As winter commences, our bird feeders around Carillon Stonegate Ponds are quite busy. Over the last several days, we have seen a variety of birds around our feeders.
Two species of woodpeckers frequent both the seed feeders and the suet feeder. There is a Downy Woodpecker (1st row left) and a Red-bellied Woodpecker (1st row right). Oddly, the Red-bellied Woodpecker's red belly is not very obvious, unlike its orangish-red crown.
Dark-eyed Juncos [normal form] (2nd row left) are a regulars so far this winter to our feeders. And a leucistic Dark-eyed Junco (2nd row right) made a very rare appearance - a leucistic animal lacks full pigmentation.
The Northern Cardinal winters here at Carillon Stonegate Pond. And a male (3rd row left) and female (3rd row right) Northern Cardinal have been both at the feeders and foraging on the ground below.
And with the arrival of colder weather, the American Tree Sparrow (4th row left) has returned from northern Canada - characterized by the rusty crown and eye line. And our winter avian neighbors also include the White-breasted Nuthatch (4th row right). An odd, little bird and delightful to observe - usually seen facing downward.
There has been Mourning Doves (Last row) pecking below the feeders for fallen seeds.
If the cold weather breaks, get out and take a hike around Carillon at Stonegate and the Carillon Stonegate Ponds. See what you can find - and identify!
Have some fun. And Happy New Year! 2021 cannot arrive soon enough!