[obol] Bird Books

[DAVID IRONS]

Mary Jo et al.,

The most logical explanation for the absence of normal backyard feeder birds is the presence of a predator.  If you are in a residential area, the odds are good that you have a neighborhood Merlin, Cooper's Hawk, or Sharp-shinned that is using your backyard flock as a buffet.  Merlins are usually conspicuously perched at the very top of the tallest tree in the area.  Accipiters (Cooper's and Sharp-shinned) are generally less obvious in there hunting perches.  The small birds are very tuned into such things since their lives depend on it.  A momentary lapse at the feeding tray and they are breakfast. 

A good hint to the presence of of predator is bird calls.  Chickadees, bushtits, juncos and other species often do a very fast high-pitched trill call that serves as a general alarm to all small birds.  I have looked for and found Merlins and Accipiters many times after first hearing this kind of alarm call.

Dave Irons
Eugene, OR


----------------------------------------
> Date: Sun, 3 Feb 2008 08:50:57 -0800
> To: pamelaj at spiritone.com; obol at lists.oregonstate.edu
> From: mjoharper at comcast.net
> Subject: Re: [obol] Bird Books
> 
> pamela johnston wrote:
> 
>>Now, where ar you located? This makes a difference both in terms of what 
>>you will see at home and what is available to you at feed stores, wildlife 
>>information and birdseed shops.
> 
> 
> Thanks, Pamela,
> 
> I'm in Wilsonville, just south of Portland.  We do have a Backyard Birds 
> shop up in Lake Oswego that I've been to a couple of times.  I sure wish I 
> had access to less expensive but just as good as bird food.  I'm giving 
> black oil sunflower seeds in the feeders and on the group, and wild bird 
> seed mix on the ground. It's weird, but this morning, I have no 
> birds!  Usually my tube feeder will be 1/4 empty by now, and the flocks and 
> flocks of birds coming and going and on the ground.  This morning, I've 
> seen about 3 chickadees, but that's all, and they come in then flit out in 
> a hurry.  I wonder what's going on?  It's eerie.
> 
> 
> 
> Mary Jo Harper
> A "Backyard Birds" Birder
> Wilsonville, Oregon
> 
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