November 24, 2008 [LINK / comment]
More winter birds arrive
With the icy-cold temperatures we've had for the past few days, it's no surprise that more migratory ducks have arrived from the north. On a brief drive out to Bell's Lane late on Sunday afternoon, I saw two species for the first time this season, but not much else of interest:
- Mallards (20+)
- Ring-necked ducks (12+ -- FOS)
- Ruddy ducks (4 -- FOS)
- Great blue heron
- Canada geese (60+)
- White-throated sparrows
- Titmice
- Mockingbirds
I was hoping to see a Northern Harrier that has been reported by local birders, but no such luck.
As for back yard birds, we see Goldfinches, Juncos, and Carolina Wrens just about every day, with Chickadees and Titmice on most days, and sometimes a White-breasted nuthatch or two. Not many Cardinals or woodpeckers have shown up lately, however. For some reason (removal of shrubbery?), hardly any White-throated sparrows have come by this fall, even though we provide plenty of food. Last week a Sharp-shinned hawk paid a "visit" for the first time this season, briefly scaring away all the smaller birds -- including our two inside birds.