More January Birds:

One of my favourite sparrows is the White-crowned Sparrow. In past years, this has been a difficult bird for me to find, but several have been recently spotted at Camp Saredaca. I learned from the Cornel Lab-All About Birds that: "Scientists interested in movement and energetics have discovered White-crowned Sparrows can run on a treadmill at a pace of about one-third of a mile an hour without tiring out." Who knew that somewhere, in a Science Lab, sits a treadmill for birds! 

I recently watched a Mallard Drake with his prized fish. Although Mallards are omnivores, fish aren't typically a part of their diet. They will eat a variety of plants, grains as well as small aquatic invertebrates. Many ducks followed him in curiousity, but the Drake managed to hold on tight as he paraded around with his prize.

A group of Mallards showed off their feathers in the afternoon sun. Mallards are the ancestors of nearly all domestic duck species.

Our backyard feeders have been attracting a wide variety of bird species including this Carolina Wren. The sound that resonates from this tiny bird is amazing. It reminds me of the siren on an emergency vehicle.

The Pine Siskin returned to our backyard feeder today. (2nd from the right between a female and male House Finch). Pine Siskins will sometimes feed on suet but they prefer nyger, thistle and small seeds such as millet.

The Pine Siskin even checked out a hockey stick as a perch.

A pair of Red-breasted Nuthatches have been frequenting our feeder.

Black-capped Chickadee taking a brief rest.