Each winter numbers of Connecticut residents head south to Florida for the winter avoiding the snow and ice. On the other coast Oregon residents flee to Arizona for the winter to get out of the relentless dark cold rain. Each group is known as “snowbirds.” Here we are visited by snowbirds of a different sort. In the last couple of weeks one of my favorite birds, the dark-eyed juncos, arrived for the winter. Apparently we are enough warmer than the Arctic to entice them south. They don’t like to pose for photographs, but I managed to catch one in the middle of picking through the discarded seeds from the feeders. Mourning doves and juncos love to eat on the ground, and the sparrows and finches leave plenty of uneaten bits for them.
Fortunately I filled the feeders before the “light dusting” of snow turned into seven inches on Monday. We have been visited by goldfinches, sparrows, nuthatches, chickadees, blue jays, downy woodpeckers, red-bellied woodpeckers, mourning doves and these lovely juncos. They seem to get along all right, though I noticed everyone scattered when the blue jay arrived.
Meanwhile the squirrels are having planning meetings, sharing their tips for getting seed out of “squirrel-proof” feeders. Yesterday I watched one try to figure a way to prevent the weight sensitive device from preventing his reaching the seed. In the end, he lay on top of the feeder, rested just a bit of his head on the perch and scooped out seed with one paw. He had outwitted another feeder. Well at least I am keeping the feeder manufacturers in business!
Saved By Words 
You can keep that snow, but I love the stories of birds and squirrels! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
I’m glad. They amuse me no end.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the way squirrels are able to outwit us humans every time. LOL
LikeLike
They are a great winter diversion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love watching both the birds and the squirrels. And honestly, I have to give the squirrels credit for their ingenuity. If they can outwit the feeders they deserve the reward.
LikeLike
I really enjoy the squirrels even if they eat half of my food.
LikeLike
A local Nature Center’s bird feeders are on top of high metal polls in a clearing, supposedly making them impervious to squirrels. One day I watched as a squirrel climbed a large tree which, although some distance away, had a branch which ended some 5 or 6 feet above the feeder. The squirrel ventured to near the end of the branch and, with a mighty leap, landed on top of the feeder to have himself a feast. I didn’t stay long enough to see how he got down (I assume he just jumped to the ground despite the fact that the feeder is at least ten feet high).
Chalk up another one for the squirrels!
LikeLike
Their jumping skills are astounding. So are their abilities to walk the high wires to cross our streets. Love the nature center’s misplaced optimism.
LikeLike
Lovely stories and I also love your capture!
LikeLike
Thanks.
LikeLike
✌
LikeLike
Does your dog chase the squirrels?
LikeLike
Absolutely. Our dog perks up even hearing someone say the word squirrel. She just can’t catch one.(Thank goodness.)
LikeLike
I see the same birds on our deck except for the junkos. There are plenty of them at higher elevations, though.
LikeLike
That is interesting. We are nearly at sea level here. How high are you?
LikeLike
Our house is at 2,600 ft. Juncos are higher than that down here.
LikeLike
That is intriguing to know. Do they stay there all year?
LikeLike
We lived on Long Island for 45 years before moving to NC. We’ve been here five years and have no plans to move.
LikeLike
Nice middle ground between N.Y and Florida!
LikeLiked by 1 person
We have all the same assortment of winter birds. The small Carolina wrens huddle up close to the house while foraging for food in the leaves. Out squirrels have outsmarted all our feeders. Smart little creatures.
LikeLike
I think our wrens must leave for the winter since I haven’t seen any lately. So they are ground feeders there? I have seen a couple in the summer at my hanging feeder.
LikeLike
What a beautiful gathering of “snowbirds” Elizabeth. You have very clever squirrels!
LikeLike
Too clever by far!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can imagine that days and days of rain and darkness are difficult for people. It has been raining here for three days now, Elizabeth, and it is glorious. You have no idea how wonderful rain is for people who don’t get any for six months at a time. The snowbirds are lovely and I am glad you feed them. We feed our birds too.
LikeLike
If you ever get a chance, I would love to see a picture of birds in your part of the world.
LikeLike