Junco Mystery

An abundance or lack of birds at one location in one season does not make a trend. Noting the change is worthwhile as there is no way to know if the observed change is part of a trend. This winter some observers have commented on few or no Dark-eyed Juncos in back yards and at feeders; while others have reported usual numbers.

My experience is in the ‘lack’ department. I’ve not seen a Junco since January 3 and I saw very few up to that date. Numbers of White-throated Sparrows appear down too.

I’ve just checked my general bird sighting records and my reports to Project FeederWatch. There is a significant change in the number and frequency of sightings of Juncos this winter season compared to previous years. As there is no change in the habitat and surroundings I have no explanation. In a couple of years time I’ll know if this season was just a fluke.

In nine previous years (1998-2008) in which I recorded observations the last Junco sighting recorded was March 2 - April 3. In years when I recorded yard sightings frequently I observed Juncos every time.

In previous FeederWatch seasons I observed Juncos every time I counted. This season I’ve seen Juncos on 2 of 8 count periods and two birds was the highest number seen.

Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel

The Carolina Bird Club trip on the Chesapeake Bay-Bridge Tunnel was a success despite the weather forecasts. When I looked at the forecasts of rain, wind and low temperatures for Saturday I considered not going. It's a long drive to be miserable and not see birds. I went and the trip was worth it. The rain held off for most of the morning.

Brant was probably a LIFER for me. Long-tailed duck I've seen perhaps once or twice before. There were small flocks at CBBT and plumage details were clear. Despite the overcast sky and heaving seas birds were clear in scopes. People who've been on the bridge islands often said the birds were further away than usual ... probably because of the heaving seas.

The Surf and Black Scoters in breeding plumage were impressive. I've only seen them in winter plumage before.

A bonus were seals. Our police escort alerted us to their presence. The seals are wary of humans. I watched one individual floating on its back as if it was a balmy day ... perhaps from the animal's point of view it was.

Our birding on the Eastern Shore was limited as the rain kept most birds under cover.

Ruby-crowned Kinglets

Only one Ruby-crowned Kinglet is seen at the suet feeder at a time. This weekend I discovered at least four in the vicinity of the feeder at different times. Three male birds went into mist nets and later an unbanded bird was observed feeding on the suet.

Project Feederwatch Statistics

Project Feederwatch data provides a snapshot of which species are more prevalent at feeders from year to year. This winter season the percentage of feeders in North Carolina hosting Pine Siskins is much higher than last year; conversely Dark-eyed Juncos are at fewer feeders this year than last year. Both of these statistics match my experience. I’ve not seen a Junco in over a month. Pine Siskins are an irruptive species so the difference from year to year is no surprise. I’ve not heard a reason for the reduced distribution of Juncos this year though.

Pine Siskins at feeders

I’ve read descriptions of American Goldfinches and Pine Siskins eating through bags of thistle seed in one winter season but never experienced it myself. Before I left for a winter vacation in early December I’d seen a lone Pine Siskin at the feeder. The first one seen here in four years. I return to find a large group of Pine Siskins have taken over the feeders. I’ll be buying more food before January is half through. I counted 23 at one time this morning.

New bird - Pine Warbler

Temperatures warmed up today so I could band in the afternoon. The feeder birds continue to NOT go in the nets. A pair of Pine Warblers down by the lake did go in a net which is a first for that species here. The contrast in coloring between the male and female is striking. Other captures were a Ruby-Crowned Kinglet and a recaptured Brown-headed Nuthatch.

On the lake there are between 130 and 150 Ring Necked Ducks. Never had that many before.

Our suet mix is popular with many species at the feeder station. Peanut butter is now available on two new pine cones. Long-Leaf Pine pine cones make excellent feeders. I'm recycling the wide ties that grocery stores use to hold lettuce together. Tie the tie around one end of the pine cone and tie the other end to a convenient tree branch; add peanut butter, and wait for the guests.

Recaptures

This is my second year of banding at this station. I now have site fidelity confirmed for White-throated Sparrows. While this is not 'news' to ornithologists, it is a thrill for me to know that the bird in my hand has navigated long distances from this spot and returned to it.

A bird banded on February 16 was recaptured on October 26. It was the first White-throated Sparrow caught this winter season.

Then on November 9th two additional birds were recaptured in the same net. I looked them up and these birds were caught together last year November 17, 2007.

Yes, my sample is small but this is a good beginning.