We bought sunflower seed at the same breakneck pace as in prior years but, besides the juncos, the winter birds just didn’t seem to materialize this year.
In addition to the Dark-eyed Juncos, the White-throated Sparrows came in limited numbers, and there were troupes of American Goldfinches (but no siskins). Our Carolina Wrens were happy, though: we’re hopeful barring any outlier weather in the next few weeks they’ll be with us for the spring, happily setting up shop in one of the many nooks and crannies around the backyard.
The tremors continue to make birding more and more difficult; as they have expanded to the right side as well, it’s especially challenging to focus on birds in flight. It’s much easier to scope mostly stationary birds, like ducks. While hiking (well really, just “walking” to typically ambulatory persons) the majority of birds are heard, not seen.