 |   |
| | |
| Support Local Education & Conservation January General Meeting Christmas Bird Count December 29 Pee Wee Audubon Thank You Volunteer Opportunities Midweek Refuge Trip Pee Wee Report Observations Midweek Walkabout Results Birding Classes Fall Campout Mayacamas Sanctuary Update Think Birdathon Visit the Amazing Central Valley Refuges Welcome New Members Prepare Next Boxes Now The Winter of the Red-breasted Nuthatch | The Winter of the Red-breasted Nuthatchby Betty Burridge
Periodically, seed crops fail in more northerly and high-elevation winteringareas, or greater than usual populations of these birds exceed the availablefood supply. In these cases, fall can bring an irruption, or southwardinvasion, of seed-eating birds to our area. This is shaping up to be such a year. Already, Red-breasted Nuthatchesare appearing at urban seed feeders. These birds, which feed their young almostexclusively on insects, switch to seeds in the winter, and at feeders they showa distinct preference for sunflower kernels. Their high, nasal, repetitive"hank-hank-hank" calls can be heard throughout the County, frequently nearconiferous trees. Look for a tiny, rusty-breasted bird with a bright white stripe over the eye, avery dark cap, and a relatively long, pointed bill. On your seed feeder thissmall, bossy bird will dart in, discard any seeds it does not approve of, pickup a choice morsel and flit off, only to return almost immediately for anotherserving. Other birds to be watched for, especially on Christmas Bird Counts, includeRed Crossbills, Clark's Nutcrackers, and Bohemian Waxwings.Larger than usual numbers of Pine Siskins and Purple Finches mayalso be present. |
The winter of 1996-97 may bring exceptionally high numbers of Red-breastedNuthatches and other seed-eating birds to Sonoma County.