Quirks of the Backyard Bird

When you're feeding your birds this month, and the rest of the year, here are some fascinating and interesting things to look for.  These are some of the birds in my backyard that are on the National Bird-Feeding Society's "America's Top Ten Backyard Birds."

American Goldfinch

The plumage gradually brightens from late winter to late summer.  Watch for it to turn bright yellow. 

Black-capped Chickadee

Put some natural objects near your bird feeders, such as strips of bark, plant galls, unusual seeds, nuts, or berries.  Watch what the chickadees do.  They'll actively examine, investigate, and probe the objects.  Also watch for chickadees feeding upside down to reach insects and their larvae. 

Downy Woodpecker

Listen closely to find out where the Downy Woodpecker's hammering is coming from.  Look high in trees and search the dead parts to see the downy's small form, parallel to the tree trunk. 

Northern Cardinal

Male cardinals often tap fiercely at windows of houses.  They see their reflection and think it's a competitor.  If it's annoying, try soaping the window until the males get busy with hatched young. 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

In spring and summer, watch for the "pendulum display" of the male Ruby-throat: He flies back and forth in a long arc of about 50 feet, like a clock pendulum, while the female sits and watches. 

White-breasted Nuthatch

This famous upside-down bird is a little acrobat and a familiar sight around backyard feeders.  Look at the size of a nuthatch's feet.  They're larger for their bodies than the average bird's feet.  They help with hopping and clinging to the underside of branches and limbs. 

Find out what other interesting things your backyard birds are up to.

Happy Bird-Feeding and Watching!