Our bird feeders in Catch the Wind have been slow and steady this season. The resident chickadees, titmice, cardinals, house finches, nuthatches and other locals are all regular visitors for sure, but the temperatures haven’t been severe enough to bring in birds from different altitudes and latitudes.

A substantial snow storm or period of extreme cold may bring in some birds we haven’t seen yet at the feeders this season. I’m not hoping for more snow. The early December snow we had was quite enough for me, but we’re no doubt going to have more, at least one more, snow this winter. That’s when the birds pick up the pace at the feeders.

Seed eating migrants from the north typically only move as far south as they need to in order to find sufficient food. If there’s plenty of food available up north, and it’s accessible, then that’s where they’ll stay, further north.

Most insectivorous birds are long gone. Unless those birds can switch over to fruit in winter, there’s simply not enough insects to go around.

Our good volunteer Sam makes sure the birds always have full bellies. She never misses a beat.

Thanks, Sam!