Jim
I've been thinking about your post and have watched our YBSs more
closely over the last couple of days.
The arrival of YBSs here on the Morgan/Magoffin line about 75 miles
southwest of Greenup County is a high point of winter bird watching. This
year, I first saw one on Nov 8 and then nothing until Dec. 8. They have
been daily visitors to our suet cake baskets ever since.
I suspend 3 green wire baskets on long finishing nails driven into two
large oaks in our back yard. Due to the habits of raccoons and opossums,
I have to remove the baskets at dusk. They are inclined to carry the
baskets off to their lairs--perhaps for help in getting them open. :)
I only purchase "Peanut Delight" suet cakes (from Walmart) or otherwise
fill the baskets with beef fat/suet from local markets when available. A
cake lasts about a day and a half.
This morning I finished hanging the baskets around 8:30 and one contained
a fresh cake. A YBS stationed itself on the tree just below the center of
the basket. Snow was blowing and temps were in the 25 degree range--30
degrees less than last evening.
The YBS seemed oblivious to the norther flicker and WB nuthatch that fed
on the same cake from either side. Hairys and Downeys circled the tree,
hoping for a vacancy at the cake. A RB woodpecker showed up later and
contended with the male YBS that was there. Very entertaining and
colorful.
Doug Hennig
On a visit this weekend to Greenup County, in NE KY.
At least 2 and maybe 3 YB Sapsuckers have been frequenting the suet and
peanut feeders here. Their coming to feeders is new to me. Have others
known YB to do this? Their feeding behavior is also interesting. While
most other birds will feed for only a few moments and then leave, the YB's
camp out on the suet feeder for 15-30 minutes at a time, or until chased
away by another YB or the larger RB Woodpecker.
It was reported to me that a House Wren has been seen off and on for the
past several weeks here. I thought it was more likely a Carolina or
Winter Wren; however, I saw it this morning very actively foraging around
the house and it was indeed a House Wren. Photographing attempts were
unsuccessful. Wouldn't sit still long enough!
Over the years, a few times I have identified Black-capped Chickadees up
here, and I've been hoping to see and/or hear some of the black-caps
coming down this year; however, all but one seem clearly to be Carolinas.
The other one possible BC had the very white long edging on the wings, but
I couldn't see other features clearly enough. At the time I saw it, it
was accompanied by a Carolina. One was calling, which sounded like a
Carolina, but couldn't tell which one. They are also all very active, and
attempts to photograph the one was unsuccessful as well.
Jim Seelhorst
Louisville/Greenup Co.
