 or 70 at a time in the weeks before they head north, but 19 is more than I expected at this point.
The suet feeder continues to be one of the most interesting feeders in terms of what it draws. Last summer it was dominated by Blue Jays and a Golden-fronted Woodpecker, but those don’t seem interested anymore, happily surrendering it to the mocker and the smaller birds.
The Orange-crowned Warbler and Ruby-crowned Kinglet also returned, which was expected since I had seen them most days since my last count. The above shot of the kinglet was taken through a dirty window, but I was surprised to have gotten anything considering how jumpy they are.
And, now, the official count for Week 9, which is probably my highest count at least in terms of number of species:
- Northern Cardinal (1)
- Chipping Sparrow (19)
- Orange-crowned Warbler (1)
- Black-crested Titmouse (2)
- Carolina Chickadee (2)
- Bewick’s Wren (2)
- Carolina Wren (1)
- American Goldfinch (1)
- White-winged Dove (7)
- Northern Mockingbird (1)
- Ruby-crowned Kinglet (1)
- House Sparrow (4)
- Mourning Dove (3)
- Blue Jay (2)
Also, if you’re in Austin (or just interested), check out Mikael’s list of the 20 most common year-round resident backyard birds in the north Austin area.
James Brush is a teacher and writer who lives in Austin, TX. He tries to get outside as much as possible.
Nice list!!
That Titmouse is pure beauty!
I am totally jealous of your list! And your pictures. I’m glad I get more daylight for feederwatching now so hopefully I’ll get some higher numbers and new species. I especially like the pinecomb feeder. Did you make that yourself?
BirdingGirl, I’m kind of surprised by the numbers I’m getting as well. Winter is our time for birds down here, though. The pinecone feeders were Christmas gifts from my nephew and niece. When they’re picked clean, I will be refilling (redoing?) them. They are favorites for many of the birds.
Mel, thanks and thanks for stopping by.
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