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 |