A mid-March snowstorm was being forecasted by all reports. A nor’easter, as those in the weather know called it. However days before the storm was predicted to hit, when you looked outside you knew something was about to happen.
Like so many others, we feed the birds over the winter months. On a daily basis from morning till night a wide variety of species visit our feeding stations. Without a doubt, prior to and shortly after the recent snowstorm bird activity was, let’s say, well above normal.
With the additional influx of birds it was interesting to watch the “pecking order”
of some of our visitors.
A number of birds prefer a platform feeder. While we don’t maintain a feeder of this type, a handful of seed scattered across the deck makes due. A double pane sliding glass door provides visual access in close proximity to the birds that visit there.
The vantage point provides a “ringside seat” to view all the action. And there has
been plenty of that to go around.
Our observations are unscientific. We watch strictly for the fun of it.
The suet feeder, supported by a maple tree, is placed on the tree high enough that it can be observed from the deck. Butchers suet is the attraction, and again the variety of birds has been consistent over the years. The most frequent visitors to the suet are the woodpeckers.
Of the 300 species of woodpeckers known around the world, 22 inhabit the U.S.; seven of those are found in PA.
Of the seven, we see the Pileated Woodpecker, the Hairy and Downy woodpeckers, the Yellow-shafted Flicker, the Red-bellied, and on occasion the Yellow-bellied
Sapsucker.
However this year a “newcomer” has been visiting our feeding station. By even the
best description, the bird appeared to be scraggly and unkempt. But in nature there is a reason, and recently we learned why this bird was so different.
A number of photographs were taken and comparisons were made. While the bird
appeared strange in appearance, it was normal. What we have been watching is an
immature Yellow-bellied Sapsucker.
To say the least the observation created a lot of speculation. Best of all the bird
provided one more educational experience.
The recent winter storm drove birds back to the birdfeeder. In part the snow cover restricted foraging, but it is only short lived. The birds know things will change, after all, many species of birds have or are in the process of migrating back north.
It’s hard for those who maintain feeding stations to take the feeders down.
While some will provide feed well into late spring, there comes a time when the birds need to make it on their own. Also the feeding stations can and often do attract other forms of wildlife. One of which comes in the form of black bears.
The rule of thumb established by various wildlife agencies recommends that bird
feeding activities cease by April. After all, birds do not require supplemental feeding, especially during the warmer months of the year.
The April first date is especially important if you live in bear country.
When bears emerge from their dens in early spring, natural foods are lacking and bird seed presents an abundant and easily obtained food source. Any black bear that finds an easy meal will take advantage of the situation. And this is where bear and humans often conflict.
It is also important to remember that residual seed remaining on the ground will attract bears. It should either be removed or treated with a covering scent, such as ammonia.
Some believe they can out-smart bears by taking their feeders in at night. This may offer some relief, however there is usually enough residual seed from daytime feeding to continue to attract bears.
Another tactic used is to place the feeder high and out of reach of the bear. Keep
in mind a bear’s sense of smell is one way they survive. Just the presence of the
feeder will continue to attract the bear, and being suspended above their reach does not discourage it from investing considerable time near the birdfeeder trying to figure out how to reach it.
In some areas it may be safe to resume feeding birds during early summer. However if you do, monitor the feeders. If bears return, feeders should be immediately removed until winter.
And when removing your bird feeders for storage, take the time to properly clean and disinfect the devices. Besides, it’s just one more way to help the birds.
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Charlie Burchfield is an active member and past president of the Pennsylvania
Outdoor Writers Association, an active member of the Professional Outdoor Media
Association, Outdoor Writers Assoc. of America and the Mason-Dixon Outdoor Writers.
Gateway Outdoors e-mail isGWOutdoors@comcast.net
