Backyard 1/7--Chipping Sparrow

Chippie

The snow stopped but the weather got colder and much windier--thus another day looking at birds through glass, keeping track for Feederwatch.  It was a much birdier day than yesterday, 18 species including the year's first Chipping Sparrows, another supposed rarity in the county, though small numbers are recorded each winter. We had two, one on the feeder another on the suet. I think a lot of birds are coming in from the adjacent WMA where the food is covered by snow and ice.

Pine Warbler

I was also able to get documentation photos for our other usual rarity if you'll allow the oxymoron. Last year the Pine Warblers were attracted peanut butter spread on a pine cone. Yesterday, I smeared some onto the base of the finch feeder, which is nearer the window than the suet and as soon as the sun warmed it up enough, the warbler appeared, picking at the goo.

Cooper's Hawk

Just before dusk all Jusk all the birds disappearedthe birds disappeared and a moment later I saw why--this Cooper's Hawk swooped in and made the bird life scarce.

So, it was a productive day for birds, but I am getting anxious to get out & move.

Cooper's Hawk  1    
Mourning Dove  10
Red-bellied Woodpecker  1     
Downy Woodpecker  2     Suet
Blue Jay  2
Carolina Chickadee  3
Tufted Titmouse  3
White-breasted Nuthatch  2
Carolina Wren  1
European Starling  2
Pine Warbler  1     
Chipping Sparrow  2     
Song Sparrow  1
White-throated Sparrow  3
Dark-eyed Junco  16
Northern Cardinal  2    
House Finch  3
American Goldfinch  3