Friends,
Though we've had a mild winter thus far, we are and have been seeing some
"winter" birds. I am defining "winter" to include late fall as well, when we
begin to see sparrows, ducks, and geese arrive. Other winter birds appear as
well: the kinglets and certain woodpeckers, among others. Besides migrants,
many residents, like raptors, become more visible during winter as leaves drop
from deciduous trees. Here are a few examples that have stood out for me so
far, with photos and brief comments about each.
• Sparrows: Lincoln's and White-crowned. Two of my favorite sparrows, these
arrive in October into November. Lincoln's, with fine streaking on its breast
and thin eye ring, doesn't hang around long. Most have moved on by November's
end in Buncombe Co. White-crowned linger longer and may be seen throughout much
of the winter. The White-crowned is known for the striking white stripes on
mature males. The two seen in the photo may be immatures or females with brown
and tan head stripes. Both species were found at Warren Wilson College(WWC).
• Ducks: the warm weather has kept many from arriving. I'll feature two of
the most striking: the Wood Duck (a dabbling duck) and the Common Merganser (a
diving duck). For at least three weeks the wood duck stayed at a small pond
near the pig pins at WWC. The pond is covered in duckweed providing ample food.
I saw it several times. One time it stood on high ground in the pond, one of
the few times I've seen this duck almost out of the water. The Common
Merganser is beautiful as well. It came near the shore at Lake Junaluska as I
snapped this image.
• Snow Goose: a medium-sized goose seen in two colors, the more common white
with black wing tips, and the dark gray morph with white face. This goose and
the Canada are the most abundant geese in North America. and are usually seen
in our area during winter. These were seen at Biltmore Estate in the corn
stubble.
• Yellow-bellied Sapsucker: our only fully migratory woodpecker. From their
breeding ground in Canada, they fly to our area in September and remain through
the winter before returning in early spring. A very handsome medium-sized
woodpecker with red cap and throat in males. Females lack the red throat. As
the name implies, their belly has a tinge of yellow and they actually do eat
sap and the insects that get trapped in it. Seen at Lake Julian Park.
• Golden-crowned Kinglet: a hardy little bird seen here during winter, its
breeding ground is the boreal forest of Canada. Able to withstand temperatures
of 40 below, it has a tiny feather covering each nostril. Its most prominent
ID feature is the very colorful golden stripe across the top of its head front
to back. The one pictured below was poised for takeoff with wings spread at
Biltmore Estate.
• Killdeer: this bird can be found year-round within the US. The photo was
taken mid-December. This is one shorebird you can see without going to the
beach, a plover often seen on lawns, mowed fields, and parking lots. It is
also common near lakes where this one was photographed circling just above the
water at the small lake in Azalea Park. The reflection was a stroke of luck.
• Bald Eagle with prey: I will finish with a majestic bird that's been
successful in its hunt. Along the shore of Lake Junaluska one can see Bald
Eagles regularly where they breed and nest. There is an ample supply of fresh
fish and other prey at this location. Seen here, the eagle has caught and is
feeding on an American Coot in a large oak tree. It suddenly takes flight
with the coot in its talons and coot down feathers on its chin.
Enjoy your winter birding!
Bird facts courtesy of AllAboutBirds.
Happy New Year,
Alan LenkAsheville
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