Thanks Frank. Come to think of it, after big storm in Dec, I did observe 
both Horned Larks and Savannah Sparrows using the "ground raised" height 
effect of snow cover to feed off tall weed and grass tips.

Andy Martin
Gaithersburg

Frank Marenghi wrote:
>
> Hi Andy,
>
> Good question. I doubt it though. White-throats, White-crowned, 
> Juncos, Song Sparrows, and many other feeder-type ground birds 
> regularly winter in regions that have snow cover throughout the entire 
> winter (Maine, Nov. or Dec. - April). To say nothing of field birds, 
> Snow Buntings, Longspurs, etc. I think these birds utilize other foods 
> (i.e., berries, grass seeds, sap) or use open areas (wind-blown areas, 
> roadsides, etc.). Bird feeders almost certainly help out certain 
> species significantly. N. Cardinals for example are expanding their 
> range northward, possibly because of an increase in winter feeding by 
> humans.
>
> My personal feeling is that ground hunting raptors like Harriers might 
> suffer more.
>
> Best,
>
> Frank
>
>
>
> > Date: Sun, 7 Feb 2010 10:42:25 -0500
> > From: 
> > Subject: [MDOSPREY] question about snow cover and bird movement
> > To: 
> >
> > With extraordinary snow cover in place in parts of MD, do some regular
> > winter residents (White-throateds, juncos and other birds somewhat
> > dependent on ground feeding) make a secondary migration out of the area?
> >
> > Andy Martin
> > Gaithersburg
> > 
>
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