Backyard Birds in November!

The feeder has been stocked and a nice selection of birds are showing up including a female Purple Finch which hung around for a few days. Purple Finches are large and chunky when compared to Chickadees, Nuthatches and Kinglets. They breed mainly in coniferous forests or mixed deciduous and coniferous woods. During winter they can be found in a wider variety of habitats including shrublands, old fields, forest edges and backyards!

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Purple_Finch/id

The black bridle across the face, nape and throat varies extensively, and may help Blue Jays recognize one another. They prefer tray feeders on a post rather than hanging feeders. Favourite foods include peanuts, sunflower seeds and suet.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/overview

Northern Cardinals tend to sit low in shrubs and trees or forage on or near the ground. They are common at bird feeders.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Northern_Cardinal/overview

While some birds species migrate seasonally, Carolina Wrens prefer to stay put all year long. This individual was checking for insects in the bark of our Silver Maple.

https://birdfeederhub.com/facts-about-carolina-wrens/

The Dark-eyed Junco is one of the most common birds in North America. A recent estimate set the junco's total population at approximately 630 million individuals. This species often comes to bird feeders in the winter months.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/overview

Mourning Doves tend to feed busily on the ground or on platform feeders, swallowing seeds and storing them in an enlargement of the esophagus, called the crop. Once the crop is full (record is 17,200 bluegrass seeds), they can fly to a safe perch to digest the meal.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Mourning_Dove/overview

Red-breasted Nuthatches migrate southward earlier than many irruptive species. They may begin in early July and can reach their southernmost point by September or October.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-breasted_Nuthatch/overview

If you see a White-breasted Nuthatch making lots of quick trips to and from your feeder, it may be storing the seeds for later in the winter by wedging them into furrows in the bark of nearby trees.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-breasted_Nuthatch/overview

White-throated Sparrows readily visit feeders or peck at fallen seeds beneath them. They enjoy eating millet and sunflower seeds. A brush pile in the yard will give White-throated sparrows (and other birds) a place to take cover in between trips out into the yard to feed.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/White-throated_Sparrow/id