Bird Table Life
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| Wintery Window Feeder Setup, Townhome Bird Table Jan 2018 |
The arrival of autumn in the Carolinas brings more than just cooler air, shorter days, and breathtaking sunsets (or foliage in Appalachia) . Songbirds and migratory raptors are passing through woodlands, hedgerows, and gardens in search of food and water, or waiting for favorable winds to assist them on their journey south or towards the coast. Butterflies including Monarchs, Sulphurs, and Skippers are at their peak, while cicadas, katydids, and crickets are in full chorus. Bees, wasps, and hoverflies visit the first round of autumn wildflowers such as asters, early-blooming goldenrods, or morning glory. Squirrels and Field Mice are stocking up for the winter. You may also notice that birdfeeders and bird tables are busy as birds shift their diets or visit during migration. In this article I will describe some of the behaviors and habits that I have observed over the years with references from various readings.
General Bird Table Behaviors
Your bird table or feeder station offers a glimpse into the lives of birds and is a good place for beginners, casual gardeners/nature lovers, and experienced birdwatchers to learn about bird behavior. You will see social interactions within species (intraspecies interactions) and between different species of birds (interspecies interactions). With time, you may find that birds have habits and routines like humans, form family and nonfamily relationships, and can even recognize people. Below is a overview of some behaviors and habits that you will see amongst common birds and select mammals near bird tables, along with descriptions and habits.
Feeding Habits
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| Chickadee and Oriole, Townhome Bird Table, Winter 2017-2018 |
One of the first things an observer will notice at their bird table are the differences in feeding styles and preferences. Small woodland birds such as chickadees, titmice, and nuthatches take seeds away from the feeder to hack open in trees or nearby shrubs. Other birds such as Cardinals, House Finches, Siskins, Indigo Buntings, and Goldfinches remain at the feeder for minutes at a time. Some birds such as sparrows, Brown Thrashers, and Mourning Doves generally remain on or near the ground whilst woodpeckers prefer to brace themselves to vertical surfaces. With time and patience, you can identify most garden birds by their feeding habits, and general behaviors. Below is a overview of feeding habits amongst common birds as well as some mammals.
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| Carolina Chickadee at cage feeder, Wilmington Garden 2011 |
Carolina Chickadee: A very small bird that moves energetically and is one of several species that visits feeders almost daily. They usually carry off seeds, nuts, or peanuts to hammer open in a nearby tree, shrub, or even on railings, gutters, or sturdy plants. Chickadees hold seeds between their feet to peck them open, before flying back to the feeder to get more. They store food in crevice year-round. Carolina Chickadees rarely come on the ground, though its large counterparts from the north such as the Black-Capped, and Boreal Chickadees will feed on the ground. They come in groups of 3-15 birds, sometimes more during the autumn and winter. Chickadees are often the first birds to find a new bird table or feeder setup and will readily take food from the hand or recognize people. This bird also nests near human habitation including in birdhouses, or crevices in buildings, and is present in virtually any garden or public area with shrubs, trees, or established perennials.
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| Tufted Titmouse at another squirrel proof feeder, Wilmington Garden 2010 |
Tufted Titmouse: Much larger than Carolina Chickadee with a distinct crest, and long tail (think of it as a miniature Blue Jay or small parrot). They are just as energetic as chickadees and are often seen together in mixed flocks. Titmice have the same habits as chickadees with the birds carrying off seeds or nuts to hammer open between their feet, and will fly back and forth to feeders. Titmice will feed on open bird tables, trays, or directly on the ground, while chickadees rarely touch the ground. They come in groups of 3-8 birds, sometimes more during the autumn or winter. They are more likely to be found in forested neighborhoods, homesites within woodlands, or around mature oaks, beeches, hickories, sycamores, and maples but can be found in most gardens in the Carolinas.
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| Brown Headed Nuthatch, Wilmington Garden, 2011 |
Nuthatches: All three species are easily told from chickadees and titmice by their habit of creeping up or down vertical surfaces, and their short legs, long chisel-like beak, and short tail. Brown-Headed and Red-Breasted Nuthatches are only slightly larger than Carolina Chickadees and are very energetic and gregarious, while the White-Breasted Nuthatch is much larger (same size as Downy Woodpecker) and is sluggish. All species generally carry off seeds or nuts from the feeder and wedge them into crevices to store or hack open with their beak. Brown Headed Nuthatches and some times White or Red Breasted Nuthatches will feed on the ground, and may stay still at suet feeders, seed blocks, or to hack open large nuts that they cannot carry off. Brown Headed Nuthatches come in flocks of 10-20 birds, Red Breasted Nuthatches come in groups of 3-6, while White Breasted Nuthatches are usually solitary or in pairs. In general, nuthatches are found around mature trees or established woodlands with Brown Headed and Red Breasted Nuthatches are associated with conifers such as pines, spruce, fir, and hemlocks.
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| Downy Woodpecker, Townhome Bird Table, Spring 2019 |
Woodpeckers: All woodpeckers are easily identified by their upright posture, habit of clinging to vertical surfaces, and their chisel-like bills, and short legs. Unlike nuthatches, Woodpeckers as well as Treecreepers have spiked tails that allows them to brace to vertical surfaces. Five of the eight woodpecker species in the Carolinas will visit bird tables with most birds coming from autumn to spring. Most species carry off nuts or seeds to hammer open in trees or to stock (same way as nuthatches), although Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers generally visit suet or lard feeders and remain still while they hammer at the contents. Red-Bellied, Red-Headed, and Pileated Woodpeckers will also feed on the ground, open bird tables, or other horizonal surfaces. Woodpecker are easy to distinguish as Downy Woodpeckers are small, black and white birds (about 14-16cm 5.5-6.5" long, or the same size as a titmouse or White Breasted Nuthatch), while Pileated Woodpeckers are as large as crows, with large crests and long beaks. The other woodpeckers fall between these extremes and have distinct head patterns (Hairy Woodpeckers are identical to Downy Woodpeckers except larger). All woodpeckers generally come singly or in pairs though Red Headed Woodpeckers come in family groups of 10-20 and Pileated Woodpeckers also stay in family pods (beyond the fledgling stage). Almost any garden will likely host Red-Bellied, Downy, and often Pileated Woodpeckers and it will not be long before one of those species (often Red-Bellied or Downy), to find a new feeder, while Hairy Woodpeckers are likely present in areas with mature conifers or hardwoods. The Red-Headed Woodpecker is a bird of the countryside and is found in areas with scattered oaks, pines, or beeches including suburbs, schoolyards, and cemeteries, as well as urban greenspaces.
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| Male Cardinal, Townhome Bird Table, Spring 2019 |
Northern Cardinal: Cardinals are among the most common songbirds in the Carolinas and like chickadees, they will become loyal visitors to feeder stations once they find them. This bird is unmistakable with adults being about 23cm (9") long with males being all red except for their black face and females being olive colored. They have crests and long tails, and besides the Scarlet and Summer Tanagers (in the same family), Cardinals are the only red birds in the region. Cardinals will eat just about anything at a bird table but love sunflower seeds, safflower, and during the spring-summer, mealworms. They also nest within gardens and dooryards and like the Carolina Wren, chickadee, and Northern Mockingbird, they rarely travel far from their home ranges. At the feeders, cardinals are generally docile birds although they can be aggressive towards their own kind and will maintain a perimeter around them and can stand up to bullies. I found that cardinals (especially the females) may be aggressive toward House Sparrows, White-Crowned, White-Throated, and Field Sparrows, House Finches, Brown-Headed Cowbirds, and Indigo Buntings. However, Grey Catbirds, Baltimore Orioles, and Brown Thrashers may attack cardinals. Cardinals are very tame and approachable and will wait in shrubs while you put out the feeder or refill it. This bird has some interesting habits including their tendency to perform courtship displays at feeders, and gender-specific territoriality. Males and females sing and chase rival birds during the summer, but form large flocks (sometimes mixed with Hedge Sparrows such as White-Throated or Song Sparrows), from autumn to early spring. Cardinals also are among the first birds to visit a feeder in the morning with the first males arriving before sunrise, while I have seen cardinals at feeders well after dark, with Brown Thrashers, and Grey Catbirds also remaining active shortly after dark. In general, expect cardinals to visit every day with at least several pairs plus fledglings visiting from April to September, while during the winter, up to 25-30 birds may come if there is enough food or a lot of people with bird tables.
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| Male House Finch, Wilmington Garden, 2011-2012 |
Finches and Buntings: Most of the seed eating birds that come to bird tables are finches or buntings. Both categories of birds are small with blunt or stubby bills, upright postures, and exhibit typical songbird habits. All finches and buntings remain still while feeding and may stay on a feeder for minutes at a time. House Finches, American Goldfinches, and Siskins are gregarious and active with entire feeding stations being taken over when they arrive, while the larger Purple Finch is a sluggish bird that may remain on a feeder for 20-30 minutes and are solitary or in pairs. During the spring, summer, and early autumn, Indigo Buntings, Blue Grosbeaks, and Painted Buntings visit feeders and exhibit the same habits as House Finches or Purple Finches. They may remain in place for minutes at a time and visit frequently throughout the day if they breed nearby. Most finches will feed on the ground, on open trays, or hanging feeders, but generally do not hang upside down (except Goldfinches and Siskins). In general, can identify finches and buntings by their color patterns, beaks, and size. Goldfinches and Siskins are tiny (about 10-12cm or 4-4.5" long), while Purple Finches and Blue Grosbeaks are approaching the size of a Downy Woodpecker (about 16cm, 6.5"). The other species fall in between. Male finches and buntings are brightly colored and can be identified with any guide or search. Goldfinches are yellow and always come in groups, Painted Buntings are multicolored (with the females greenish), House Finches and Purple Finches both have red or magenta heads/chests (respectively), and lastly, male Indigo Buntings are solid blue in the summer. Male House Sparrows can identified by their reddish brown backs, black chests, and white undersides, while females look similar to our native sparrows or the Indigo Bunting. Like the other finches House Sparrows come in groups and visit feeders, bird tables or on the ground but tend to be more energetic and are very aggressive. This bird is mainly found around farmyards, cereal fields (wheat, sorghum, millet etc) urban areas, and older apartment complexes or homesites, and rarely go far from human settlement. The females of all "finches" are generally brown or grey with varying color patterns, but they can be narrowed down by looking at their male counterparts. Because of their sedentary habits you have a lot of time to observe and watch finches or buntings as they feed.
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| Song Sparrow, Townhome Bird Table, Autumn 2020 |
Ground Sparrows: Sparrows generally visit bird tables during the autumn and winter though Song, Chipping, and Field Sparrows may visit at anytime. With the exception of the Chipping Sparrow, all species feed on or near the ground and are more energetic than finches or buntings. They run or hop back and forth on the ground picking up fallen seeds, or may jump onto bird tables or tray feeders. House Sparrows (which aren't sparrows) behave more like the other finches and will come up to elevated feeders. All sparrows generally eat small seeds and will come in mixed flocks ranging from 10-50 individuals. In the Carolinas, you often see White-Throated, White-Crowned, Song, and Field Sparrows around bird tables or in flowerbeds and hedges as well as the larger Fox Sparrow and Eastern Towhee. All of the Hedge Sparrows exhibit complex social behaviors like chickadees and remain loyal to gardens with reliable food, with the same groups arriving each autumn and staying until they return to the boreal or arctic region to breed (except Towhees, Song or Field Sparrows which do not migrate long distances). Chipping Sparrows behave more like finches and may sit still on seed feeders for minutes at a time or feed on seeds on the ground and come in flocks of 15 to nearly 100 birds during the autumn or winter but are highly nomadic and will move on eventually. Juncos feed like Chipping Sparrows.
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| Blue Jay at Window Feeder, Townhome Bird Table, Spring 2020 |
Blue Jay: Blue Jays are common bird table visitors in wooded neighborhoods, gardens or homesites within oak, hickory, or beech forests, and near urban parks. They are the only corvid that regularly visits bird tables although Fish Crows may come to feeders in urban areas. These birds are easily recognized by their large size (about 30cm or 12" long), and are the only blue and white birds with crests in the Carolinas (the Kingfisher looks like a jaybird but has a long spear-like bill and dives into ponds for fish). Blue Jays have interesting habits and routines and tend to visit bird tables or feeders at specific times and are highly seasonal. In my experiences, I found jays to come early in the morning (between 7-9am) from mid-autumn (after the oaks have finished producing acorns), until about February, while in other areas, Blue Jays may come all day or only in the afternoon. Jays have large territories and remain in family groups or flocks up to 30 individuals and tend to follow distinct paths through the woodlands and suburbs. Jays are aggressive and will dominate birdfeeders or tables, and come in pairs or small groups with the others waiting their turns in the trees. Like their smaller woodland counterparts like chickadees and titmice, Jays generally carry off nuts (including whole peanuts, pecans, or walnuts), seeds, or suet chunks to cache in nooks or bash open in treetops. Despite their size, they are agile enough to hang from suet feeders, and at my current townhome residence, Jays have learned to hang off my window feeder and make less noise than the Red-Bellied Woodpecker, or Common Starlings which are smaller but heavier. Jays are very noisy, mean, and are difficult to ignore, but along with crows, ravens, and parrots, they are among the most intelligent birds in the world and may use tools.
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| Mockingbird on Lard Feeder, Wilmington Garden Spring 2010 |
Mockingbirds: Mockingbirds are common bird table visitors in the Carolinas and will come if there is mealworms, suet, or other soft foods available and can become a menace. They generally remain solitary and stay on their territories year-round. Mockingbirds can hang from suet cages, hover, and will feed on peanuts, or no-mess seed mixes readily. If you see a grey long-tailed songbird that perches upright or has white wing bars, it is probably a mockingbird. They generally remain near the feeder when they are not eating and may perch on powerlines, trees, fences, or your roof, and visit frequently throughout the day (especially during the winter or when they are feeding young). Mockingbirds chase off all other birds and are one of the few birds that will readily nest near a feeding station if there are shrubs or vine tables nearby, effectively rendering the feeder useless. In most cases there is only one or two mockingbirds per feeder, and they may leave a feeder for days or weeks at a time when nesting or if natural fruits (hollies, privets, hackberry, hawthorn etc) become ripe.
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| Brown Thrasher, Wilmington Garden/Backyard Habitat 1A, 2010 |
Brown Thrasher: The Thrasher is generally largest bird that regularly visits bird tables and is easily identified by its very long tail, plump body, long, slightly curved bill, and its reddish brown body with a white underside and streaks. The Wood Thrush is similar except much smaller and shorter-billed. Thrashers live year-round in wooded gardens, rural properties, and on the edges of woodlands, riparian groves, hedgerows, or overgrown pastures but can be found in urban landscapes with establish shrubs (like azalea, privet, or yew). They feed mostly on the ground and will eat almost anything (seeds, insects, snails, fruits, small vertebrates, food scraps etc). Brown Thrashers will visit ground feeders or low bird tables for seeds, corn, nuts, or come to suet feeders and will become faithful visitors once they discover your setup. They can be aggressive but generally carry off food items to bash open on rocks, and do not chase off other birds like mockingbirds. Some thrashers will even try to visit window feeders (I have a pair on a hanging tray for mealworms and suet chunks), and are quite agile despite their large size, cumbersome and heavy appearance. Thrashers can be in pairs, or small loose flocks and will become so tame that they will fly or run up to people if they associate them with food (almost like Boat Tailed Grackles at parking lots, or House Sparrows in urban centers).
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| Carolina Wren, Townhome Bird Table, 2018 |
Carolina Wren: The Carolina Wren is another unusual and somewhat distinctive visitor who will become a daily visitor to your feeder if suet, mealworms, shell-less seed mixes, or peanuts are offered. They are sparrow-sized birds about 15-17 cm (6-7") long with long bills, and a tail that is often pointed upward. Unlike other small birds, they are orange and yellow with white eyebrows and sing a loud song (a chanting series) throughout the year. Wrens are energetic and loyal and will visit multiple times per day, and always come in pairs except when young are present. They creep like nuthatches or treecreepers, and will feed on the ground, on hanging feeders, and readily approach people they trust. I consider wrens to be the ideal feeder birds as they are peaceful, will accept a wide range of foods, and are almost as colorful as warblers, or buntings. They carry off seeds, nuts, or food chunks like nuthatches but will hammer them open against stones, masonry, logs, or metal fences (they open snails, cicadas, and other tough prey in the same manner). Wrens will also nest near homes in wooded neighborhoods or if your garden has established plantings. The tiny Winter Wren (about 8-10cm or 3-4") is dark brown or blackish and has a tiny bill and may feed on suet crumbs under feeders in the winter, while the House Wren is similar except lighter, and with a longer tail (making them closer to 10cm or 4"), and may also try suet or peanut butter. These wrens are never far from the ground and are generally occasional visitors during the autumn or when inclement weather (like a snow or ice event) occurs.
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| Adult and Fledgling Starlings on suet, Townhome Bird Table, Summer 2021 |
Common Starling: I consider starlings to be occasional or specialized visitors that may come to bird tables for soft foods like suet, lard, bread, mealworms, or occasionally peanuts, and are highly seasonal. These birds have a nasty reputation and are nonnative like the House Sparrow, but my experiences with starlings have been positive. These birds may compete with cavity nesters but they generally nest in pairs (rather than in colonies like House Sparrows), and most native birds can fend them off or live in cavities too small for starlings. Second, it is rare for more than a few starlings to visit a household bird table and these birds are not as aggressive as mockingbirds, grackles, or even Blue Jays but can still be intimating with their long bills and large size. At my previous homesite (my mother's home), Common Starlings came only for suet or lard and were generally spring visitors (right before nesting), or sometimes came during migration with blackbirds. At my current place, there is a starling population that nests in the awnings of our building with a few pairs visiting from late February through September, with fledglings arriving in June after their single brood is finished (one or two birds may remain in the winter). In general, starlings remain still while feeding, can hang sideways or upside down, and will fight others of their own species if they get too close (even their own partners or brood). They rarely attack other birds and generally lose to Red-Bellied Woodpeckers, Northern Mockingbird, or Brown Thrashers, while chickadees, wrens, nuthatches, and even Downy Woodpeckers can feed alongside them. They will feed on the ground. From my observations, starlings tend to visit earlier in the day except when nesting is in progress (in which case they come throughout the day), and will only show up if suet, mealworms, or soft foods are out (my birds can even recognize the blue tray feeder or yellow suet cage). In general, you will get one pair per feeder unless your feeders are spread out, and the birds seen in the winter are likely migrants as there is a gap between July and September when no starlings are present (though flocks will fly overhead).
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| Pine Warbler, Townhome Garden, Winter 2020 |
Pine Warbler: The Pine Warbler is a common feeder visitor in areas with lots of pine trees and in Coastal Carolina, they are abundant in suburbs, cities, and rural areas, and love neighborhoods and golf courses with scattered pines. They are the only Parulidae Warbler that visits seed feeders and one or four species that will come to bird tables on a regular basis and is a year-round resident in most places. They eat seeds, peanuts, mealworms, and suet and generally remain still while feeding, but will carry off seeds to eat or store. This warbler and the Black and White, and Yellow Throated Warbler will creep like nuthatches or hang upside down. Adults are about 15cm or 6" long, have thicker bills, and are yellow like goldfinches, except with streaks. Pine Warblers will regularly come in pairs or small groups and are generally docile and approachable. I had Pine Warblers come to my hand and they often hang out with chickadees, titmice, or Chipping Sparrows. The Yellow Throated Warbler may also come to feeders and will visit during the summer months. Myrtle Warbler visits in flocks from November to April and eat seeds, suet, and breadcrumbs. This warbler looks like the Pine Siskin except with a thin bill, and will chase off other birds and are practically fearless of people. As their name implies, this warbler consumes the fruits of Wax Myrtle and Bayberry. Other warblers may visit suet, mealworm, or nectar feeders during the summer or early autumn and generally mix with chickadees and other songbirds.
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| Mourning Dove, Townhome Garden Spring 2019 |
Mourning Dove: The Mourning Dove is a regularly visitor to bird tables and gardens throughout the Carolinas and is the only dove likely to be seen in most areas. They forage almost entirely on the ground for plant or grass seeds, fallen tree seeds, and sometimes other items, and live in habitats including forest clearings, heathlands, pastures, farmlands, open countryside, and suburban gardens. At the bird table doves are usually found on the ground under feeders or tables cleaning up fallen seeds dropped by other birds or raiding squirrels. They may also feed on low bird tables, mounted trays, and occasionally hanging tray feeders. In general doves are gentle and will waddle on the ground (often walking in circles or oval patterns) as they graze on seeds. After feeding they fly to a wire, tree, or the hedgerow to rest and digest their meals. Mourning Doves may feed for minutes or even up to an hour at a time and from my observations, they tend to come at specific times (first thing in the morning, midday, and again in the evening). They are skittish and will flush if approached, or startled, with their wings making a loud whistling noise. This bird also avoids areas with tall vegetation. During the winter, Mourning Doves form flocks that roam the countryside with rural bird tables hosting dozens or even more than a hundred birds at a time, while 15-20 birds is not uncommon in a typical suburban or urban setup with millet, sorghum, or sunflower seeds. The Common Ground Dove is a small dove that is about half the size of a Mourning Dove (about 14-15cm 5.5-6"), but is similar in color and is found from Southeastern NC southward. This dove exhibits similar behaviors to the Mourning Dove but is less skittish and may fly up to tray or hopper feeders. The Collared Dove or Turtle Dove is also found mostly in the southern region of the Carolinas (from about Wilmington southward) and is essentially the same as the Mourning Dove except for its whitish or ivory coloration and black collar. These may visit bird tables and occasionally hanging feeders in wooded urban areas or around dooryards, often amongst Mourning Dove. The Rock Dove or pigeon is found mainly in urban areas and from my experiences is a rare visitor in most suburban or even inner city neighborhoods (I have only seen lone birds occasionally at my mother's place), though I have seen them swamp setups near shopping centers or in bigger cities like Boston. They exhibit the same behavior as Mourning Doves but come in various color patterns.
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| Baltimore Oriole, Townhome Garden, Winter-Spring 2018 |
Orioles: Baltimore Orioles may visit bird tables during the autumn and winter in the Carolinas and are quite common in the coastal regions from October to April. They typically come for nectar, sugar water (including in hummingbird feeders), fruits, or grape jelly, but I have more experience in birds eating no-mess seed mixes, peanut halves, suet, mealworms, while jelly often gave me ants or yellowjackets. Orioles are breathtaking birds with males bring one of the few orange and black birds in the area, while females and juveniles are yellow or gold. All birds have long spear-like bills, long tails, and are about 16-17cm (6.5-7") long, or just about the size a Starling. Orioles are very tame and will approach people that feed them (even coming to the hand), wait in shrubs or trees for someone to put out their meals. They can be very aggressive and will chase off other birds like Cardinals, Grey Catbirds, and Starlings, but placing sweet items in another area should reduce conflicts. Expect anywhere from two to ten or more birds the visit your garden from autumn through spring, especially if there are winter flowering plants like Camellias, Forsythia, Carolina Cherry Laurel, or Coral Honeysuckle in the area. During the summer the smaller Orchard Oriole resides in the Carolinas and also nests in rural, suburban, and urban with scattered trees. Adults are about 15cm (6") long and have a finchlike song (comparable to a House Finch or Indigo Bunting, except more erratic). They will eat the same things at bird tables although I have not had luck bringing Orchard Orioles to bird tables even though they were abundant in both places.
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| Ruby-Throated Hummingbird, Wilmington Garden, 2013 |
Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds can be attracted to bird tables with nectar or sugar water feeders and are generally present from March to October, although along the coast, they can be seen through the winter. The Ruby-Throated Hummingbird is the only breeding species and is common in most areas and is often seen in the winter in Eastern North or South Carolina, while the Rufous Hummingbird is an uncommon autumn and winter visitor. Both species are small birds (around 10-11cm 4-4.25" long) that hover, zip around at speeds up to 96kmh (60mph) and are the only birds that can fly backwards. Adults are greenish with white (or for Rufous rusty) undersides, and long, thin bills, while the male Ruby-Throat has a reddish throat that may or may not be visible. If you have nectar feeders, you can expect one or several hummingbirds to visit daily, although some people have hosted dozens of Ruby-Throat or Rufous Hummingbirds if they have multiple feeders spaced out. They can be one of the most aggressive birds in the gardens with both genders harassing chickadees, titmice, wrens, sparrows, and even birds as large as Brown Thrashers and Blue Jays. They will even chase bumblebees paper wasps, and hornets from flowers and dive at pets and people. If your feeder is too close to the bird table or seed feeder, a hummingbird may prevent the other birds from using it. These birds visit feeders briefly before dashing off into the wood (where they nest in trees near creeks or lakes), to the next flower patch or meadow to feed. However, hummingbirds need to feed constantly and will come and go throughout the day, while males may use feeders or flowerbeds as courtship sites and perform aerial displays for passing females. From my observations and notes, I found hummingbirds (both species) to visit gardens or feeders most frequently from August to November (with September and early October being peak season), while visits drop off during the nesting season in May-June. During the winter, most gardens have just one or two hummingbirds and only if there are winter flowers such as Coral Honeysuckle, Cherry Laurel, or Camellia, citruses, (or any tropical plant that can survive mild winters in Coastal South Carolina).
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| Grey Squirrel, Wilmington Garden, 2019 |
Tree Squirrels: Any bird table or feeder that is placed within or near woodlands or large trees will eventually attract squirrels. Grey Squirrels and the larger Fox Squirrel are considered nuisances at bird tables as they can wipe out supplies from open tables or trays, find their way onto hanging feeders, and can potentially destroy equipment. Even squirrel proof feeders can be defeated if they are too close to branches, awnings, or too low to the ground though cage feeders work better. Most people, including myself prefer not to encourage squirrels while others feed squirrels peanuts, corn, or even specially made squirrel mixes. Regardless of the problems they cause, and not to mention the fact that they dig up garden bulbs, eat garden vegetables, and occasionally eat young birds in open nests or birdhouses (especially those for Starlings, Common Flickers, Crested Flycatchers and other mid-sized birds), squirrels exhibit some interesting behaviors and are fun to watch. Grey Squirrels are common in most deciduous or mixed forests in the Carolinas and are present in any suburban or urban neighborhood with oaks, hickories, beeches, or pines, while the Fox Squirrel lives in more open spaces such as pinelands, pine-oak barrens, sparsely planted suburbs, and urban parks but use the same types of trees. In general, Greys need more trees and are more adaptable in urban settings, while Foxes like the open countryside and dry sandy areas with scattered trees. Both squirrels will visit bird tables daily but like Blue Jays they tend to come at specific times and are creatures of habits. I found Grey Squirrels to visit my gardens in the midmorning or sometimes in the afternoon, with each family group coming from a different route. If you watch squirrels closely, you will notice that they follow the same routes with some animals running along fences or using hedgerows, while others come straight down trees, or run across lawns or streets. Squirrels will also fight just like birds with rival families chasing each other up trees, making chucking noises, and occasionally wrestling on the ground. Other behaviors include an increase in seed or nut hoarding during the autumn and winter (Most of the lost birdseed, peanuts, and nuts are buried in the ground for the winter), courtship. Grey Squirrels also serve as sentinels and make whining noises when a hawk, cat, or snake is in the area and respond to warning calls from jays, chickadee/titmice, wrens, and their smaller cousins the Chipmunk. In general, you can expect anywhere from 5-20 Grey Squirrels at a time at a feeder station, while Fox Squirrels are generally solitary or in pairs but eat more food in one sitting.
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| Woodrat, Townhome Garden, Summer 2021 |
Mice and Rats: During the autumn and winter, your bird tables may be visited by smaller rodents including one of the several species of mice or rats. In general small rodents are occasional visitors and are generally nocturnal, meaning if you take in your feeders, they will not become a problem. Most of the time mice and rats do not cause problems with properly managed feeding stations unless you put out too much food or have feeders that are poorly placed. Like squirrels, mice and rats also have interesting behaviors and habits. Most gardens are visited by native rodent species including the Field Mouse, White-Footed or Deer Mouse (in more wooded areas), Woodrats (aka Packrats), and in coastal regions of Carolina, Rice and Marsh Rats. With the exception of the White-Footed Mouse and Woodrat, most of these rodents do not infest homes and all rodents can be kept out with proper maintenance and sanitation (a subject for another article). Gardens may also host the nonnative House Mouse, and Roof Rat which may become problems near farms or in urban areas, but are generally an occasional pest in suburbia. The giant Norway or Brown Rat is not common at all in suburban settings but may be found in larger cities, near seaports, industrial sites, and farms. All of these rodents may visit feeders for sunflower seeds, safflower, millet, corn, or cereal grains, while both Woodrats and Roof Rats seem to love suet and lard. Like squirrels, outdoor mice and rats follow specific routes through meadows, woodlands, or neighborhoods and use tunnels, runways (paths made in grass or marshlands), fences, wires, and trees to navigate and avoid hawks, owls, and foxes. Individuals or groups visit at specific times with nocturnal visitor generally coming shortly after sunset or in the predawn hours, less so in the middle of the night. Packrats, Roof Rats, and especially Field or Deer Mice will visit in broad daylight and behave more like squirrels. However, these rodents will avoid open spaces, and scurry away when approached, while the squirrels always win against their smaller counterparts. Other smaller rodents that may visit bird tables include Chipmunks which are the same size as Roof Rats but are gregarious, diurnal, and make piping noises. These rodents can be destructive and are harder than squirrels to deter but have complex social structures and always hibernate in the winter. Marmots also known as "Groundhogs" or Woodchucks are also present in most areas and may occasionally come to feeders, while Cottontail Rabbits (not a rodent) have also come to ground feeders on occasion. In general all of these animals should not be a problem at a properly managed bird table and are good opportunities to learn about the food web and the local ecosystem.
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| Cooper's Hawk, Winston Salem, September 2018 |
Birds of Prey: Birds of Prey are occasional visitors to bird tables throughout the year with at least four species of hawks being common around gardens and suburbs throughout the year. When a hawk or owl swoops down near your birdfeeder, it can bring a mix of excitement, disbelief, and concern. While seeing an apex predator like a Red Tailed Hawk, or a Great Horned Owl can be exciting, they can quickly wear out their welcome if they become regular visitors. Both birds mainly go after rodents, and small mammals and may actually be an benefit as squirrels and diurnal mice/rats will become more cautious and may avoid the area for some time. However, sparrowhawk species such as Cooper and Sharp-Shinned Hawks can become pests as they hunt almost exclusively birds and are attracted to bird tables and other areas where birds congregate. The Cooper's Hawk (the main species that lives in our area), is right at home in urban and suburban areas, and will also nest in wooded neighborhoods. The Sharp-Shinned Hawk is more of a winter visitor and is smaller, more agile, and can even catch birds as small as chickadees or warblers, but tend to remain in the countryside and are displaced by the Cooper's Hawk. The other hawks including the Red-Shouldered and Broad Winged Hawk are primarily after other animals or larger birds and stick to forested areas. While hawks visit for only a brief time, you can learn a lot about their lifecycle by watching the skies over your neighborhood. With time, you will notice that some species of hawk or owl are more prevalent than others depending on the landscape, and that all birds follow a particular schedule, take consistent paths, and have preferred perches. In open or urbanized areas, you may notice that Red-Tailed Hawks soar overhead during the midday, rest on fences, rooftops, or tall trees, and frequent areas with consistent prey. Some Redtails prefer squirrels and have learned to knock dreys (squirrel dens) from trees, or chase them when they cross lawns, or climb up a tree, while others prefer rabbits, field mice, rats, and occasionally geese. Red Shouldered Hawks are very vocal and remain within the forest but venture into suburbs and perhaps to bird tables to snap up squirrels or occasionally a Mourning Dove, while both Great-Horned and Barred Owls will hunt in broad daylight when they are feeding young, and may also come to a garden. As for the Sparrowhawks, they lurk in dense shrubs or trees like "winged cats" and wait for a bird to land before attacking. Cooper's Hawks and "Sharpies" fly in a straight path like a cruise missile and remain low to the ground or treeline before surprising their prey. These hawks will also run after wounded prey, go into hedges, and raid nests. Cooper's Hawks are not afraid of people at all and will buzz low overhead at speeds over 96kmh (60mph), come up to buildings, and may attack you if you disturb their nest. Falcons such as Peregrines and Merlins occasionally visit feeders but always attack from above and rarely stay in one are for long. While watching one of the Sparrowhawks kill your songbirds can be disturbing, we have to remember that the predators are part of the ecosystem, and most birds can evade or even attack predators. For instance, titmice, chickadees, thrushes (Wood, Veery, Hermit, Swainson's and American Robin) Kinglets, and Treecreepers have specific high-pitched calls for Accipiter Sparrowhawks or falcons, while Common Starlings and Red-Winged Blackbirds both have chattering calls for hawks. These calls trigger all other birds and often nearby mammals to seek shelter or initiate mobbing behaviors, which can be just as fascinating as seeing an apex predator in action.
