More Aerie Birds

Another frequent visitor to the feeders is the Black-capped Chickadee. This one wouldn't turn around to face into the wind--and the sun--but I think it still makes a pretty picture with the neighboring birch tree.

Black-capped Chickadee

The tray feeders are often sites fro a mixed bag of birds. Some, like the Blue Jays and Mourning Doves can clear the tray of any competition. Others like the Dark-eyed Junco and Common Redpoll are slightly more tolerant and will share the bounty. (Although the Junco can get pretty territorial at times.)

Common Redpoll and Dark-eyed Junco

The little Common Redpolls are far northern breeders and should be leaving us soon--I hope. While many of the "rare bird alerts" for central PA have listed two or three of these birds at a time showing up at feeders and being "news worthy" I've had hordes of the little buggers since before Christmas. They hit the feeders like locusts on a ripening wheat field. When they decide they've had enough, there's usually very little left. Sometimes I've had to fill the feeders twice in one day which explains why I've gone through 400 pounds of sunflower seeds so far this winter.

I do like the little red beret, however.

Common Redpoll

Then there are these guys. The Little Brown Jobs (or LBJs for short). Identifying sparrows has never been my forte, but even I can name a few. This little guy and about half a dozen of his close kin showed up last week just before the latest snow storm hit. They seem to be doing all right living off the seeds the other birds and squirrels spill from the feeders. Identification is made even easier when one starts singing.

Song Sparrow