Hi-
My location is anomalous in regards to Alan's query as I live near Siskiyou
Summit at 4500' and Mt. Chickadees are year round. There were reports from
the Rogue Valley earlier this month and considering the current snow level
and the cold temps i would imagine there may be some visiting feeders in
the valley. The Ashland CBC is tomorrow with clear and cold weather
predicted.
On another note related to the Dec 25 ebird list Jamie noted; I saw a small
group of Mountain Quail feeding in a Western Juniper on the mistletoe
(Phorandum juniperinum) and its berries. There is anywhere from 3 to 4 feet
of snow in my area and where I saw the birds. Yesterday I saw this again in
another location nearby. It reminded me that in years past when there was
significant snow I had noticed mistletoe parts and residue and seen
Mountain Quail tracks. It may be that mistletoe berries are a large part
of their diet in these snow years. At least for the birds that don't move
down to lower elevations.
may your birding adventures be enlightening in the new year,
frank
