Feeding the Birds
#271
Registered User
Dave, that is really early for robins in Michigan. I'm wondering if they even left, it has been so warm this year.
#272
Registered User
Originally Posted by Tachus' timestamp='1453393003' post='23858991
Thanks for the tip about safflower seed I will try that. I know the squirrels need to eat but they occupy the bird feeders so that the birds don't get much of a chance.
Here is another question. I noticed from your photographer that your lawn is bare where the birds feed. I have the same problem. How do you deal with that?
Here is another question. I noticed from your photographer that your lawn is bare where the birds feed. I have the same problem. How do you deal with that?
I know it will be bare there, and don't mind.
#273
A Few Facts About Robin Migration
All robins are not the same: The vast majority of robins do move south in the winter. However, some stick around — and move around — in northern locations.
Robins migrate more in response to food than to temperature. Fruit is the robin's winter food source. As the ground thaws in the spring, they switch to earthworms and insects. While the robins may arrive when temperatures reach 37 degrees, this is because their food becomes available not because the robins themselves need warm temperatures.
Robins wander in the winter: Temperatures get colder as winter progresses. Robins need more food when it's cold and more and more of the fruit gets eaten. Robins move here and there in response to diminishing food supplies and harsh weather. If all robins wintered at their breeding latitude, there wouldn't be enough fruit for them all. So robins tend to spread out in the winter in search of fruit. Most hang out where fruit is abundant, but some take the risk of staying farther north where smaller amounts of fruit remain.
Robins sing when they arrive on territory: Robins sing when they arrive on their breeding territories. Sometimes robins even sing in winter flocks, due to surging hormones as the breeding season approaches. However, in the majority of cases, robins really do wait to sing until they have reached their territory.
#274
Registered User
We have been in this house in the country for 20 years. A few years ago, and only that once, we had robins migrating through the area. They filled the oak trees, sat awhile, then flew off, and were replaced by another batch. Must have had a thousand robins fly by in a couple hours.
#275
I often see robins all year long.
Today as the snow came in, I had a pair of cardinals, one little song sparrow and a junco or two. They were the only ones, all the others had gone into hiding for the storm.
Today as the snow came in, I had a pair of cardinals, one little song sparrow and a junco or two. They were the only ones, all the others had gone into hiding for the storm.
#276
[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=48ahUZUMHPQ&feature=youtu.be[/media]
Bluejays vs Blackbirds Peanut stealing contest
fltsfshr
Bluejays vs Blackbirds Peanut stealing contest
fltsfshr
#277
I need to go bang the snow off the feeders.
The song sparrow has been a steady customer the last couple of days. Often the only bird in the yard, braving the elements.
The song sparrow has been a steady customer the last couple of days. Often the only bird in the yard, braving the elements.
#278
I just dumped the snow off the feeders, dumped out the seed on the ground for any groundfeeding birds. The feeders were rather wet inside so the seed would likely rot anyway....Fresh food so the buffet is open again.
#279
Registered User
Dave, thanks for the information on robins. I didn't know any of it. Now I'm wondering if I should be putting fruit out but I think the squirrels would run off with it.
#280
Registered User
I arrived home this afternoon to find the lawn covered in starlings and a robin in the hedgerow. Spring must be on the way.