What birds are in our gardens: Winter Part 1

What birds are in our gardens Winter Edition Part 1

My bird table setup at townhouse (January 2018)

This is the first in a series of articles highlighting what birds can be found in domestic gardens or around parks in the Cape Fear Region. This list includes common bird table visitors, as well as other birds that live or visit our homes readily. The guide covers bird groups that are common or notable from November through February. 

The end of summer and the first chills of autumn usually means the end of the "bird season" in northern regions. For the Carolinas, autumn and winter can be one of the busiest seasons for birds. Many northern species winter in the Carolinas, especially from the Cape Fear Region southward, while many birds will remain with us all year. After migration wanes and the flocks of transient or passage species thins out, we are left with our resident species (like cardinals, chickadees, and mockingbirds), and the birds that spend only the winter months with us (such as siskins, and most of our sparrows). Gardens are also busier this time of year as many birds are looking for food and shelter when leaves fall away, and the first frosts kill most of the insects and herbaceous growth. Aside from bird tables, and other supplemental food sources, flowering plants, evergreen shrubs, hedges, and even nooks and crannies in our homes can draw in birds that would otherwise be found in more naturalized area or overlooked entirely. This list includes the resident (nonmigratory) species that live or visit our gardens and feeders during the winter. A second list will include winter residents, and notable surprises. 

The Residents 

Northern Cardinal in hedgerow

Northern Cardinal: First on our list of familiar residents is the cardinal. Cardinals are among the group of birds that truly stay in the same place all year. These birds will come to bird tables and feeders daily, nest in our dooryards and hedges, and once you learn their loud song, they seem to be everywhere there are trees (which might explain why they are the state bird of seven states). During the winter, cardinals form flocks that can number 50 or more and will gather around feeders, fruit bearing shrubs such as holly, and make themselves known on snowy days. Cardinals will even sing during the winter with males in the Carolinas beginning their songs around Christmas. They love sunflower seeds, safflower, and most staples, and can learn how to use most birdfeeder designs. However, scattering seed on the ground or using a table feeder or tray will make the food more assessable to large flocks. 

Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Chickadee: The members of the Paridae family (known as titmice or tits) are sedentary residents in most of the temperate regions of North America, and Eurasia. Our two species stay in the same area all year, and like the cardinal, they will form flocks and gather around persistent food sources. Despite its tiny size, the Carolina Chickadee is quite hardy and will ride out the coldest winters, switch its diet from insects to seeds (which they stockpile in crevices), and join mixed hunting parties with other small birds. Like its larger cousin the Black Capped Chickadee, Carolina Chickadees will roost in tree holes, manmade structures, or dense evergreens and can huddle together on the coldest nights. During the winter, chickadees will visit feeders all day and might bring followers like woodpeckers, nuthatches, warblers, kinglets, and even bluebirds and sparrows. They also nest early in the year with birds in our area nesting as early as February, and the whistled "Car-O-Lina" or "Feebee Feebee" song might be the only birdsong from Mid-December to February (aside from cardinals and wrens of course). Chickadees use birdhouses for nesting and roosting and might select potential nest sites as early as November. At the bird table, they will eat a wide variety of food but prefer sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, lard, peanut butter, and other foods. They carry off seeds one at a time and hammer them open in bushes or trees. Expect anywhere from a half a  dozen to upwards of 20 chickadees to visit your garden, but you might only see one or two at a feeder at once. 

Tufted Titmouse 

Tufted Titmouse: The titmouse is the larger cousin of the chickadee and its European counterpart  and also looks very different (like a miniature Blue Jay). Titmice are also year-round but are mostly solitary or in family groups during the spring and summer, and roam a larger territory than chickadees. During the winter, titmice associate with chickadees and nuthatches and will form groups of 5-15 birds. Their habits are similar to chickadees and seeds and nuts are stored or eaten when insects are gone. However, titmice are more likely to feed on the ground, and are not as nimble as chickadees. As with the chickadee, titmice are loud, and will begin singing during the winter with a loud "Teacher Teacher Teacher" or "Peter Peter" whistle piercing the silence of winter. They nest later than chickadees but will still look around for nest sites and might spend the night in a shed, porch, or a birdhouse (and will end inside homes at times). Titmice eat the same foods as chickadees but because of their larger size they can open items as large as peanuts (even in the shell), and love shelled nuts. They carry off food to store or peck open and always dominate over chickadee. 

Carolina Wren

Carolina Wren: The Wren is the perfect example of a homebody as they rarely stray far from their territory and will only associate with woodland flocks when they pass through their area. Carolina Wrens sing all-year and will defend their small patches of land from other wrens. While their habits are similar throughout the year, Carolina Wrens are far more likely to visit bird tables during cold or rainy days, and like the chickadees, they will supplement their diet with fruits, seeds, and even acorns, once the insects, snails, spiders, and small isopods (i.e. sowbugs, pillbugs) are driven into hibernation. You can find wrens feeding under shrubs or in flowerbeds, near fruit-bearing plants like hollies, privets, Virginia Creeper or Hawthorns, or around buildings. Wrens shelter in dense evergreens like juniper, holly, and camellia, or will use garden sheds, nooks in stonewalls, and objects such as boxes, lawnmowers, and mailboxes for sleeping spots. Wrens will even build nests for sleeping. At bird tables, wrens love suet, mealworms, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and peanut butter but will take anything from grape jelly and raisins to meaty tablescraps or bread. While the Carolina Wren feeds mostly on or near the ground, they are brave enough to come up to tube feeders, window feeders or take items from your hand (which chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches will also do). There are also two other species of wrens that can be found in our area during the winter, with both the Winter Wren, and House Wren being very tiny, and drab brown (or sooty colored).

White Breasted Nuthatch, male

Nuthatches: Nuthatches are another bird that many birdwatchers become acquainted to during the winter months. We have three species of nuthatches that live in our area with the White Breasted, and Brown Headed Nuthatch being nonmigratory residents. The Red Breasted Nuthatch is a winter resident that will be included in the second guide about winter birds. During the winter nuthatches will follow flocks of chickadees and other woodland birds and can visit feeders throughout the day. As their name implies, nuthatches are adapted to hack open seeds and nuts and look a little like woodpeckers with stubby tails and the "most unusual body". They also stockpile seeds to get through the winter with the seeds of pine, elm, maple, alder, birch, and oak being fairly important. The White Breasted Nuthatch is mostly a solitary bird that roams a very large territory and there is usually no more than one pair per neighborhood. The Brown Headed Nuthatch lives in colonies and may form flocks of 15-30 birds (with Pine Warblers, chickadees, and treecreepers mixing in), and they are rarely seen alone. Both nuthatches are early nesters with the Brown Headed Nuthatch excavating cavities in the autumn and winter, and may nest as early as February, while White Breasted Nuthatches use existing cavities, and may already have eggs in the first week of March. Nuthatches are easily satisfied at bird tables and love sunflower seeds, peanuts, tree nuts, and lard/peanut butter. They will also chuck out other seeds just to get the peanuts so it might be wise to give them a feeder of their own. If you have Brown Headed Nuthatches, expect no fewer than a half a dozen at once (I had seed cakes and suet feeders with 6-7 nuthatches on  it), although they usually carry off their seeds. As for the White Breasted Nuthatch, you will get one at a time, and it may be several days or weeks that you won't see them at all.  Nuthatches make unusual calls with the White-Breasted making  crow-like "ank ank" sound, or a loud chatter, while the Brown Headed make twittering calls and a squeaky call like a dog toy. Gardens that have pines and oaks are more likely to host nuthatches, while gardens with out large trees may miss out. 

Downy Woodpecker, male

Woodpeckers: There are eight species of woodpeckers in the Carolinas with seven of them routinely visiting or living in parks and gardens with appropriate habitat. The Sapsucker and the Common Flicker (a ground feeding species) are generally only found during the winter, while the rest are nonmigratory. Red Bellied, Downy, and Hairy Woodpeckers are the most likely woodpeckers to visit gardens and each of them have different preferences, and habits. The giant Pileated Woodpecker also makes a regular appearance in most  areas but these birds roam very large territories and are easily overlooked until they make their loud "Wakakaka" call (which sounds like a jungle bird from Tarzan). The smaller woodpeckers often follow chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches and most flocks will have at least one or two species. The Downy and larger Hairy Woodpecker are faithful to mixed flocks and will move around with their smaller group mates, while the Red Bellied Woodpecker might join a flock but pairs generally will not leave their cluster of trees. Woodpeckers are often easy to find during the winter as most trees are bear, and they are attracted to fruit bearing shrubs, and nuts. The Downy Woodpecker even excavates insects from dead plant stalks, saplings, or decaying fencerows. Downy, Hairy, Red Bellied, and Pileated Woodpeckers start working on their nest holes in the autumn and may even drum as early as October. At feeders, the Downy, and Hairy Woodpecker will come for suet, lard, peanut butter, and might sample seeds or nuts, while Red Bellied Woodpeckers (and the Red Headed Woodpecker) almost always goes for peanuts or tree nuts before anything else. They also love meat bones, mealworms, grape jelly and certain fruits. You might also be surprised to find a Pileated Woodpecker on your suet feeder or carrying off peanuts from a table feeder or the ground. The top three woodpeckers generally visit feeders faithfully throughout the year, but they will come nonstop during the winter. 

Eastern Bluebird 

Eastern Bluebird: Bluebirds are the only  species of thrush that truely remains in our area year-round. This colorful songbird of the countryside, suburbia, and city parks is unmistakable and is best described as a miniature robin (about half the size at 15cm or 6" long) with a blue back and head. It also somewhat resembles the unrelated but similar looking Eurasian Robin (which has no genetic connections to the American Robin at all), leading to many people to call this bird a "robin". We are most familiar with bluebirds during the spring and summer when they move into birdhouses placed in our front gardens, along pastures, or in organized "Bluebird Trails". However those same birds stay with us during the winter but are found in flocks of 25-50 birds and gather around hedgerows, woodlands, and home gardens with holly, dogwood, hackberry, or cherry laurel (or other fruits), They still feed on lawns, playing fields, and roadsides, except with dozens of birds, instead of just a pair or family group. Bluebirds will also follow flocks of sparrows, finches, Pine Warblers/Brown Headed Nuthatches, or might come with chickadees. Bluebird flocks are nomadic and may travel across large distances each day before going back to a roost site. They will sometimes visit bird tables for mealworms, jelly, peanut butter, and shelled sunflower hearts or peanuts. Bluebirds can be inconstant visitors (often arriving during rainy or snowy days) but they may become daily visitors. Bluebirds start looking for nest sites in autumn so they may already have a birdhouse, tree hole, manmade crevice in mind before winter (so keep birdhouses up year round). They nest as early as February, and will use birdhouses for shelter if it is really cold.  

Mockingbird

Mockingbird: The Northern Mockingbird is a ubiquitous songbird that is in virtually every garden, hedge, parking lot, or pasture in the Carolinas. These birds like the Carolina Wren, the chickadees,  and cardinal rarely leave their home territory. Mockingbirds, however do adjust their territories for their needs. During the breeding season, males will guard shrubs, hedges, or small trees adjoining open areas or fields (often front gardens, roadsides, or a pasture), and select nest sites for their partners. After the nesting season, mockingbirds abandon their summer homes focus only on defending fruit or berry sources, and places for shelter. Pairs may stay together or break up although both male and female mockingbirds will sing during the autumn and winter and guard tiny territories. Since they supplement their diet with fruits from trees, shrubs and vines, a bird may take up residence in a dooryard if there are plants like dogwood, hawthorn, hollies, privet, pyracantha, persimmon or beautyberry present. Otherwise the birds disappear into the hedge and remain quiet by late November, except for "chak" calls and occasional bursts of song. Mockingbirds will aggressively defend their sites from other fruit-eating birds and may claim a suet feeder or bird table. They like suet, mealworms, fruits, and most table-scraps but ignore seeds and nuts. While mockingbirds do not nest until late March at the earliest, they bond with partners during the winter. 

Brown Thrasher perched in copse/hedge

Brown Thrasher: Brown Thrashers can be among overlooked garden residents in our area and aside from their musical song of paired notes that is heard for hours on end from March to June, these birds stay hidden. Thrashers are relatives of the mockingbird and are mostly terrestrial. They resemble a Wood Thrush with a long tail (a summer resident that is noticeably smaller) and are a surprise to most people who have just begun to learn about birds. Thrashers do migrate in northern parts of their range, although it appears that most of our birds stay in the same spot all year. They live in pairs or small groups and stick to hedges, woodlands, and copses although they will readily come out onto lawns or visit shrubs along a house. In the winter, thrashers are quite hard in the wild, although with less vegetation they can be seen more easily. Look for these birds near fruit bearing trees where one or several might visit daily. Shrubs or trees like dogwood, holly, persimmon, hawthorn, and Virginia Creeper are among their favorites. They also eat acorns, seeds, and non-insect prey and will often come to bird tables for corn, peanuts, grain, or various table scraps. Suet, mealworms, lard, and fruits are also taken. Evergreen shrubs and brushpiles provide the best cover for thrashers.

Pine Warbler, male 

Pine Warbler: The Pine Warbler is the only Parulidae Warbler (Wood Warbler) that is truly a resident  in its range. This sparrow-sized bird is often mistaken for a goldfinch as it is yellow but its longer bill is its best distinguishing feature. Additionally, Pine Warblers are larger than goldfinches and often move like a nuthatch. These birds are always found in or near pines and are almost a certainty in any neighborhood that has at least a few pine trees. They sing year round (giving a metallic trill or twittering call that is quite loud), and eat a combination of insects, seeds (mostly from Pine) and fruits. They come to bird tables year round for sunflower seeds, suet, mealworms, or other items and may take to handfeeding. During the winter, Pine Warblers are often seen in pairs or small groups with chickadees, nuthatches, wintering Yellow Rumped or Palm Warblers, Bluebirds, and Chipping Sparrows. Look for them on lawns, under trees, or creeping up tree trunks. Pine Warblers may nest as early as February, giving them a head start over other insectivorous birds that do not arrive until April or May.  

House Finch male 

House Finch: The House Finch is the "default finch" in the Carolinas and is the only one that occurs year-round in our area, although goldfinches are expanding their breeding range towards the coast. These finches are described as sparrows dipped in red wine or cranberry juice and are told from the House Sparrow by its streaked body, and the male's red or pinkish throat. House Finches are with us all year but are nomadic and move around to find food. Like the Goldfinch, House Finches nest near seed sources and could nest anywhere from April to September. Also like its smaller relative, the House Finch may be present at a feeder or garden for days or weeks at a time, before moving on to another site. When they come to bird tables, you may get anywhere from a few birds to flocks in dozens that can overwhelm most feeders. They also land on plant stalks, sunflower heads, and grasses to eat plant seeds, and gather around pines or junipers. Look for House Finches with flocks of Chipping Sparrows, Bluebirds, Pine Warblers, Siskins, or Goldfinches, although they may also mix with Juncos, and chickadee-led flocks as well. Evergreen shrubs or manmade structures (eaves in such) are important elements for roosting finches. There is a similar looking finch that also visits the Carolinas during the winter called the Purple Finch. This bird has a larger bill, is almost all magenta (the female is streaked) and has a metallic call. 

Blue Jay

Blue Jay: Blue Jays are the only corvids that routinely visit gardens as crows are generally seen as flyovers or periodic guests. Jays remain with us year round but northern populations will migrate and intermix with our resident birds. During the autumn and winter, jays are mainly seen in oaks, beeches, hickories, or chestnuts where colonies gather nuts and stockpile them. After those trees are depleted by late November, Blue Jay groups may visit gardens for fruits, other types of seeds, or to catch prey on lawns or amongst shrubbery. They may visit bird tables although it is not always consistent. Jay colonies often come to the feeder at the same time each day and like the White Breasted Nuthatch and Downy/Hairy Woodpecker, you may not see jays for days or weeks at a time as they have large territories. Jays love peanuts (shelled or whole), tree nuts, meat or fruit-based table scraps, sunflower seeds, and peanut butter. Jays normally take food on the ground, on table feeders or hopper/tray feeders although I had them come to window feeders and tube feeders (often hovering or hanging in place). Jays are hard to miss once you recongize their screaming calls (which sounds like a hawk or seagull) and loud mechanical rattles. Jays are normally seen in groups of 10-30, although larger flocks can be seen during the winter.  

Mourning Dove

Doves: There are four kinds of doves in the Carolinas with additional escaped species occurring around urban centers. Mourning Doves are ubiquitous and are found in almost every rural, suburban, and even some urban settings with hedgerows/copses, open land, and reliable seed sources. The Rock Dove or Pigeon is mainly found in cities or near farms and live in sizeable colonies in barns, urban high-rises, industrial complexes, or billboards. The Collared or Barbary Dove is an uncommon and nonnative species (so is the Rock Dove) that is only found in a few localities within Wilmington,  Southport, and a few rural communities. These doves live in or around gardens and give owl like "hoo hoo hoooo" or "cuckoooo hooo" songs year-round and are whitish. The last species is the sparrow-sized Ground Dove which is quail-like and around 14cm (5.5") long which is no larger than an average House Sparrow or Song Sparrow. 

Collared Dove 

None of the doves are migratory and all of them feed almost exclusively on seeds. During the winter, Mourning Doves travel in large flocks numbering into the hundreds and gather around cropland, pastures, and meadows. In town, Mourning Doves routinely visit bird tables or tray feeders for cereal grains, corn, and sunflower seeds. Doves will also clean up seed that falls off hanging feeders. In the winter, expect anywhere from a few to a dozen or more Mourning Doves. Rock Doves often visit in groups of 10-20, while Collared and Ground Doves visit in pairs or small groups. Dense evergreens like juniper, cedar, or hollies are important for roosting sites. Flowerbeds and meadow gardens also provide ample food for doves. Mourning and Rock Doves can breed anytime of the year and often nest during the winter if food is abundant. 

A Sparrowhawk (likely a Cooper's Hawk)

Predatory Birds: Most birds of prey stay with us as year-round residents and remain in the same territory. Red Tailed, Cooper's Hawks, and in wooded areas Red Shouldered Hawks are the most likely hawks to be encountered in our gardens. The Cooper's Hawk is primarily a bird hunter and will even visit bird tables to prey on unsuspecting birds, similar to other sparrowhawk species. All four of our owls are also nonmigratory although the Great Horned and Barred are the most likely to be noticed as they often vocalize during the day or night, and are common in residential areas and parks. Both owls (as well as the Barn Owl) nest during the winter and often have young by December or January. During this time, you may see owls hunting during the daytime (often on overcast days). The tiny Screech Owl is our least commonly encountered owl and is most likely to be found roosting in Bluebird or Starling boxes during the winter. Predatory birds have large territories and are mostly seen as flyovers or special guests in gardens.  

Squirrels

 Squirrels 

Red Morph Grey Squirrel in a front garden, circa 2016

Rodents are the most diverse order in the Mammalian Class and are present on every continent but Antarctica. The Carolinas has a sizeable number of rodents with most of them being mice or rats of various species. Beavers, and the nonnative Nutria are among the largest rodents around. The majority of mammals in our area are nocturnal or very secretive and you will probably overlook them on most outings. The exceptions to this include rabbits, and a familiar family of rodents known as squirrels. Squirrels are familiar to almost anyone who has visited a forest, park, or put out food for the birds. While most people can recongize the ubiquitous Grey Squirrel as well as its larger cousin the Fox Squirrel, many people are not aware that chipmunks, marmots (also called Wood Chucks or Groundhogs) and Prairie Dogs are in the same family as their tree dwelling counterparts. Squirrels are highly adaptable creatures that can thrive in human altered habitats, survive in harsh environments, and learn trips to outsmart their predators. Like birds, canines, felines, and primates, rodents are highly intelligent and recent studies have shown that squirrels, rats, and mice are able to learn new tricks,, problem solve, and engage in complex social behavior. 

Overview

Squirrels are part of the family Sciuridae and consist of small to medium sized rodents. They are present in most parts of the world and include arboreal species (like Tree Squirrels) and terrestrial species (like Marmots and Prairie Dogs). The squirrels we are the most familiar with are the Tree Squirrels. Unlike many of our mice, and rats, Tree Squirrels are diurnal and are often the only mammals we see during the daytime with White Tailed Deer, a few mice species, and foxes or coyotes being occasional exceptions. The Flying Squirrels are smaller than typical squirrels and have flaps of skin between their limbs to allow gliding. These squirrels are strictly nocturnal and are often overlooked. In total the Carolinas have three species of Tree Squirrel, two species of Flying Squirrel as well as the Eastern Chipmunk, and Eastern Marmot or Woodchuck. 

In the Cape Fear Region, the Grey, Fox, and Southern Flying Squirrel are the only species. You can find the Red Squirrel in mid or high-elevation coniferous forests in Appalachia, while the Northern Flying Squirrel also occurs in the highlands. Chipmunks can be reliably found west of Interstate 95 with Raleigh being the first place I have noticed them. As far as Marmots, they mostly occur closer to the mountain regions or High Piedmont (i.e. Greenville/Spartanburg-Charlotte-Greensboro westward). The Grey and Fox Squirrels are common throughout the Carolinas and often live in gardens, treed parks, and even urban centers. You will quickly become aquatinted to squirrels when they find a new bird table or feeder. While their "cuteness" and antics wear off quickly when birdfeeders are emptied or destroyed or your tulips bulbs disappear, we should appreciate squirrels as a part of the forest ecosystem, and the closest thing to having monkeys in our areas. 

Eastern Grey Squirrel 

Sciurus carolinensis  

Grey Squirrel in home garden, circa Dec 2013

The Grey Squirrel is the generic squirrel that everyone knows but not everyone loves and is ubiquitous in the Eastern Deciduous Forest and Southern Boreal Regions. They occur from Eastern Texas and Central Florida, north to the Southern Canada and into the Midwest. This squirrel was also introduced in Great Britain, Ireland, and parts of the Western United States and Canada where they push out native squirrels. In Ireland, Scotland, and England, the Grey Squirrel has pushed out the Red Squirrel (Sciurus vulgaris) bringing that once common rodent to near extirpation. In the Carolinas, the Grey Squirrel is by far one of the most numerous animals in our woodlands and thrive all types of urban, suburban, and cultivated habitats with trees. Grey Squirrels are active year round and do not hibernate. 

Appearance: Grey Squirrels are generally medium-sized rodents that are distinguished by their bushy tails, fairly long toes, and short fur. They come in many color variations although they are usually grey or light brown with white undersides, and a pale or amber eye-ring. Some squirrels can be black, reddish, cinnamon color, pale, or even all white (like the White Squirrels in Etowah NC, and around the Pisgah National Forest in Appalachia). 

Size: Generally between 42-55cm (16-22") including the tail, which is a little larger than a Brown Rat.

Calls: Grey Squirrels make a variety of chatters, whines, and trill calls during interactions although their most distinctive calls is a rapid "Chuck-kuk-kuk" call, and a persistent mewing or whining call when there is a terrestrial or aerial predator in the area.

Habitat: Hardwood or mixed forests, village or town squares, parks, domestic gardens, orchard. They rely heavily on hickories, beeches, oaks, and pines for food sources and seem to be absent in areas without these trees. 

Foraging: Grey Squirrels are mostly arboreal and feed in the treetops and can jump between trees or scale trunks very quickly. They will often come down to the ground to forage, bury nuts, or travel to another area that is out of jumping range. They rarely stray more than 100m (330ft or so) from trees or shrubs as they are vulnerable to hawks and owls. 

Diet: Omnivorous, squirrels eat insects, spiders, and occasionally prey on bird eggs or young, and reptile hatchlings. Nuts and tree seeds are the most important part of their diet with hickory nuts, beechnuts, acorns, pine seeds, hazelnuts, and maple being particularly important. They also eat fruits or berries, tree bark, several mushroom species, and tree buds. Squirrels often consume seeds, nuts, or peanuts at feeders, bite into tomatoes or other crops, and raid cornfields. 

Breeding: Grey Squirrels raise 1-2 litters per year with one brood in the summer and another in the winter or early spring. 

Lifestyle: Grey Squirrels typically live in small family groups or colonies of 3-10 individuals and defend territories consisting of a cluster of trees, hedgerow, or high-value food sources. They construct large stick and leaf nests that are known as "Dreys" and are used for shelter, breeding, and to escape predators. They may also live in tree hollows, woodpecker holes, amongst dense brush (such as coppiced woodlands, brambles) and sometimes occupy attics and sheds. Squirrels fiercely defend their territories from other families and will chase each other on the ground or up and down trees giving threat displays, churring calls, and waving their tails. On rarer occasions, a squirrel will get into a melee battle that may result in injury or rarely death. Grey Squirrels are more aggressive during breeding cycles, and in the autumn when nuts and other food sources are vital for the winter. Grey Squirrels cache large amounts of nuts, seeds, and even other foods for the winter or to hide them from other squirrels as well as opportunistic crows, jays, and Red Bellied Woodpeckers. They can memorize hundreds or even thousands of cache sites, and employ tricks to deceive rivals, mislead crows, or even choose to hide their food in trees instead of in the ground. This level of intelligence is on the same level as primates, canines, and a number of bird species.  

White Morph Grey Squirrel in Etowah NC, June 2012

Learn More about Grey Squirrels with this Wikipedia Article 

Fox Squirrel 

Sciurus niger

Fox Squirrel at Brook Green Gardens SC (March 2019)

The Fox Squirrel is the largest tree squirrel in North America and is the larger cousin to the Grey Squirrel. This species overlaps with the Grey Squirrel in most areas but tends to be more common in the Midwest and Southern United States. It was also introduced in other parts of the world including the Western United States. In our area Fox Squirrels are less numerous than Greys and seem to prefer open areas with scattered trees including pinelands, agrarian areas, and suburbia, while the other species is more likely to be found in hardwood or mixed forests. The Fox Squirrel is also highly terrestrial and will go out into open areas, and use trees mainly to escape danger, find food sources, or construct dreys. Aside from their larger size, different habitat preferences, and mostly solitary behavior, they are very similar to Grey Squirrels and can overlap in most urban or suburban areas.   

Appearance: Similar to the Grey Squirrel except very large and stocky. While their fur pattern varies greatly and can be from reddish brown to black, the populations in the Cape Fear are often grey or black with whitish noses and undersides. They also have whitish tails.  

Size: Can range from 65-103cm (26-41") long including the tail. Some people say they are almost cat-sized. 

Calls: They have a diverse repertoire of calls, many of which are similar to the Grey Squirrel. They make chucking or churring sounds as well as a whining call that is given when there is a predator. These squirrels are often quiet outside of disturbances or courtship, while the Greys are highly vocal. 

Habitat: Mostly found in open woodlands with oaks or pines and an open understory. They also occupy pinelands, pastures, suburban areas, golf courses, and coastal forests. Fox Squirrels completely dense forests but they still need trees, copses, or hedges for shelter. 

Foraging: Fox Squirrels mostly feed on the ground or amongst dense shrubs, brambles or weeds although they will feed in treetops as well. While Greys often stay within a close distance to trees, this squirrel often goes out into fields or open areas to feed. Mostly solitary 

Diet: Includes insects, reptile or bird eggs as well as plant tubers, buds, fruits, and the seeds or nuts of various trees and plants. They stockpile acorns, hickories (esp Pecans), pine seeds, and beechnuts for the winter. Often raids bird tables and feeders and takes food at parks. 

Breeding: Raises 1-2 litters per year with one in the winter and another in the summer. Development for this species is slower than other species.

Lifestyle: As stated earlier, Fox Squirrels are generally more terrestrial than Greys and usually travel a good distance from trees or woodlands to feed. They are most likely to be seen alone or in pairs and seem not to defend territories or trees. The squirrels construct stick dreys or utilize woodpecker holes or tree hollows for shelter, and use trees to escape from predators. Fox Squirrels can jump very long distances (up to 4.5m, 15ft), and are very strong. It is not clear if Fox Squirrels displace Grey Squirrels or vice-versa. They share the same predators as well with Great Horned Owls, Red Tailed or Red Shouldered Hawks, Bobcats, Coyotes, and Grey Foxes being common predators to adults.  

Learn more about Fox Squirrels with this Wikipedia Article 

Southern Flying Squirrel 

Glaucomys volans   

Flying squirrel, photo by Michal Hays (Wikimedia Commons)

The Southern Flying Squirrel is one of two flying squirrels that can be found in the Carolinas with its northern counterpart (Glaucomys sabrinus) occurring only in spruce-fir forests in Appalachia. Both  species have the ability to glide between trees using a special membrane between their limbs and a tail that serves as a rudder. Flying squirrels are strictly nocturnal and are often overlooked, but are actually quite common. They are also among our smallest Tree Squirrels with the Red Squirrel also being a small species. 

Appearance: A small and unusual looking squirrel that has more of a mouselike appearance. This squirrel has short ears, large black eyes, a broad tail that is flat, and a furry membrane between their forearms and hind legs. Most individuals are greyish brown with white undersides. 

Size: Averages around 23cm (9") in length including its tail (which is up to 13cm or 5" long)

Calls: Flying squirrels make high pitched chip or chirp notes that sound similar to sparrows, warblers, or titmice. 

Habitat: Flying squirrels normally live in deciduous or mixed forests and woodlands with semiopen understories. They prefer beeches, oaks, and maples, and are almost the nighttime counterpart of the Grey Squirrel which also prefers deciduous forests. They also occupy wooded neighborhoods, city parks, and smaller woodlands. 

Foraging: Like other squirrels flying squirrels mainly forage for nuts, seeds, and plant matter. This species forages nocturnally in treetops and will glide between trees to avoid predators or move to other feeding areas. They stockpile seeds and nuts in cavities.

Diet: Flying squirrels eat mainly the seeds of maples, birch, alder, and poplar, as well as oaks, hickories, and pines. They also eat small insects, tree buds, and may come to bird tables at night. 

Breeding: Flying squirrels raise two litters per year and raise their young in tree holes or dreys made of leaves or sticks. Their homesites are often on the edge of woodlands. 

Lifestyle: Southern Flying Squirrels are sociable animals that often live in family groups or aggregations of 10 or more, and share dens during the daytime. They mostly remain in the treetops come down only to burry nuts or when they drop or land from the treetops. Flying squirrels are often preyed upon by Barred Owls, most hawks, weasels, and other predators. These squirrels may move into birdhouses placed in wooded areas.

Learn more about Flying Squirrels with this Wikipedia Article 

Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus: The Red Squirrel is a small Tree Squirrel that is mostly in Boreal Forests in Northern North America (there is also a Red Squirrel species in Europe) and occurs in the Appalachian Highlands. They are just barely larger than chipmunks (23cm or 9" long) and are reddish brown with white undersides. Red Squirrels live in small family groups and are highly territorial like their larger counterpart the Grey Squirrel. They make a trilling call and various birdlike calls, and are often tame and approachable. They live in tree nests or cavities, but may also make burrows or mounds in the ground. They rely heavily on pine, spruce, hemlock, or fir seeds but also eat  mushrooms, bark, insects, and fruits.

Red Squirrel in photographed in Appalachia (likely near Mount Mitchell, June 2012)

Learn more about Red Squirrels with this Wikipedia Article 

Squirrels in the Garden 

Wooded parks provide habitat for all three squirrel species

Squirrels are among the few mammal species that we commonly encounter in our gardens or at a  local park during the day. Opossums, raccoons and most of the mice and rat species are nocturnal while foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and deer are more likely to be occasional visitors to our communities. Squirrels have their problems and can become a nightmare to anyone who feeds birds, has chickens or ducks, or enjoys planting bulbs. However squirrels are also among the most fascinating creatures in our area and unlike a lot of our mammalian resident, they are approachable, cute, and aside from minor a nuisance rarely cause problems. While the Grey Squirrel is the most likely species to live in gardens, Fox Squirrels are also likely to live nearby if there are large open areas. The Flying Squirrel is rarely seen but chances are good that there is a family near by if your neighborhood has large trees or wooded areas. 

Feeders: All three of our squirrel species routinely visit bird tables and feeders and will become daily visitors if they can get to the food. Oftentimes we get our first Greys or Fox Squirrels within a week or so of putting out a birdfeeder or table. After the initial excitement wears off, we may realize that our expensive birdfeed is being wiped out in a matter or minutes, or that a starter birdfeeder made of plastic is broken. There are dozens of squirrel resistant and squirrel proof birdfeeders on the market although these intelligent animals can defeat most of them. I found that weighted birdfeeders that close when a squirrel or rat lands on it are the best option, followed by caged feeders. Of course, there is no way to stop squirrels from visiting a bird table or ground feeder, although it is generally not a good practice to put premium foods out in the open unless you willing to pay a lot to feed squirrels, blackbirds, doves, and the odd turkey, quail, or goose flock depending on where you live. Putting out inexpensive sunflower seeds, or seed mixes will go a long way for keeping squirrels off the more expensive birds, and bringing out birds like Mourning Doves, Field or Song Sparrows (or White Throated/Crowned Sparrows in winter), Brown Thrashers, and the like. Squirrels seem not to like suet, grains like milo or millet, and safflower although results may vary and some squirrels will still raid such feeders for the odd sunflower seed or peanut. I also had no squirrel issues with my window feeder mounted to the second story window of my townhouse. If you have no luck at defeating squirrels, it may be a good idea to give them their own food or invest in alternate foods like mealworms, grape jelly or suet instead. Remember that the best birdfeeders are flowering plants, native trees, and anything that creates fruits or seeds. 

Weight triggered squirrel resistant birdfeeder

Check out this fun video by Mark Rober about how squirrels can find their way into just about anything. Video Link

 

Food for Squirrels: You can feed squirrels in your garden by offering their favorite foods on a table/ground feeder, or specially made squirrel feeders. Grey and Fox Squirrels love sunflower seeds, corn, peanuts (both shell or and shell-less), and virtually any kind of tree nut. Corn cobs can provide hours of fun as squirrels will try to remove the kernels or dislodge the entire cob from the mount. Another option is to gather acorns, and nuts from hickories, beeches, chestnuts, or hazelnut bushes (they love Pecans, Black Walnuts, and Beechnuts in our area) and put them on the feeder or a tray. Squirrels may also take table scraps, surplus or unwanted fruits (make sure it is not moldy) and baked goods in appropriate quantities. Flying squirrels will sometimes visit hanging feeders (even squirrel proof ones) at night.

Providing Habitat: Like every other garden inhabitant squirrels need more than birdfeeders to live successfully in our communities. While squirrels can be taken for granted, they will not be able to survive without trees that provide the nuts and seeds they need to survive. Grey Squirrels rely heavily on Eastern Woodland trees with oaks, hickories, beeches, and the mostly extirpated American Chestnut being their primary food sources, followed by pines, maples, birch, and alders. There also needs to be food sources for the spring and summer months. Both squirrel species will eat the fruits of mulberry, wild cherry, blackberry, sumac, hackberry, and magnolia when they are available. 

To provide the best habitat for Tree Squirrels, plant a mixtures of oaks, hickories, and other hardwoods as canopy trees and use native shrubs and trees for the subcanopy and understory sections. This provides a corridor for squirrels to travel without going out into the open, provides food throughout the season and creates suitable habitats for dreys. Deadwood and snags can also be of value as squirrels often move into hollow trees and woodpecker holes, while flying squirrels depend on cavities. Hedgerows and coppices (thickets made up of shrubs, and saplings that are cut periodically), are also valuable for squirrels and can connect woodland or shade trees to other parts of the garden. Fox Squirrels as well as chipmunks and marmot actually prefer shrubby areas over woodlands. Lastly, garden plants that produce seeds can be of value for squirrels, with native or cultivated sunflowers being on the top of their list. In suburban or urban setting, something as simple as planting a shade tree or a shrubby border/hedge can make a big difference for birds and small mammals.  

Deciduous trees like these Sugar Maples are key for Grey Squirrels 

Fox Squirrels are more at home in open settings with scattered trees.

Other Needs: Grey and Fox Squirrels are fairly self-sufficient in gardens or parks with established trees, and reliable food sources throughout the year. Some additional things that will help squirrels include providing a source of water, supplemental shelter, and places to hide from predators. Both squirrels will readily drink from birdbaths, garden ponds, or other sources of water if they are clean and easily accessible. Try using a ground-level water feature or a sturdy pedestal bath as a squirrel can tip over a lightweight bath. Grey Squirrels may occasionally move into large birdhouses meant for starlings, flickers, or owls, and will also use specially built squirrel shelters (usually a tree-mounted box with a slot on the side). Flying squirrels often raise their litters, shelter, or store food in Bluebird, Starling, or Chickadee boxes including ones placed in surprisingly open areas like lawns or park trails. When squirrels are out in the open they are vulnerable to Red Tailed or Red Shouldered Hawks, as well as diurnally hunting Great Horned or Barred Owls. Adding shrubs or a brushpile can provide quick escape habitat for squirrels and rabbits although the same elements might be used by a cat, fox, or a sparrowhawk (Cooper's Hawks will occasionally hunt squirrels) to ambush unsuspecting prey. Wooden fences, stonewalls, and rock piles may also be valuable as lookout points, and travel routes for squirrels.  

Birdbaths and garden beds at my current garden (circa 2020)

Garden Birds

Birds and Gardens

Often the best birding experiences are made at our doorstep

Autumn and winter are among the best times to get into birdwatching and your garden or a local park is a good place to begin. During this time of year, many species of birds are looking for consistent food sources and gather around fruit-bearing shrubs, weedy areas, flowering plants, and bird tables. Migration brings birds into our gardens and once the leaves fall and vegetation dies back, it becomes easier to look for look for hidden species. Bird tables and birdfeeders are the busiest from late October to March. This is a good place to get familiar with garden birds that live with us all year, or visit during the winter. 

What Are Garden Birds

Chickadees live in our gardens year-round and are our most frequent birdhouse users

In my definition, garden birds are any species of bird that is commonly found in residential or urban settings that can successfully carry out their lifecycle in a yard or garden. While any species of bird may visit a garden during migration, most garden birds are seen throughout the year, and are familiar  to anyone who spends a little time outside. Gardens may also host woodland, grassland, or wetland species if such habitat is nearby. For instance, neighborhoods with mature hardwood trees or a forest tract may host forest species, while homes that back up to saltmarshes might have wading birds, and sandpipers. In the end, a garden bird can be any bird that breeds, or overwinters in a residential area rather than visiting briefly during migration or as a stray. 

Some of the birds that I consider garden inhabitants include familiar species like Carolina Chickadees, Cardinals, Mockingbirds, and in the summer American Robins, as well as more overlooked species like Carolina Wrens, Blue Grey Gnatcatchers, or the Pine Warbler. Most gardens host at least 15 species of birds, while a well planted property in a wooded community might host 70 or more bird species throughout the year. 

Birdwatching at Home 

Cardinals are easily overlooked, seeing the first cardinal is an unforgettable moment

Your garden is the best place to begin birding and even before you get a birdfeeder or put up a bluebird house, you find at least a few types of birds. On a casual walk to the front lawn you may see mockingbirds, or robins feeding on a summer morning, Turkey Vultures soaring overhead, or catch a Cooper's Hawk or other sparrowhawk as he/she goes after some sparrows. Even listening to the sounds while enjoying a cup of tea or coffee on a porch can be rewarding. Before trying to learn all of the calls and songs, just listen to the chorus. You may hear whistles, chants, cawing, or even an strange noise like a squeaky hinge, or a barking dog. 

Most people know what a cardinal looks like and it is the state bird of North Carolina, Virginia, and many other states. However, I found that many people did not know they have cardinals living in their gardens until someone pointed it out or they put out a birdfeeder for the first time. That was certainly the moment that I got hooked into birdwatching when I was a teenager. That along with seeing Mallards and Wood Ducks at Greenfield Lake, and admiring photos of Painted or Indigo Buntings, Blue Jays, and all of those South Texas specialities (the Green Jay especially). After seeing the first male cardinal, you quickly learn that these birds seem to come out of the woodwork and are responsible for the loud whistling songs that heard during the spring and summer months. 

You also hear another loud chanting sound from the hedge that sounds like "Teacher Teacher Teacher" or "Tea Kettle Tea Kettle Tea Kettle". You may think a bird with such a loud voice has to be something large. Instead you see little orange bird that is just over six inches (15cm) long. Later you may find out that the same bird is nesting your mailbox or a Boston Fern hanging on your porch.  One of two of these birds also follow you as you around as you dig in the garden, rake leaves, or mow the lawn (looking for insects disturbed by gardening). That bird is a Carolina Wren and is one of the loudest birds in our area and is much more colorful than other birds it's size.  

Adult Carolina Wren

A domed nest in a greenhouse or shed is the work of a wren

Later on, you get excited about identifying dozens of bird in the area only to find it coming from that mockingbird that lives next door. Grey Catbirds also make sounds from other birds as does the Yellow Breasted Chat. While these birds and their mimickry skills bring new birdwatchers down to Earth and it can be disappointing that the beautiful Hermit Thrush song, or the sound of a Red Tailed Hawk was only a mockingbird or chat, it is amazing feat for one bird can make all of these sounds. 

Mockingbird (right) are ubiquitous in cities and villages, Red Bellied Woodpeckers (left) are the most likely woodpecker to come to your birdfeeder.

Seeing your first woodpecker is exciting and it is hard to miss the Pileated Woodpecker (i.e. Woody Woodpecker) when one lands on a tree or fallen log. While many think woodpeckers are only found in forests and wilderness areas, that this giant woodpecker and the smaller Red Bellied and Downy/Hairy Woodpeckers all live in suburbs, towns, and parks and might even stop at a birdfeeder. 

Within a few months you may be able to identify many of the garden-dwelling birds, as well as a few woodland birds, and waterbirds. I am sure most people can already recongize a Mallard, Canada Goose, or Great Blue Heron when they see one. 

You do not need to travel to a wilderness area, or go on a birding trip to identify birds. Many of our birds can be seen right from the comfort of your own home or at a city or town park. Without any improvements, your garden may already host dozens of birds . Some birds are only seen during the summer as is the case with the Yellow Throated Warblers, and Ruby Throated Hummingbird (although more hummingbirds are overwintering). Others like the handsome White Crowned and White Throated Sparrows that patronize our bird tables or clean up what the nuthatches or chickadees throw out visit during the winter after leaving their breeding grounds in the Boreal Forests of Canada. Migration brings a mixed bag of familiar faces from both seasons as well as birds heading on holiday in the tropics (including many warbler, vireo, and flycatcher species). While the spring and autumn migration cycles serve as a shift change for birds, the cardinals, wrens, chickadees, and mockingbirds aren't going anywhere nor are the woodpeckers, and bluebirds. 

Another unforgettable bird that likely lives just around the corner, Pileated Woodpecker

Where to Look

A back garden with a birdhouse for bluebirds  

Birdwatching in the garden can be an easy place to learn common species, as well as catch glimpses of migrating species. You will also get introduced to other animals such as Grey or Fox Squirrels, Green Anole lizards, Two-Spotted Bumblebees or Eastern Carpenter Bees (both docile and beneficial like the Honeybee), and several types of butterflies.  You can find birds almost anywhere although our first encounters are usually on the lawn, or at a newly placed feeder. Try looking beyond the confines of the window as you will certainly come across some interesting finds. A basic pair of binoculars can go a long way when looking for birds or trying to identify the hawk or vultures soaring in the distance. 

Feeders

A bird table in the front garden of the same house

A typical bird table setup can host anywhere from 10-30 species of birds depending on what type of food is offered and where it is located. Even feeders located near the house can bring birds into view and allow for you to observe their antics and behaviors. Cardinals or Carolina Chickadees are usually the first birds to find a new feeder, although in urban settings, House Sparrows might come within hours if they are accustomed to people. After a few visits, other birds begin to arrive with nuthatches, finches, Blue Jays, and Red Bellied Woodpeckers becoming acclimated in short order, while some fortunate or unfortunate residents might end up hosting Red Winged Blackbirds, grackles, or cowbirds, especially if they are living in the countryside or happen to be next to a feedlot, landfill, or a city park where people feed geese. Regardless of who is visiting, you can get a good look at any bird that visits a feeder. 

Look For: Chickadees, titmice, Brown Headed or White Breasted Nuthatches, Downy, or Red Bellied Woodpeckers, cardinals, Goldfinches, House Finches, Blue Jay, White Throated/Crowned Sparrows, and House Sparrows. You may also see flocks of Redwings or Common Grackles during the winter months. 

Also Look For: Indigo or Painted Bunting, Chipping Sparrow, Baltimore Oriole, Pine Warbler, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, and if nectar is served Ruby Throated or Rufous Hummingbirds. 

Trees

Oaks can bring many types of birds including Blue Jays and woodpeckers

The majority of garden birds naturally inhabit woodlands, or forest habitats. While all birds use trees at some point in their lives, there are several birds that live their lives in the canopy. These birds are often overlooked by birdfeeder watchers, and casual gardeners. Away from the feeders, chickadees, titmice, and finches perch, or feed in deciduous or coniferous trees, while woodpeckers and nuthatches forage for insects on trunks and limbs. A good number of birds also nest in trees including Summer Tanagers, Baltimore/Orchard Orioles, American Robins, and many warbler and flycatcher species. Deciduous trees have the benefit of losing their leaves in the autumn, making it easier to see who is there. Autumn and winter are a good time to learn the woodpeckers, nuthatches, corvids, and small woodland birds. We also have a few warblers that stay for the winter, giving newbies an opportunity to test the waters on identifying similar looking birds. Trees with fruits, or nuts can attract flocks of birds during the autumn and winter. Wintering American Robin, Common Starlings (not the same birds that nest in the spring/summer), and Cedar Waxwings flock to hollies and cherry laurels by the thousands, while Blue Jays, Red Headed Woodpeckers, and Common Crows gather at oaks, hickories, and beeches to stockpile nuts. The types of trees in you area can determine what birds might be nearby. 

Oaks, Beeches, and Hickories (nut trees): Blue Jay, Common Crow, Red Headed or Red Bellied Woodpecker, White Breasted Nuthatch, and various nesting songbirds. Pecan Hickory, American Beech, Live Oak, and White Oak are goldmines for nut-eating birds  

Hardwoods (other species): Essential habitat for breeding or visiting vireos, most warblers, or flycatchers, as well as Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanager, and White Breasted Nuthatch. Groves of hardwoods may host Wood Thrushes, Downy/Hairy Woodpeckers, Yellow Throated Warblers, and other deciduous forest inhabitants, even in an urban neighborhood or park.   

Pines: Almost anything, although Longleaf, Shortleaf, and Loblolly Pines are important trees for Pine Warblers, Brown Headed Nuthatches, Siskins and House Finches. White Pine in Appalachia may be used by Red Breasted Nuthatches or Red Crossbills.

Other Conifers: In our area that would be Red Cedar, White Cedar, or Common Juniper as well as a number of ornamental evergreens. Junipers and cedars loved by kinglets, chickadees, and Yellow Rumped Warblers. Also a popular nest tree for cardinals, mockingbirds, and House Finches. 

Fruit Trees (any species): Look for American Robins, Cedar Waxwings, Common Starlings or Red Winged Blackbirds/Common Grackles by the hundreds or thousands. Mulberries, Black Cherry, and other summer fruits may attract Orchard Orioles, Summer Tanagers, Mockingbirds, and Brown Thrashers. Southern Magnolias and Hackberries become inundated with Red Eyed Vireos, thrushes, Grey Catbirds, and Starlings from September to November.

Shrubs, Thickets, and Hedges 

Thrashers nest, and shelter in hedgerows and copses but come to feeders 

The majority of garden birds live in low vegetation such as dense bushes, hedges, or in coppices (thickets formed by brushcutting, tree falls, or timber harvesting). In the garden, shrubs are where cardinals, wrens, sparrows, and mockingbirds disappear after they leave the bird table, or take a break from singing. As with trees, shrubs come in different shapes, sizes, and can be deciduous or evergreen. Evergreens including Asian Azalea species, camellia, hollies, and gardenias are among the most valuable nest sites in any garden (even if it could be improved with native plants). Flowering shrubs attract warblers, flycatchers, and hummingbirds during spring migration, while fruits bring birds from late summer through winter. I would say that hedgerows, brambles, and dense clumps of shrubs away from the house are the most valuable asset in any bird friendly garden. 

Foundation Plantings: Loved by cardinals, mockingbirds, Carolina or Winter Wrens, and resting feeder birds like chickadees or titmice. Mockingbirds and cardinals often nest right next to houses, as do Song Sparrows. 

Hedges (manicured): Cardinals, House Sparrows, and wintering White Throated/Crowned Sparrows often congregate in hedges of boxwood, privet, holly, camellias, or azaleas between feeding seasons. Winter flowering camellia is a boon for Ruby Crowned or Golden Crowned Kinglets, Orange Crowned Warblers, Baltimore Orioles, and hummingbirds looking for nectar or insects. Many birds nest in hedges along property borders. 

Hedgerows and Woodlots: Hedgerows and other shrubby or woodland like borders can host as many birds as a woodlot or small park. This is where Brown Thrashers, Indigo Buntings, Field Sparrows, and Mourning Doves nest, and is also the preferred place that cardinals, other sparrows, and just about any bird imaginable feeds or shelters. Look for overlooked birds like Yellow Billed Cuckoos, White Eyed Vireo, or the Wood Thrush in a hedgerow or wooded border. 

Coppice: Copses and dense clumps of brambles and saplings are loved by thrashers, catbirds, mockingbirds, sparrows, and cardinals. This is also where Yellow Breasted Chats, Eastern Towhees, and if you are lucky to have them Bobwhites live. Copses, hedgerows, and windbreaks host more migrating warblers and other songbirds than forested areas.  

Other Locations 

A Bald Eagle, a reason to keep your eyes to the skies. 

 

Overhead: Look for soaring Turkey Vultures, Red Tailed or Shouldered Hawks, or passing crows, Peregrines and Kestrels. Also look for Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, Purple Martins, and Chimney Swifts during the summer months. Don't forget about other flyovers like geese, swans, herons, flocks of blackbirds or starlings, and if you got  good eyes the smaller songbirds. 

Lawn: Look for Mockingbirds, Eastern Bluebirds, American Robins, Chipping Sparrows, and White Ibis on lawns, mown fields, and sporting areas. Large grassy areas may host Horned Larks, Meadowlarks, Killdeer Plovers, or sandpipers. Birds such as Song, White Crowned or Throated Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, Brown Thrashers, and Wood Thrushes (or Hermit Thrushes in winter) feed on grassy areas within reach of shrubs. 

Flowerbeds and Vegetable Gardens: A surprising number of birds use herbaceous plantings for habitat. Chickadees, House Wrens, and many of the sparrow species (esp Field, Song, White Crowed/Throated, and Savannah) prefer flowerbeds, or weeds over shrubs or mown fields. A handful of birds may also nest in flowerbeds or on the edges of lawns. Common Yellowthroat, Song/Field Sparrow, and Mourning Doves may nest on or near the ground. Flowering plants and insects bring everything from hummingbirds, to cardinals to a garden.   

Hummingbirds often visit the flowers of salvia, fuchsia, and herbiscus 

Powerlines or Poles: Mourning Doves, swallows or martins, mockingbirds, bluebirds, Eastern Kingbirds, and Eastern Phoebes often perch on powerlines. This is also where Red Tailed/Shouldered Hawks, Kestrels, and Harriers perch when they are hunting. Monk Parakeets often nest within transformers or power stations, while Red Headed Woodpeckers make nests in power poles. 

Buildings: Some birds like to shelter, or nest on or in manmade structures. Chimney Swifts nest in chimneys or shafts, Barn Swallows nest under eaves, and House Sparrows, Carolina Wrens, or Crested Flycatchers use nooks and crannies. Other birds like chickadees, titmice, House Finches, bluebirds, starlings, and even certain owls (namely Barn Owls) may nest on or in buildings. Outside of nesting, small birds like Winter Wrens, Treecreepers, or even White Throated Sparrows may find shelter in a porch or outbuilding. Stonewalls and masonry structures also provide good habitats for small birds (also the case with ancient walls and ruins in Britain and Europe).  

Water: Retention ponds, creeks, and even the sea can bring birds that are not normally in gardens into view. In the Cape Fear Region, many retention ponds become loaded with ducks, geese, cormorants, and grebes during the winter. Wading birds like herons, ibis, and storks also make visits to ponds. Other wetlands may host other surprises like one of the many chickenlike birds that are called rails or crakes, fish hunting birds like Osprey or Bald Eagles, or kingfishers, and other stuff. If nothing else, there are guaranteed to be Canada Geese, and at least a few wild or domesticated ducks to identify (especially if people come to feed the birds).