First snow, brings the first feeders
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What a nice way to end October with a big dump of snow! Sticky darn stuff. By the end of this day the temperature was happy to rise to a plus six. Honestly? I liked the cool clean look of the snow. Beats the dickens out of dismal rain.
One good thing about a sudden snow storm is that the birds come in to our feeders in greater numbers. Chickadees galore! Nuthatches wanted more peanut butter and suet. A northern flicker was flicking seed from feeders.
A great report from out Trout Creek way tells of many birds seeking shelter at a reader’s home. Al had a varied thrush. He also says he has a number of Steller’s jays and the gray Jays. He was telling me at one time he had a flock of 200 or so waxwings feeding on crabapple trees.
There is no mistaking the raucous sound of the black-billed magpie. I did see one here and another was seen out Round Lake way. A sighting of magpies from the northeast near the pink Mountain area. It seems magpies are making a move to more northern habitats.
It looks like the short-eared owl is making itself known. Prince George, Fort St. John, Burns Lake and Smithers all have this owl . This owl has a round head. It does have ear tufts but they are very short and not often visible.
Back to the chickadees. Jessica called from Topley about a chickadee she figures is the chestnut-backed. I am sure she is right. She also has the mountain chickadees.
A Dawson Creek Report had a few rusty blackbird to talk about.
Snow on the ground does take away some food sources for birds. A platform feeder is a good idea. Around here most of those feeders have a few young rabbits seeking shelter. Fine by me.
Marilyn from Smithers asked if regular peanut butter will stick in the birds throats. Apparently it is not a problem. If you are concerned a bit of cornmeal might make it easier to swallow.
Listen now for more sign of owls in the area.
Thanks for those great calls to 250-846-5095 and the e-mails to mallory@bulkley.net.
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