Birds of Winter: From the Feeder (Part II)

Mourning Doves

The cold weather we’ve been having over the past few days has been bringing lots of visitors to the backyard. There is a constant stream of Pine Warblers and Yellow-rumped Warblers looking for suet and dried mealworms. Bluebirds, as well. I counted 15 Purple Finches early this morning when temperatures were around 20°F. And just the other day, there was a flock of (approximately) 58 Chipping Sparrows visiting my feeders, in addition to foraging on the lawn. Fun fact: at sunrise, especially on cold days, Chipping Sparrows are often the first birds I see. There’s usually a small flock foraging beneath my feeders for fallen seed. I also throw a few handfuls of white millet and sunflower seeds on the ground for them each morning.

I hope you enjoy these photographs.

Chipping Sparrow

Eastern Bluebird (female)

Purple Finch (male)

Northern Cardinal (male)

Pine Warbler (male)

White-breasted Nuthatch (female) and a Purple Finch (male). This photograph was taken just after the nuthatch landed on the feeder. The finch was acting aggressively towards her; although, he did not succeed in chasing her away.

Eastern Bluebird (male)

Northern Cardinal (female)

House Finch (male). Compared to the other male House Finches who visit my backyard, this individual is quite red. Interesting fact: the red pigment in these birds’ feathers comes from their diet, and males can range in color from yellow to deep red depending on what they’re eating. Females of this species tend to prefer redder males.