Seward Sporadic Bird Report
"When you can't be with
the one you love, love the one you're with!"
Stephen Stills
Since I haven't been able to
find Zorro, the SIBERIAN ACCENTOR, I've been enjoying the mobs of COMMON
REDPOLLS and PINE SISKINS draining my feeders, chattering in the trees, and
hopping on the snow.
It's a pleasure to share them
with family and friends. I drape an old towel across laps to both protect
clothing and provide another place to sprinkle birdseed. Then I place a small
handful of mixed wild birdseed in each outstretched palm, and step back to
enjoy and photograph the show.
At first, one wonders if any
birds will come to the patient but unusual bird feeders. The birds sit quietly in a
bare Mt Ash nearby, watching. Then first one, then another brave bird, usually
a Pine Siskin, drops down and lands on a finger, and begins choosing and
devouring the most desirable seeds. Then another flies in, and another and
another, the din of bird calls increasing by the second. Soon they are landing
on hats, sleeves, knees, boots, and scrounging between the boots. Several
landed on me, my camera, and strap before dashing off to feed.
Smiles erupt as the tiny
beaks tickle fingers and palms; they are amazed at how light and tame the birds
are. Usually the Pine Siskins dominate the hands, chasing off all others, but
occasionally one will share with up to 3 others. The Common Redpolls try to get
on, but more often have to content themselves with the lap or deck offerings.
After a few minutes of
intense activity, the birds lose interest, leaving nothing but the undesirable
red millet. After a quick refill, the whole show repeats. It is a thrill to
interact with these busy, beautiful birds!
Afterwards, just be sure to
wash your hands.
Check out this recent video by Kris Peck of Common Redpolls, a few Pine Siskins, and a flash of Varied Thrushes mobbing a popular bird feeder in Seward:
https://vimeo.com/63073380
Check out this recent video by Kris Peck of Common Redpolls, a few Pine Siskins, and a flash of Varied Thrushes mobbing a popular bird feeder in Seward:
https://vimeo.com/63073380
Happy Birding!
Carol Griswold
Seward Sporadic Bird Report
Reporter
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