Bird in Hand: Getting ready for winter

As I write this column, there are two inches of snow on the ground and more promised in the forecast. And low temperatures in the teens. Contrary to what many folks might imagine, the wind, the cold, and the snow do not bring an end to the birding season, but they do bring a change. Winter is still an exciting time for those of us who are truly curious about birds. This month’s column contains some ideas to help keep you in the fray, so to speak.

First, check out who’s hanging out with whom. My daughter-in-law Courtney calls me a bird nerd because of my well-known affection for all things feathered. But I am not alone; there are others, maybe even you! Because there is nothing more fun than to visit with fellow bird nerds. One of my favorites is Roy Jacobson, a native-born Bonner County resident and lifelong birder.

Roy knows his birds! Recently he shared an interesting observation from his own backyard in the Selle Valley: Golden-crowned kinglets were flocking with chickadees in his apple trees. Why is this so important? It reminds us that in the winter different species of birds will often flock together for mutual protection. During the spring and summer months these species will remain aloof from the other, but during the winter small flocks of mixed-species will form. This is probably a response to the increased predation by raptors, such as the Sharp-shinned and Cooper’s hawks, as well as my favorite, the Northern pygmy owl. With the summer residents now missing from the menu, these birds-of-prey will focus their energies on the year-round residents.

So, don’t assume that all those chickadees flitting around your backyard are actually all chickadees! In my own little patch of trees in the Sagle-area, I have spotted various sparrows hanging with the juncos. Increase your bird count by carefully scanning your feathered visitors; binoculars are a help here.

Second, many birds are wearing their winter wardrobes. Some birds change out of their bright summer breeding plumage into something a bit demurer for the fall and winter months. For example, the male American goldfinch is practically unrecognizable in his new duds. The bird looks like a different species. Similarly, be mindful of immature birds – those who were born this summer and are now experiencing their first winter. They’re adult size, but not sporting adult plumage. The White-crowned sparrow is a perfect example, as the young birds have not yet gotten the namesake white-crown, being decked-out in brown and beige striping rather than black and white.

Third, there are a handful of northern species that migrate to our area for the winter and become winter residents. Just as summer species leave our area and head south for the cold months, some more northern species head south and enter our area for the same reason. One such species is the American tree sparrow, a subject of an upcoming column. I’m convinced that this bird is more common than reported, simply because it is overlooked. Get out your bird guide and familiarize yourself with this species. Consider this a homework assignment, and I will be checking on your work…

Fourth and last, ‘winterize’ your feeders. I like to cut out a plastic rim to place at the top my seed feeder, which effectively extends the ‘eaves’ of the top to provide extra protection against falling snow. Snow can cover the feed tray and sometimes freeze solid. I use the top of an old plastic bucket or other container, cut it to shape, and simply place it over the existing cover. Also, if you haven’t already, add a suet feeder to your seed feeder. Many birds that otherwise will not visit backyard feeders will come to a suet feeder. And it need not be anything fancy – the woodpeckers, jays, and others will not care. The simple and inexpensive metal cages are very effective. But the birds will appreciate the suet!

There you go! Yay for winter! New bird species arrive, year-round species go covert, and the ‘teen-age’ birds just gotta be different. The new season provides new challenges. Happy birding!

Questions? Comments? Conspiracy theories? The author can be contacted at mturnlund@gmail.com