April 8, 2007

More snow overnight, about a foot, and another 8 inches in the last 3 hours. Mrs. Purple Finch is on the feeder . There was an alert on among the birds. An alert is when someone sounds the alarm about some danger and everyone freezes and stays put. Activity at the feeders stops and anyone at the feeder stays there. The Purple Finch is an uncommon bird these days. An uncommon nester since the semi exotic House Finch made its’ way into the region in 1962. The House Finch is superficially similar in appearance to the Purple Finch and has a similar song. They are a western North America species and like other of our exotic passerines were released in New York City and soon spread across the east to create a new range. Earlier a Fox Sparrow came by and eyed the feeder from the Tulip Tree about 20 feet away. It is always nice to see both of these species.

The feeders continue to be a swirl of activity. House Finches, Gold Finches, Juncos, Chickadees, Titmice, Red-bellied and Downey Woodpeckers are all over the feeders and on the window sill waiting for their turn. As they wait on the sill they look in at me.

Anyone who thinks Juncos are strictly ground birds has not spent much time around my house. Because the house is built on a hill leading down to Quarry Creek, The front of the house is a little above street grade but the rear is two stories with a walk out into the patio and back yard. Looking out the window of the library, I am eye level with things 18 feet above the grade in back. The Juncos frequent the feeders hanging above the eaves and go even higher in the trees. The females do stick to the ground and the brush as it is only the males who seem to venture up into the trees and onto the feeders in the back.

As I was shoveling the drive, the Barred Owls were hooting. That is fun. The temperature got above freezing so the snow was heavy. I have a 70 foot drive but it only took me 30 minutes to shovel. I got some exercise too. Here in the buckle of the snow belt I am used to a lot of snow. It is good to shovel. Not only do I get some exercise I don’t put any CO2
into the atmosphere.