The first snowfall of the season produced very little activity at our feeder. It was more like everything left town except for the Black-capped Chickadees and White-breasted Nuthatches. Hopefully over the next couple of days things will change for the better!
On a brighter note, bird activity in areas with berries-any fruit was exceptional. There were good sized flocks of Bohemian Waxwings, Pine Grosbeaks and American Robins. At the rate they're eating, there may be no birds left to count on the upcoming local Christmas Bird Counts! Also, keep an eye out for other berry eaters such as Varied Thrush. There are numerous records for eastern Ontario since the early 1970's. We even have a sight record of a Fieldfare, a Eurasian thrush, for Ottawa from the Arboretum back in January 1967. Anything is possible!
Good birding, Bruce
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The feeding frenzy begins! |
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Which one should I eat? |
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No fruit is left on touched. |
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These nomadic wanderers can travel in large flocks in search of food. |
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No problem! |
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Most of their winter diet is made up of berries and fruit. |
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An American Robin also consumes many berries and other fruits during the winter months. |
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Many species of birds will use snow for a source of water during the winter. |
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This American Robin with a leg injury picks up fallen fruit on the snow covered ground. |
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Even though this adult Ring-billed Gull is missing a foot it has fared well and will survive. |
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