It’s technically not even autumn yet (though it’s starting to feel like it), and I’m already starting to think about which birds I’ll be seeing this winter.
Theoretically, the list of those that stay in Wisconsin year-round is quite long. But that doesn’t mean I’ll actually be seeing them all when the snow starts to fly.
This Week in the Backyard
The main change I’ve noticed this week is “my” Blue Jay has been starting to pack away the peanuts.
I remember that he (Same one? Maybe, maybe not.) did this last year too. Sometimes he’ll give a warning cry by imitating a hawk before he swoops down to the peanut feeder.
Then he’ll tussle with a peanut until he can pull the shell out, tuck it firmly into his beak, and fly off (presumably) to hide it for eating during the winter.
So the jay is one of those who stays in the area all year-round. Others include these species:
- Northern Cardinal
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Tufted Titmouse
- White-breasted Nuthatch
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
- Downy Woodpecker
- Hairy Woodpecker
- Mourning Dove
- American Crow
- House Sparrow
- European Starling
- House Finch
I’ve seen all of those except the titmouse this year.
What to Watch For This Week
How many of those birds in the list just above can you find this week - either in your backyard or on a walk or maybe even while driving?
It would be easier to keep tabs of them if you used the app.
Backyard Moment
By the way, remember that scruffy-looking Blue Jay I mentioned last week? I’m told he was just experiencing a seasonal molting. Totally normal. I’m not sure if he’s the same one pictured above with feathers regrown.
In any case, I really appreciate “stay-ers” like this jay. Cardinals, chickadees, doves, sparrows, and all the rest are more than welcome come the winter months.
Unfortunately it can be significantly more difficult to keep the feeders stocked and open to them throughout a Wisconsin winter when it’s much nicer to keep myself warm in front of my electric fireplace.
Journal Prompt
As some birds start to leave in late summer and early fall, which one will you miss the most? Write a little about it in your journal explaining why.
From My Sketchbook
I finished drawing a couple more bird images. Instead of telling you all about them here, I’ll point you to this article I wrote so I don’t have to repeat myself.
Let me know what you think of my efforts. I can take both the positive and negative comments with grace, so let me have it!