Backyard birding has become such a pleasant way to enjoy nature over the last few years. Feeders across Cape Cod have been filled with all kinds of avian visitors this winter. Here is a sampling of backyard bird feeder photos with each species identified to get you started! Many birders take a look at the online update from Cape Cod Weekly Bird Sightings presented by Mass Audubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and sponsored by the Bird Watchers General Store. Another online forum on the Cape Cod Bird Club website provides more detailed postings of common and rare Cape bird sightings as well as links to other bird sighting lists. For many of us, we find endless fascination with these postings and, more importantly, with the birds that visit our backyard feeders
Here is a photo of a Northern Cardinal which usually ranks in the top ten.
This upcoming weekend is the 2009 Focus on Feeders Weekend (Feb. 7-8) sponsored by Mass Audubon. Volunteers have tracked winter feeder birds for more than 40 years with amazing results in terms of trends and patterns. Click here for a brief history of feeder watching in Massachusetts. Past results show that more 700 participants took part in this event last year and they identified almost 50 different species! It’s very simple and everryone can join in the fun.
Here is a photo of a Black-capped Chickadee which usually ranks in the top five.
Mass Audubon keeps a runnig tally of all reported sightings and make this information available online for your review. Thanks to widespread participation, the winter feeder database continues to grow. The current Focus on Feeders program dates from 1997, and the updated rank order of birds visiting feeders since 1997 can be foundin this table. The sightings that are contributed become an important part of the growing database on winter feeder activity.
Here is a photo of a Tufted Titmouse which usually ranks in the top ten.
Enjoy the fun, keep track of your results with an easy to download tracking form and submit your final tallies online or by mail! Photographers are also invited to submit their photos for awards as well! Click here and scroll to the bottom of the page to view the award winning photos from last year.
Have fun!
Craig Gibson
If you've enjoyed this post and Craig's beautiful photos, please use the Share This icon below and send it to someone else who will enjoy it also!
Comments