Discussions

Do you maybe have a cat prowling the area scaring them out of your neighbourhood? Have lots in my yard. Empty feeders daily!

Tons at our feeder, having to fill it almost everyday. Could it be the feed your using? We have always used wild bird seed, have had all kinds of birds at it Robins, sparrows, finches , Oriole and even blue jays  
 
Edited by ashpay, 2021-12-15 21:56:08

North America has lost three billion birds since the 70's due to loss of habitat, pollution and, well, humans. it's not that surprising that you're noticing less of them.

If that is the case then please explain to me why we observe greater numbers and varieties of birds ( including migratory birds), mammals , insects, wild plants and flowers establishing and thriving on and near our mixed farm every year.  
The biggest habitat loss that we never discuss or challenge is caused by development of land to expand towns and cities.  
That said I live in a smaller town and we observe a huge wild bird variety at our sunflower seed , Nyger seed and suet feeders.

I have a lot of birds at my feeder, sparrows and some blue jays , I live in the south end of Brandon,

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/north-america-has-lost-3-billion-birds-in-50-years?utm_source=pocket-newtab

No doubt species loss is occurring and human caused but there are still pockets in the countryside with an abundance of wildlife and there are still many landowners and farmers actively working to encourage and provide habitat for wild plants, birds and mammals. You can’t tar everyone with the same brush and you can’t speak for what I observe on my farm everyday and the increased species. Ask Manitoba Habitat and Heritage Cooperation. They did a bird and wild plant count. Some of us are doing it right, we appreciate an abundance of wildlife on our land and we recognize the benefits that biodiversity brings to improve our soil and make our land more resilient to extreme events. It’s about time that landowners working with nature received some respect for our efforts to encourage wildlife and biodiversity instead of laying blame all the time. So as I said explain why I see increased bird species and numbers on my farm and tell me what I should do differently, because You are not out here everyday observing this wildlife and working to encourage it’s biodiversity.  
 
Edited by Farmergeorge, 2021-12-17 08:01:48

Yes, I believe they are Bohemian Waxwings. We saw a fairly large flock of them this morning in the southwest part of the city.  
 
I also have a lot of birds at my feeder and for three days I've had redpolls along with the regulars.....Red and White breasted Nuthatches , Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers , Chickadees and Sparrows. I haven't seen any Blue Jays though. I was lucky yesterday and saw a Northern Shrike.

Redpolls

We currently have at least ten blue jays coming to our feeder as well as numerous types of woodpeckers, sparrows and chickadees!!

Great shots!

What are you putting in your feeders to attract those birds? All I seem to get is sparrows, and one or two chickadees.

I use a mix of shelled and unshelled sunflower seeds with some dried fruit and peanuts. I get it a Canadian Tire.

The ones at our feeders, about 40 of them, attack the Nyjer feeders relentlessly.  
We have blue Jays that will take sunflower seeds and some nuts, Chicadees that will peck at the suet blocks and sparrows that will grab whatever they can. Magpies eat the cat food and scraps as well as the corn and Sunflower seeds.  
Waxwings stripped the Rowan and Black Cotoneaster as soon as ripe.

Yes,I have wondered also , where are the birds; this is the first winter ,I haven't heard or seen a chickadee, and I love them.  
Live in an apartment with very few trees around, could that be the reason ?  
Sure do miss the sound of them, its so uplifting.

a lot of them are now moving to their breeding grounds further North, they sense the milder weather and spring around the corner.  
We have had 30-40 Redpolls most of the winter, yesterday down to around a dozen, today just a few. Not a lot of sparrows, 3 Blue Jays, 7 Magpies, Grey Partridges started the winter with at least a dozen, last night we were down to 4. Couple of Chickadees been around most of the winter but not always, despite feeders being kept full.  
Regarding feed, there is a lot of cracked corn and wheat on the floor which does not seem to get eaten, the smaller seeds and Nyjer have had the most attention.

The geese are back.

More chickadees and redpolls than I have ever seen this winter. Lots of woodpeckers and nuthatches as well.

Tons in the west end, currently cheeping happily and eating the seed I bought for them. Such a nice sound

It would be very rare to have a Scarlet Tanager here in winter. Any chance you have a picture to post?  
 
The Westman Naturalists are always interested in hearing about unusual bird sightings in the area any time of the year.

Thanks for the photo. Sorry this little guy didn't make it  
 
It is a male White-winged Crossbill. Rose-pink with black wings, two white wing bars and distinctive crossed bill.  
 
They were here this winter but may not be around in other years. You can see them at the top of coniferous trees taking the cones apart.

Lots of Ruffed grouse around this spring like this male photographed April 3rd in our pasture when checking on our calving cows. Also seeing lots of hawks, geese, owls and this evening the first lark this year. Three Robins so far have also shown up in our farmyard.

The crows and the Ravens are back. Got cawed at by one walking home yesterday lol. Seen a few honkers the other day, but they were flying South East.  
 
I get it, Geese. I would go back South for a month or 2 if I could.

Geese have taken back Winnipeg. Dog that we brought along for the ride with us yesterday wasn’t showing the same level of enthusiasm we’re seeing in this thread for the pair that chose to setup shop in the IKEA parking lot

Geese have been back in Brandon for over a week almost two. At least 10 Robbins in my back yard march 31 and I hear them singing this morning. I'd say things are about normal for this time of year.  
 
Edited by Old Lady, 2022-04-04 11:19:52

Our local merlins are back. They get harrassed by the crows though. They didn't stick around last year and I'm not sure they will this year.  
 
Was in Winnipeg on Thursday. So. Many. Geese. Lol. I don't miss that about living there and getting chased by them.

The ducks have returned to my pastures.