** Reply to note from Michael Dossett
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Richard and others,

I think that the birds can tell "When winter is coming". They can
certainly sense the pressure changes that occur. Yesterday, we had low
pressure moving in a little, maybe that is what set them off. Birds need
to eat more to maintain their weight, during high pressure periods, their
bodies require far less.

This might help to explain the general surge of feeder activity right
before, and during winter storms. The rest of the year, less increase is
noticable because fewer birds are concentrated to the easy meal because
they can easily find food elswhere.
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I need your reference for this one, Michael. I really have a hard time believing
that macro changes in pressure can affect nutritional requirements of birds.
Sense pressure changes, most definitely yes. But as far as affecting their diet,
I am a doubter. Yes, in winter, higher pressures are most often associated with
continental "cold" high pressure areas ("Arctic domes") which you coasties got
a taste of these past few days. I would think that it is much more likely that
the colder temperatures associated with the Arctic outbreaks (and associated
higher pressures) necessitate an increase in nutrient uptake to maintain
metabolic stasis. Temperatures, yes; pressures, no.

- Jack

Jack Bowling
RR1-S14-C41
Prince George, BC
Canada
V2N 2H8
phone: (250) 963-7837
fax: (250) 963-7801
jbowling at direct.ca