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Subject:

Plethora of little birds

From:

Bob Mumford

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Wed, 1 Nov 2006 16:54:49 EST

I have noticed a strange phenomenon this fall: I am going through black oil  
sunflower seed at a rate exceeding that of any of the previous twelve  years.  
Only when there were flocks of House Finches thirteen to fifteen  years ago 
was the consumption equal.
 
Most of the visitors are the common Titmice, WB Nuthatch and Carolina  
Chickadees.  I also have an occasional Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied woodpecker  and 
Mourning Doves.  
 
I live in the woods and have to fill a window tray and two tube feeders  
daily now.  The birds are feeding all day long.  There are apparently  many more 
of the aforementioned three than at any time in the past.  My  neighbor, Dr. 
Bart Gershen reports a similar condition at his home.
 
What accounts for this abundance?  An exceptional breeding year?   Fewer 
predators?  Fewer people nearby feeding?  Birds stashing seeds  for a tough 
upcoming winter?
 
Has anyone else out there in Grand Ole OSPREYland noticed the same  thing?  
Any ideas for cause?
 
Bob Mumford
Darnestown