I expect that most migration in spring as in fall takes place at times of
good winds etc. Goldfinches are one species that does not seem to fit that
description much of the time. I had an outflow a week ago of goldfinches
and butterbutts on a south wind but Wednesday night every last goldfinch
and my single siskin left. No sign of any until about 4 today when a single
perchicory led to a bird dropping down to the sycamore and then later to
the feeder.
No butterbutts moved and more are coming to the bark butter. It is
interesting to watch the newcomers who do not know how to perch on an iron
porch railing let alone what all the excitement is about the bark butter.
They catch on fairly fast, first glean feeding like picking gnats and then
learn to hang on and gorge. Some of the new birds are males with a lot of
feather wear showing spring colors.
The barred owl people are getting more nesty. The male hit the window 3
times last night so I was able to watch him circle and come in for the last
two whaps after the first hit woke me. He mainly hits the top of the glass
as he rises up along with the reflection.
Red-tailed hawks are about a lot with the male hanging up in the wind late
this pm for a long time. The peregrines also left Wednesday night and the
alarm jay is doing his imitation a lot less too. When he does a young
red-tail begging call or a poor cooper's youngster, the white-winged doves
ignore it or look up a bit. But a good peregrine call from a bit above the
feeder empties it immediately for the jay benefit.
A titmouse was gathering squirrel hair from the doormat so they have joined
the chickadees doing nest things. A downy is making a hole some days where
I will be able to watch through holes in the leaves if it is actually
finished and used.
The red oaks will have pollen anthers in the coming week and the linden is
leafing as is the mulberry. The elm trees seeds are perfect for the annual
purple finch invasion; but it has been a bit since the last birds in the
yard in 1984. But I am watching as one tree has high sugar content and is
greatly preferred by squirrels compared to the other elms.
--
Joseph C. Kennedy
on Buffalo Bayou in West Houston
Josephkennedy36@xxxxxxxxx
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