Window Watching

"Come quick," my grandson yelled as we all followed him to the kitchen window. A few weeks ago we placed a feeder on tree branch outside the kitchen window.

We silently watched different birds feasting on sunflower seeds. "What are they?" my grandson asked? "I think they are Evening Grosbeaks with their rosy-red, triangular breast patch and red wing linings," I replied. We later verified the identification. For awhile the birds visited the feeder.

Our new feeder brought us many hours of enjoyment and satisfaction. Also, rather than throw out your Christmas tree for the trash collector you have two choices. You can have your tree ground up as mulch for spring planting or place it in your back yard. An item I found useful in the back yard for birds during the winter months is our old Christmas tree. The birds use this for cover during windy days and we scatter seed around the tree. Like our feeder, this draws different winter species of birds to our back yard.

Even on cold winter days I find myself at the window watching the antics of the Chickadee, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, the House Finch, Cardinals and Juncos are the most common visitor to our winter backyard feeding stations.

The JUNCO - Their plumage coloration varies geographically. Juncos look different in various parts of the country. Juncos along the west coast have black heads, brown backs, brown sides, and white bellies, while those in the East have slate-gray heads, backs, and sides along with white bellies. They eat seeds from many plants, including hemlock trees, sorrel, and thistle. At the feeder: Juncos like millet, black-oil sunflower seed, cracked corn, and bread crumbs. They primarily feed on the ground and readily come to platform feeders.

CHICKADEE - You will usually see chickadees in pairs or small groups. This small, perky bird is a familiar and welcome visitor to our backyard feeders and gardens in winter. They visit the Christmas tree also. There are five species in North America. The black capped chickadee makes its home to the North.

HOUSE FINCH - Their bright red chests and sociable behavior make them a feeder favorite! They gather at most feeding stations enjoying your food and each others' company. House finches will nest in manmade nest boxes.

At feeding stations just about any feeder and type of food attracts the birds including suet, all types of birdseed, most fruits and bakery crumbs. They will regularly extract seed from winter berries. The best way to attract House Finches to your backyard is to offer black oil sunflower seed and a source of water.

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