Downy Woodpeckers engender delight…..and why not!? -J. Syed
We (well, mostly Nancy) have spent the past couple of days trying to entice Snow Buntings, which arrived with the cold temperatures and snow, to come to traps….with moderate success. After the two buntings we got on Wednesday, Nancy has banded another one and 15(!) Horned Larks. But today we decided to sample the Winter residents at Ruthven, just to see what was around….and to continue to provide learning opportunities for some young birding enthusiasts (as well as their parents – who seem to be turning into enthusiasts as well….funny how it goes, eh?).
Two American Robins hanging around to take advantage of the Wild Grapes – which are still numerous. – S. Joseph
Interestingly there are still a few American Robins around and at least 15 Cedar Waxwings. They were found feeding on the (still large) remains of our Wild Grape crop. Maybe they will be enticed to stay at Ruthven throughout the Winter as long as the grapes hold out…and it looks like there’s enough that they should.
We retrapped two “old” Tufted Titmice: one was 3 years old and the other 4 years old. -S. Joseph
Also of interest was the recapture of two “old” Tufted Titmice. One was banded in 2010, making it 3 years old, and the other in 2009, making it 4 years old.
Bird enthusiasts come in all ages. -J. Fleet
We still have the “feeder nets” on the go – for demos and sampling of Winter residents. -S. Joseph
Bare branches…..waiting for Spring’s distant sunshine to quicken them into life . -S. Joseph
It was perfect snow…..for snowmen. -S. Joseph
Snowarmy. -S. Joseph
We had two rarities: UNBANDED chickadees! -S. Joseph
American Goldfinches are showing up….but in depleted numbers. -S. Joseph
Tara and Jake with an “old” Tufted Titmouse. -S. Joseph
American Tree Sparrows – winter residents here – are common along the edges. -S. Joseph
The beaver lodge seems to be getting bigger and bigger. I wonder what will happen to it during the Spring floods. -S. Joseph
A nice male White-breasted Nuthatch – another common Winter resident. -S. Joseph