Disappearing Yardbirds

I haven’t seen a bird at the feeder once this winter in the last two months which is very odd, the squirrels are also absent. I have been feeding the birds here 13 years. I have a large stash of yardbird photography from the prior seasons, there have been so many. Last summer I noticed a lesser amount of visitors, and some that did frequent the feeders were missing feathers or looked ill. I clean the feeders weekly to prevent disease spread and mold. What I witnessed made me uneasy, we even found a deceased bird or two and it was reported as required. 

 

 During the year of Covid lockdown not only did the birds increase at the feeders, we also had small critters showing up we hadn’t seen before. I’m guessing with less people out and about the animals came out more. We saw rabbits, bobcats, wild turkey, deer, ducks, and many more in the surrounding area. That was a busy year for local nature photography. We even managed to befriend a woodchuck who made a meal of the small amount of garden strawberries we used to grow. 

 

I’ve read and seen in the news the mention of Avian flu but I have no idea if that affects the area population. It wouldn’t surprise me. Winter season often feels long and dreary, seeing the wildlife at the feeders for me helps combat “cabin fever.” I’ve mixed and matched all sorts of feed, and started making my own suet last year using a mixture of peanut butter, cornmeal, nuts and fruits, and lard to hold it together. I also add wild bird seed. My homemade treat was a big hit with the outdoor yard critters.

The migrating Starlings and Grackles have a bad habit of gobbling the suet up if the timing is right, but I always have more and don’t mind it. They don’t stick around more than a few days. Did you know that Starlings are actually accomplished mimics? Have a look at this one on YouTube. Starlings are so much more than the annoying voracious eaters we know them for. As of this season we have seen neither one.

 It’s a quiet Sunday both outdoors and in as we wait for an encroaching late day snowstorm to hit. I’m curious to see if the snow cover will make any difference in populating the bird feeders. For now all I can do is sit and wait, I’ve even filled the squirrel feeder. Years ago I battled the furry brats as they raided any food for the birds put out. In exasperation I decided to start a large tray feeder just for the squirrels (and chipmunks). The idea was the best decision ever and they no longer bother with anything else. 

 

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