Late Winter Migration Begins!

Late winter has arrived, which is the time to start listing the new arrivals and stop overs in 2008.

Although 2007 was a very unique year in the birding hobby, the strange and unusal sightings continued all year from a common loon stopping at a southern Indiana watershed in the spring to Painted Bunting mid-summer to immature red breasted grosebeaks in the late fall, 2008 seems to be starting off just as promising. During a two day warm period in first week of February spring peepers were heard! A very early sighting in this area.

Following is a list of sightings by the The Birdhouse staff and our customers. We will attempt to keep this somewhat current. Please fell free to help by posting comments on the sightings in your area.

Red Breasted Nuthatch - 01/02/2008
Somewhat rare winter visitor Still present 02/19/2008.

White Throated Sparrows - 01/03/2008
Usual winter vistitor, still present 02/19/2008.

Fox Sparrows - 01/03/2008
Usual winter vistitor, still present 02/19/2008.

Mockingbird - 01/03/2008
Unusual seed feeder vistitor. Feeding on sunflower chips. Has become daily visitor.

Eastern Bluebird - All year resident.
Unusual seed feeder vistitor. Feeding on sunflower chips. Has become daily visitor.

Canada Geese - 02/12/2008
Numerous large "V" formations headed north.

Sandhill Cranes - 02/13/2008
Flock of about 25 headed north just south of Columbus, Indiana.

Bald Eagle - 02/13/2008
Pair spotted on north shore of Ohio River near Madison, Indiana.

Red Winged Blackbird - 02/14/2008
Arrived at birdfeeders and has been seen daily.

Ring Neck Duck - 02/19/2008
Seen on local watershed. A normal stop over.

More as they are reported or seen.

When in California recently, I noticed a small, brown, groundfeeding bird with a black head and a round black bib. When the bird would flick his tail, there was a flash of white feathers. The illusion was like a light flashing. Any idea who the flasher is?

Winter Birds Arriving

Over the last few days we have been seeing the red-breasted nuthatch at the feeder. They are smaller than the white-breasted nuthatch and have a black eye stripe with a rusty red chest. Fast and small you have to be on the watch for them. Only here for winter, view them while you can. Let me know if you are seeing it or any other cool winter only birds.

Kelly

Winter Feeding

Well this winter we have added some new items to the store food selection. I've never been a big fan of commercial pellets but might have to change my mind after seeing how the birds have been eating them. We've tried some high energy suet pellets in the last week and the birds have been choosing them over the sunflower chips, which was a surprise but they know what's best for them. They can be mixed with seed or just alone. We've also tried some dried mealworms and they love them too. I like not having to keep them in the fridge they stay fresh right in the bag. So let me know if you have any new foods you are feeding or if you have ever tried any of the new products we are now carrying. Kelly

The First Post - It's SPRING

Spring is here and The Birdhouse in Historic Madison Indiana is springing forward with this new BLOG.

It is hummingbird and purple martin time here at The Birdhouse. So, please post any items that pertain to these two favorite birds or any other interesting items that nature has revealed to you this spring.

Sightings by The Birdhouse staff this spring in southern Indiana:

Purple martins - 3/20/2007
Left during cold spell in early April and returned 4-11-2007.

Tree swallows - 3/20/2007
Left during cold spell in early April and returned 4-11-2007.

Common Loon - 04-05-2007
Seen on local watershed stayed one day.

Osprey - 03-29-2007
Seen on and off since last seen 04-10-2007.

Double Crested Comorant 03-18-07
Three at local water shed stayed two days.

Pied billed grebe - 03-19-2007
Four stayed on local water shed three days.

These are the highlights more to come later along with numerous topics pertaining to the bird watching hobby!

Thank you!