Living
Al Brown | Tracking the Seasons
Don't worry, I've got your 'beak'
Life at the bird feeder is no picnic these early days of winter in spite of how things might appear.
To the casual observer, the area around our three feeders might resemble a school playground with birds of every size, shape and color joyfully intermingling during recess.
Some distance away, observing the goings on from a comfortable vantage point inside my warm kitchen, I know those birds aren't just playing games.
Truth be known, much of the time they spend on or around the feeders is actually "guard duty" time. Watching each other's back, so to speak.
We really enjoy watching the wide variety of birds that visit our feeders daily, including mourning doves, cardinals, Blue jays, chickadees, juncos, wood peckers and occasional crows.
However, while enjoying their company we have also learned to recognize certain traits or danger signs that spark a mass exit for parts unknown ... such as when a Coopers Hawk comes looking for a meal of fresh bird.
When gluttonous squirrels come calling and decide to pig out on sunflower seeds, the birds aren't too concerned. Most just stay a safe distance away and continue to feed.
On the other hand if a squirrel becomes annoyed by the bird's presence and threatens by chasing them, most will just fly up into a bush or low tree and wait for a chance to fly back down and continue feeding.
The same holds true when a cat or dog comes sniff'n around the feeders. The birds leave en mass into the bushes, just high enough to be safely out of harm's way. Then just as quickly once the danger is gone, they fly back down and resume feeding as if nothing had happened.
When we carry feed to refill the feeders, most of the birds, but the chickadees in particular, show virtually no fear of us.
The suet blocks attract a wide variety of birds but the downy woodpeckers seemingly feed there the most.
Now that the snow is crusted and deep, most small birds are finding it difficult to locate ready sources of natural feed.
Even the energy-rich gut piles left by successful deer hunters are in short supply this holiday season, forcing all manner of birds to be more dependent on well-stocked back yard feeder stations offering suet blocks, black sunflower seeds and cracked corn.
Having well-stocked feeders will attract a wide variety of birds. Watching them will make the snowiest of winters go by a little faster.
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- Wolves getting expanded role in wildlife picture
- New rules allow opportunity to appreciate wild game
- How new concealed carry law affects hunters
- Now's the time to hone weapon of choice
- Overlapping seasons create color conundrum
- Hunting calendar is upon us
- Weary anglers getting their chance
- Passing down knowledge of the hunt
- Appreciating the gifts of Mother Nature
- Ticks replace mosquitoes as concern
- Tag, you're it: hunting seasons approaching
- Fundraiser gives bird hunters a taste of what's ahead
- Rock River's banks a hotbed for local fishermen
- Fishing a great Father's Day opportunity
- With the stroke of a pen
- Grape jelly fills the belly
- Getting out on the water pays off
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Posted Wednesday, Feb. 10 |
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News or Feature Story of the Week by Jim Stevens: Where do Lake Country's richest live?
Sports Story of the Week by JR Radcliffe: Indians hit the stretch running |
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Do you have news or an event that you would like to share with the community? Whether it's a community organization, a business, a local school, or a notable neighbor, we'd love to hear about it!!
- Relay For Life of Lake Country Kickoff-Monday, February 13th
- Oconomowoc Newcomers & Neighbors Monthly Mingle Tues Feb. 14
- UW-Waukesha Continuing Education Classes Offered the week of February 12-18, 2012
- The Rock River Patriots Welcome G. Edward Griffin To Wisconsin
- Master Composter Training Workshop Offiered
- Sussex-Menomonee Falls-Pewaukee Relay For Life Kickoff Event Sunday, February 19th 3:00 PM
- Open House at St. John's Lutheran Mukwonago
- Anti-Bullying assembly
- Summerstage "Break-A-Leg Gala"
- Pancakes at the House
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