As I sit staring out my window, with a fresh cup of coffee in hand, I begin to watch for any bird that makes their way to my feeder. I enjoy the moments in the morning, just when the sun begins to rise and the quiet of the night breaks with a symphony of flutter and chatter. As each bird makes it way to my feeder, I instantly get amnesia for the ones I saw prior and each new one I see is more intriguing and beautiful than the last.
Over winter, and depending upon your location, you can enjoy the winter migratory visits of such birds as; Boreal Chickadee (Poecile hudsonica), European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), Common Redpoll (Carduelis flammea), and Black-Backed Woodpecker (Picoides arcticus). Yet the amount of birds I expected to have seen, are less than anticipated.
I am an avid bird watcher, enthusiastic with each flutter and join the ranks of many who call themselves a bird-nerd. As I anticipate the pass and arrival of each species, I yearn to learn more about them. Often I wish they could join me for a cup of coffee and discuss their travels to and fro.
Migration in of itself is a complex and fascinating event that can be traveled via land, sea or air; all in the pursuit of survival. The distance each species travels, with such a navigational accuracy, amazes me greatly.
One of the most severe threats to migratory species is climate change and the unknown events that lie before us. Greenhouse gases are raising the Earth’s temperature and altering the climate we and all species, have evolved to rely upon.
The rise in temperatures and the increase in unpredictable weather will begin to damage the seasonal habitats used by migrants and disrupt long-established migratory patterns. Some migrants can and do respond to changes in the climatic system by arriving earlier onto their breeding grounds or by leaving later. In many cases, species need adequate time to evolve to sudden changes or they will be left stranded or arrive at the wrong place at the wrong time.
Therefore, as you watch out your windowsill and wait the arrival or return of each species. Take note to any changes that you see in your neck of the woods and let us know what you see. Have species arrived later in the season? Perhaps some haven’t returned at all? So I ask you…what the flock?
I’m not the most observant person, but I would like to know what others have to say on this topic!
We live in Clifton Park and have several bird feeders. We have not noticed any change in the types of birds we are getting but we are seeing significantly fewer birds than in past years.
We are wondering if this could be the result of having the removal of a few trees this summer. We have also heard others suggest that the reduced volume of birds is attributable to hurricane Irene. That’s my report!!!
Here in southern Hamilton county I see chickadees, (ohhhhh, just looked out my window – it’s a whiteout!), juncos, nuthatches, a few woodpeckers, crows always, and ravens always. Red polls were here last winter, but yet this year. That’s about it so far.
Hello Missy and welcome. Your mention of Red polls reminded me that I too have not seen any this year; thus far. Last year, I participated in the local Christmas Bird Count and saw quite a bit of Red polls. Now I am pondering as to where they all are.
Hi Kristel,
I moved here full time last July, actually July 2010, still not getting the new year in my head, but I had never seen redpolls before. I had previously lived in Ulster County, and I don’t recall having seen any down there. I went online to the Cornell site to do the bird identification, so that’s how I learned what they were. The redpolls seem similar to house finches, which I knew before, so that confused me a bit.
Hello
Well, I live just below the Adirondack line, but travel north quite frequently. I was kayaking on Taylor Pond in late November and saw 3 loons. I was really surprised. The weather stayed warm late in 2011, and probably the reason. I just did not think they were around so late in the year. Taylor Pond is just north of Saranac Lake.
I hope to make a “run” north next weekend.
Jackson
New beautiful subject thank you for this information
I agree totally. Especially when it involves these issues. Have you heard of aquaponics? I’m trying to get more info about it. From what I I’ve read so far it’s pretty neat.
I have to say that for the past couple of hours i have been hooked by the impressive posts on this site. Keep up the good work.