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At feeders - odd predation event; Winter Wren

From:

Frederick Fallon

Reply-To:

Frederick Fallon

Date:

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 14:37:16 -0800

Snow-boundedness has concentrated our attention on our feeders. These conditions sometimes draw in unusual species. Today, several grackles were at the feeders. One pecked at an object in the snow which proved to be a White-throat; the grackle picked it up in its bill and flew off with it. Meantime other White-throats and juncos nearby showed no concern. We do not know the condition of the White-throat prior to the incident. But older literature does contain reference to aggressive predation by grackles.

In a happier event, a Winter Wren showed itself at our window-sill. This was our 100th yard bird in the 13 months we've lived here and so a special event.

The full list for today:
M. Dove 5
Red-b Woodpecker
Downy W'pecker
N Flicker 3
Am. Crow 3 (jostling the snow off the platform feeder so that others might eat
C Chickadee 2
T Titmouse 2
WINTER WREN
Carolina Wren
Wh-br Nuthatch
Red-br Nuthatch
D-e Junco 70
Wh-thr Sparrow ~ 10
FIELD SPARROW
Chipping Sparrow
B-h Cowbird 5
Red-w Blackbird
C Grackle 3
Am Goldfinch 6

Conspicuous by their absence - resident E Bluebirds and E Towhees

Fred and Jane Fallon