Happy New Year 2007! With this initially slow start to the winter season, many business owners and visitors, alike, are disappointed over the lack of snow. For the first time in many years, we had a completely “Green Christmas—much to Bing Crosby’s chagrin—free from any sign of snow. Luckily, the dusting has provided some solace for us winter lovers but then the mid-January sleet, rain, ice, snow and whatever storm!
Along with the lack of snow and frigid temperatures, the activity at my feeders has been rather slim, to my dismay. However, I have been blessed with the appearances of the Vermont “snow birds.” Chickadees boisterously frolic about the yard in search of free handouts, cardinals take a rest in the fir trees as if posing for a Christmas card, and the blue jays try in vain to raid the songbird feeders. I am also pleased to report the presence of two of my favorite and less common visitors: slate-colored juncos and tufted titmice.
Slate-colored juncos, common in this area during the winter months, are known to possess a special ability. If one sees a junco, it is supposed to presage a snowfall. Though the beginning of this week left me slightly in disbelief as regards this popular saying, the juncos did indeed predict the snowfall we had just before New Years. Perhaps I should give more credit to these clever little birds after all! As a said above, the titmice have also been sporadically flitting about the yard, going from feeder to feeder. Though many a birder will assure you of their overall abundance, I have yet to see them in groups of more than two more than two or three times a year. When they do appear, however, it is always a pleasure to witness their antics.
As always, if you happen to have any questions about the column, any sightings you have had, or anything in general, please feel free to contact me via e-mail at chickadee@att.net. I am always happy to answer your questions if at all possible. Until next time, Happy Birding!
No comments:
Post a Comment