Wood Thrush Shop Notes

Recent Feeder Activity

With the recent wintery weather a lot more birds have decided to visit feeding stations.  This week my feeders were frequented by over 50 Goldfinch at a time, a dozen or so Pine Siskin, over 20 Juncos (overwhelmingly males), and lots of White-throated sparrow. A few Red-winged Blackbirds appeared as did a few Grackles, birds I rarely see in my yard.

In weather like this I always anticipate something more unusual to appear, like Orange-crowned warbler, Ruby or Golden-crowned Kinglets, and Brown creeper to name a few, typically at the suet feeders.  One customer reported a lone Indigo Bunting which is very unusual to be seen in January. 

White-throated sparrow

Dark-eyed junco

American Goldfinch (Nonbreeding plumage)

And with the freezing rain being forecast, which will likely have already occurred by the time you read this, birds that don’t normally visit feeding stations may recognize the bird activity at feeders and come in for a look.  My birdbaths, which have de-icer units in them, were extremely busy during the frigid temps.  Birds, of course need water sources even when it’s below freezing and will bathe to keep feathers clean and at their best insulating quality for survival. 

Many of you are surprised to see multiple Bluebirds visiting feeding stations and water sources.  Bluebirds are, of course, here year round and will travel about in small flocks in search of food and water. 

Seed Stock is Low for this Saturday

Because our seed supplier is located in Des Moines, IA sometimes weather will hold up our seed shipments as is the case this week.  Freight is backed up all across the U.S.   You may want to call first before you visit The Wood Thrush Shop on Saturday and Monday as we are low, or out of some choices of seed.  We are very well stocked with suet and live mealworms.  We anticipate receiving our load of seed early next week as temps rise to the 40’s. 

Next Week…The Great Backyard Bird Count

Wood Thrush Notes

Winter Backyard Birds to Look For

A few weeks ago we mentioned Brown Creepers as one of the winter visitors to look for near feeding stations. Other more common visitors include White-throated Sparrow, White-crowned Sparrow, Fox Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, and Bluebirds get a mention because they are more likely to visit traditional feeding stations containing seed and suet during winter months.

White-throated Sparrow

White-crowned Sparrow

Fox Sparrow

This is the time of year I begin ground feeding to attract the sparrows mentioned above. This is a simple strategy of broadcasting some feed on the ground or in a low platform feeder to attract sparrows and Juncos. This group of birds prefers feeding on the ground and enjoys millet and shelled sunflower. Some of you might think “why do I want to attract sparrows”? There isn’t just one type of sparrow and because of the introduced House sparrow, which are so problematic for Bluebirds; I think “sparrows” get a bad rap. These sparrows are beautiful and one should really look at them through binoculars to see the evidence. By the way, you will find Cardinals and even Goldfinches love to feed on the ground, too. I often incorporate a brush pile for cover and protection near the spot I present the feed. If you’ve never tried creating a brush pile for birds you should try it. They are a bird magnet.

The Red-breasted nuthatch is a regular winter visitor although their numbers can vary greatly from one year to the next. Smaller than the White-breasted nuthatch they’re often seen visiting sunflower seed, shelled peanut, and suet feeders.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Yellow-rumped warblers are one of just a few warblers that can be seen in TN year round and at feeders. Look for them at suet feeders on very cold days.

Yellow-rumped Warbler

The Ruby-crowned Kinglet is also seen at suet feeders on very cold days. You better have your binoculars handy, though, because they are very small and their winter plumage is a dull olive which can make them difficult to see. Oh yeah, they are constantly on the move, too, further challenging your birdwatching skills. Look for the black and white wing bars to help identify one. The “ruby” crown is often not visible but from the right vantage point you may catch a glimpse.

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

Of course, Bluebirds are here year round but they are more likely to feed at suet feeders and even consume seed but only if it is out of the shell.  Bluebirds do not possess the ability to crack open shells of a seed.  Especially during snow falls that cover the ground Bluebirds will be inclined to eat seed for survival.

Early winter birding notes & Wood Thrush gifts ideas

Feeders beginning to get busy again

There’s no doubt bird feeding stations have been slow compared to past Novembers and early Decembers but a reason for this is likely the abundance of natural food sources available this fall, and mild temperatures. We’ve only had a couple of brief cold snaps. As of yet, we’ve had no reported sightings of Purple Finch or Pine Siskin but Goldfinches have begun visiting feeders again in their drab winter plumage. Other winter migrants like White-throated Sparrow, Junco, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker are being seen, and if you live where there is a presence of pine and cedar trees you may be seeing Red-breasted Nuthatch.   

Red-breasted Nuthatch

White-throated Sparrow

Pine Siskin

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Holiday Shopping

Keep The Wood Thrush Shop in mind for holiday shopping. We are well stocked and have experienced only a few problems getting merchandise. Our everyday inventory of Bluebird houses, hummingbird feeders, squirrel proof, suet, finch, and seed feeders is in good supply and always make great gifts.  And here are a few other things you may or may not know we have:          

Windchimes, Birdbaths and fountains, whimsical metal statuary-including skunks, armadillo’s and giraffes, playing cards and puzzles, books and binoculars, bird pins and zipper pulls, Amazon Lights anti-Mosquito Incense, T-shirts, gift certificates, thermometers and rain gauges, socks, and coffee mugs.

The Wood Thrush Shop will be open Friday Dec. 24th until 3 pm. and we continue to offer curbside service.

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Northern Saw-whet Owl Banded at Warner Park

For only the 3rd time a Saw-whet owl was captured, banded, and released by staff at Warner Park. The Saw-whet Owl is the least familiar and least known of owls in TN. The likely reason for its elusiveness is because of its diminutive stature and very minimal vocalizations. Like most owls they are mostly nocturnal and stay concealed in heavy vegetation during daylight hours. So, all factors considered these owls are very hard to find. They tend to favor areas with evergreen.

Northern saw-whet Owl

The Saw-whet is only about 8” in length, no larger than a Cardinal and has a catlike face, oversized head, and bright yellow eyes. The Northern Saw-whet is a formidable hunter, however, favoring mice as its prey. Where mice and other small mammals are concerned this fierce, silent owl is anything but cute. One of the most common owls in forests across northern North America (and across the U.S. in winter), saw-whets are highly nocturnal and seldom seen. Their high-pitched too-too-too call is the best indicator that one is nearby. Visit Cornell Labs allaboutbirds.org to learn more.

Wood Thrush Notes

Fall Birdhouse and Feeder Maintenance

It’s a great time to be outside now that the weather is cooling.  Mosquitos and no-see-ums are retreating.  There are several things you can do now to prepare your birdhouses for next spring and get your feeders up to snuff to attract birds this fall and winter.

Birdhouse Maintenance

• Clean out old nests from nestboxes.  It is our opinion this is a must.  Leaving the old nest in the box will not deter a Bluebird or Chickadee from using the box next spring, they would build a new nest on top of the old, however, the old nest debris can create an environment attractive to ants and other insects that can and will actually consume newly hatched babies, and the adults are powerless to stop it. 

• Move birdhouses that have been unproductive for a few years to a new location. Try to determine why this box has not been appealing to a bird, or why there have been multiple failed attempts. Perhaps the nestbox is uncomfortably close to birdfeeders. While some of you have had success with a birdhouse close to feeders we think this location will not typically yield good results year after year. Birds do not normally choose a nest location close to a lot of bird traffic. How far away should you place a nestbox? It’s impossible to be exact but I would suggest about 100’, or out of sight of the feeders if closer. Maybe the nestbox is too exposed to prevailing weather allowing lots of moisture to enter the box. Now is a great time to make some adjustments.

• If you have experienced predation by raccoons or snakes now would be a good time to add a baffle to a pole mount birdhouse. If you have a birdhouse on a tree trunk and had predation issues it is a good time to pole mount and baffle the nestbox. Do not wait too long to make these changes. Time has a way of getting away and you really don’t want to make these changes when a bird has already built a nest and laid eggs next spring.

Feeder Maintenance

Clean up feeders and get ready for feeder activity to pick up significantly in November.  Warm soapy water and a feeder brush usually do an adequate job but for tougher jobs, a mild bleach solution may be necessary. 

It is recommended feeders be cleaned regularly.  Depending on conditions some feeders may need attention monthly.  The seed ports on tube feeders require regular attention but are quite simple to address.  Clorox wipes are a great way to disinfect the ports and perches.  It only takes a minute per feeder.  If any of your tube feeders have significant cracks or holes we may be able to provide you with a new replacement tube.  The tubes on brands like Droll Yankees and Aspects are covered under warranty and we make an effort to keep them in stock.  Bring your feeder in and we’ll see if we can repair it. 

Winters here are typically wet which presents challenges in bird feeding. Wet weather tends to cause seed to clump clogging seed flow and making a mess. Before you know it you have seed that is molding. A weather dome or hanging squirrel baffle provides excellent protection from rain and snow, particularly on feeders containing shelled sunflower, shelled blends and peanuts, and finch feeders.

Winter Birds to Be Looking For

Look for the arrivals of winter residents like Junco, White-throated and White-crowned sparrows, Purple finch, Pine siskin, Red-breasted nuthatch, and Yellow-bellied sapsucker.  And don’t forget to offer suet.  During cold, wet conditions birds such as Bluebirds, Kinglets, Brown Creeper, and Yellow-rumped warbler may visit a suet feeder often. 

Dark-eyed Junco.

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Birds may find a water source even more appealing during winter months. Keep your birdbath free of ice with a submersible de-icer. They require an outlet and are thermostatically controlled. As always we have a couple of choices of heated baths in stock, too.