Subject: [Tweeters] Puzzling impact of snow on on bushtit feeder activity
Date: Jan 20 06:56:12 2012
From: Doreen Gillespie - dorgilles at gmail.com


Following up on the feeder activity question--

The hordes of bushtits that were passing through multiple times per hour as
recently as Tuesday afternoon have not been seen in 48 hours.
Chestnut-backed chickadees usually follow with the bushtits, and they are
also absent. I have suet cones hanging from trees throughout the yard, so
there is no shortage of bushtit energy food. Do they simply move toward
more densely wooded areas? I am located in south Redmond with a few tall
conifers adjacent to propert but mostly deciduous trees in yard.

As expected, varied thrush and siskins showed up as soon as the snows
started. Higher numbers of ground feeders with this snow cover are not
surprising, and the temperatures will drive many birds to suet feeders for
higher energy. Even the song sparrows and juncos were feeding from the
cones. I was delighted to see two flocks of starlings show up and leave in
frustration, being unable to cling to my cones or access my seed feeder!

Has anyone else seen bushtits disappear this week? Anyone seeing more than
usual? I am curious about your yard and nearby habitat for anyone who has
seen changes.

Doreen Gillespie
dorgilles at gmail.com
Redmond
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