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Birding Report for North Central Texas - 2010 Spring birding, summer birding, fall birding, winter birding - no matter what time of year that you're birding in North Central Texas, we have the exciting scoop and we promise that we'll always make it fun! If you enjoy birding, we hope that you'll bookmark this page and return often. If you would like to learn how to set up a birding area please click here. May 2010 - Arrival of Painted Buntings A few painted buntings have moved into the area. Also noted mating activity occurring with resident hummingbirds. Currently, the most prolific visitors to our bird feeders are cardinals. 2009 - 2010 Birding Report for North Central Texas April 2010 - The Hummingbirds have landed..... Yipee! The black-chinned hummingbirds have arrived in North Central Texas and are frequenting our feeders. If you are new to feeding hummingbirds the first rule of thumb is to keep the feeders clean as mold forms quickly in the hot weather and the bacteria subjects the
birds to diseases, including death. You will need to change your feeders at minimum every 2-3 days. March 2010 - A noticeable decrease in bird population.... Notable Birding Events in March: - On March 25th the first male black-chinned hummingbird of the season visited our hummingbird feeder. On April 2nd, we had our first female black-chinned hummingbird visit the feeder. At this point, some will stay while others migrate forward. Hopefully, we'll have a good group stick around this year! - On March 13th a large flock of sandhill cranes were migrating overhead, signaling the soon-close of winter and the rebirth of spring. In regards to birds, March has arrived like a lamb with a very noticeable decrease in the bird population in our area of North Central Texas in comparison to previous years. One new bird species sighting occurred on February 25th - a yellow rumped warbler. This has been one of the coldest winters on record for our area, so we feel it may be reflective of the amount of birds, as well as the type of birds we are seeing in our area. This week, along with the cold weather and snow that didn't stick, we have been putting out about 1/3 the amount of seed as compared to previous years with seed still left on the feeders as well as the ground on most mornings. February 16, 2010 - Snow Still on the Ground While Woodpeckers Abound A few days ago North Central Texas was in the middle of a record-breaking snowstorm. Although large patches of snow remain, oddly enough we have seen bluebirds - bluebirds who are very curious about our nesting boxes. They have nested here for the last few years, but it's very early, and still very cold - in the mid-forties today with winds fairly stiff. A pair of woodpeckers also put in an appearance in the birding area today and we're hoping these guys will choose to nest here. First time we've spotted the female and we'll post her photo in our bird mix for the day located here. Warmer temperatures are predicted for the rest of the week, climbing (supposedly) up into the high fifties, perhaps into the sixties. That's about perfect weather for bird viewing! And we'll keep you posted, friends. February 11, 2010 - Record-Breaking Snow Storm Moves Into North Central Texas The snowflakes made an appearance during the night and continued for another 24 hours leaving our area of North Central Texas covered in a thick white blanket of snow - about 14 inches, a record-breaking event! Exciting too because it's rare that we see the white stuff in our area. Kids were outdoors building Frosty-Men, having snowball fights and just flat-out happy that they didn't have to go to school. Walking to our birding area in the woods was brutal before the heavy snow ended, and with freezing fog in the immediate forecast, it appears that our short break this afternoon is very short-lived. The birds frantically fed - particularly a little wren which is a rarity for our area (just like the snow); we went through about 25 pounds of sunflower seed, millet and mixed birdseed today; 25 pounds yesterday too. The snow is so deep that we're having to feed on the feeder tables. In addition, I made a HUGE batch of suet filled with tasty bird treats - peanut butter, raisins, walnuts and so forth. Problem was, amid the frigid temperatures, the suet froze almost-immediately after it was set out. To view a few of my snapshots of the snowstorm, you can click here, and please keep in mind that they are simply snapshots. Now....I'm off to prepare for a bit of freezing fog. But take note that we are due (or so they forecast) for warmer temperatures in the coming days, so I hope to get a good feel for the birding area to see who is still here and who checked out for warmer temperatures.
February 10, 2010 - Icy Storms, Bitter Cold Take Toll on Birders What a whirlwind! One day it's icy-cold, the next just flat-out cold. Too cold for even this passionate birder to be out-n-about for long periods of time. And the poor little birds...feeding like a frenzy in our woodland birding area. In fact, it's been so cold over the last couple of weeks - even on those days where the temperature was bearable when I suited up, looking much like a crazed yeti, I've noticed that my rare presence is keeping many of the more shy birds from feeding. One must be very patient with birds and to get close, one must spend a lot of time in the birding are. Given the cold conditions, their ability to feed freely far supersedes my joy in viewing them, so I've limited my birding adventures to the birding area located just outside my kitchen windows until the weather decides to break. With snow in the forecast tonight, tomorrow and tomorrow night, my birding adventures are temporarily on hold - yet again. Even so, the number of birds remains way down from previous years and in the past week, the numbers are depleting further still. Our most prevalent feeders are the resilient cowbirds and the brave goldfinch. A few chickadees put in a daily appearance, as do two of the more friendly red-headed woodpeckers. Generally, at this time of year we're seeing a number of pine siskins and purple finches. Cardinals tend to be very prolific, as titmice, chickadees, cowbirds, juncos, morning doves, woodpeckers and various species of sparrows. This year - not much. January 28, 2010 - Global Warming Setting a New Trend While the effects of Global Warming continue to be debated, we can state with certainty that our bird traffic (and population of species) has declined incredibility from the seasons gone by from yesteryear. Last year the following bird species were very prolific: cardinals, meadowlarks, cowbirds, titmice, juncos, chickadees, goldfinch, white crowned sparrows, chipping sparrows and mourning doves. This year, we are lucky to have two resident titmice to stay for the winter birding season. We can count our chickadee population on one hand these days. Finch population as compared to January of last year has decreased at least ninety percent. Junco population has decreased at least 90% for the month of January. Last week, an American Robin arrived to the birding area, perhaps with a small group of friends, but this we are unable to verify. Cold temperatures are predicted for the next several days, perhaps bringing freezing rain and ice. Currently, we're experiencing a downpour of rain. Let's hope that all of our bird friends throughout the nation(s) find safety, nourishment and fresh water with a little help from their birding friends like you and me as time goes by. We'll post our next birding report after the more frigid temperatures exit our area. January 3, 2010 - The Cowbirds Have Arrived We had a rare treat when we were visited by a white cowbird. To view that photo, click here. It's difficult to believe that we still have some straggler-snow drifts sitting around from the blizzard that marched through North Central Texas almost two weeks ago. As to birding, we are happy to report that the darling cedar waxwings remain in our area. In fact, yesterday, two of them sat perched high above me in a tree - as I sat looking at the other birds who had visited our birding area, as I remained totally unaware that I had two little 'squatchy-ers' roosting right above me. When the first splat fell, it slammed against one of my jean-covered legs. The force of the splat was so strong that I assumed a small branch had become dislodged from the trees above. When the second splotch hit my coat (over and over and over again), my husband noticed the two culprits who had until that moment, remained camouflaged in the tree branches. The 'splotches' were definitely of 'berry' origin, so we were happy to discover that the cedar waxwings had been finding substenance in our area. The flicker put in a short appearance both yesterday and today, as did our resident bluejay. The cowbirds have arrived in full calvary - terrorizing the sunflower seed and wild bird seed like there is no tomorrow. Looking Ahead - The extended forecast for our area of North Central Texas (in Parker County) is cold weather followed by cold weather, and yes - even more cold weather. In fact, it has been unseasonably cold in North Central Texas from late fall into early winter, in addition to much wetter than usual. We feel that this change has impacted the birds we are seeing in our area. In addition, we've noticed a steep decline in many bird populations that have visited our bird feeders over the last few winters: - We have about 1/10th (or less) the number of titmice that we usually have at our feeding area. - Junco population has greatly decreased. As an example, last winter the grounds were covered with junco. This year, only one here and there. - Cardinal population has also significantly decreased about 1/3. - Decrease in goldfinch population estimated at about 50%. Pine siscins are very sparse as compared in prior years. - Cowbirds and chipping sparrow, white-crowned sparrow population remain stable. - Increase in Harris sparrow population very noticeable. December 2009 Birding Report for North Central Texas December 25, 2009 - Update Blizzard-like conditions marched through North Central Texas on Christmas Eve and for the first time in my life, I experienced a White Christmas. Although thrilling, my concern lies heavy for the birds. But of course, they are tough little critters and if not sick or weakly, their odds of surviving the bitter crunch are high. It's very difficult to believe that just before the storm hit, we were experiencing 75° temperatures in our area of North Central Texas. What a big change! Due to the icy cold accompanied by 3' snowdrifts, we have seeded our birding area which is a good distance from the house - and quite a challenge amid these snowdrifts - but will not be frequenting our haven in the woods until the bitterness subsides. Chopped fruit, nuts, suet, sunflower, millet, and milo have been placed out in very generous portions in the birding area, as well as in our bird feeding area close to the house. The heavy snowfall has made it very difficult for the birds to readily find seed so we've also placed seed out on hard surfaces. The cedar waxwings are still with us. On December 22, a brown thrasher flew into our birding area - or should I say, our best guess is a brown thrasher. The beak doesn't exhibit the strong curvature that is so identifiable in other thrashers that we've seen in our birding area. For Christmas, my husband and I purchased a bird blind that we can't wait to use! I'm soooo curious to see how the birds will react, and also hoping that our presence will be less conspicious, allowing us to gain closer access to the birds. To get really nice bird pictures with feather detail, the closer the better - and the more 'bird' in the shot, the better. As we head into January, based on previous years, we predict that bird activity will pick-up substantially. We're still hoping that we are blessed with the appearance of the grosbeak who was with us last season, as our buntings. Last year we were heavily frequented by the painted bunting, the lazilu bunting and the indigo bunting. Like cardinals, the males and females differ significantly so the appearance of the male and female buntings was like experiencing 6 new birds. December 21, 2009 - Update Goldfinch activity has doubled since our last birding report with pine siskins starting to filter more prolifically into the birding area. On December 19th a small flock of cedar waxwings appeared, and oh my - they are experts in hiding in the folds of the live oak leaves. And when they decided to put in a brief 'appearance' the lighting was all wrong for this snapper, so now the goal is to get an awesome shot in the future (that is, if the cedar wax wings decide to stay in the area). As a note, cedar waxwings tend to travel in small flocks which offer a greater level of protection.
December 16, 2009 - Update Our birding area is getting more and more traffic as we head into the winter season here in North Central Texas. We have now set up two birding areas - one being located in a dense woods and the other on the edge of a ravine (generally referred to by realtors as a 'seasonal creek'). The overlook of the ravine offers a great background for photographing purposes, and it also helps the birds feel a bit more secure as they can quickly find safe harbor in the many trees embedded in the ravine area. This birding area is also located out in the open, thus lighting is more favorable for photography. To date, we have recorded the following bird sightings: cardinal, white throated sparrow, white crowned sparrow, chirping sparrow, Harris sparrow, fox sparrow, chickadee, downy woodpecker, red-headed woodpecker, northern flicker, yellow-bellied sapsucker, ruby red kinglet, brown thrasher, titmice, towhee, mourning doves, Bewick's wren, goldfinch, purple finch, cowbirds, grackles, red-winged blackbirds, bluejay, turkey vultures, red-winged hawk, king bird, juncos, meadowlarks, pine siskins, quail, scissortail, starlings, cedar waxwings and wild turkey. December 11, 2009 - Update Birding opportunities continue to increase in North Central Texas and with the weather predicted to experience a warm-up during the next few days - as well as clear skies, it's a great time to get out and about to catch a glimpse of migratory action. Yesterday, we had the fortune of seeing a Bewick's Wren in our birding area. What a thrill - this little guy, hopping up the tree trunks, his tail pointed straight-up into the air. In addition, our birding area has been hit hard (in a great way!) with the appearance of the Harris Sparrow. Tons and tons of these little guys - all over the place. We have one youngster who is quite friendly and will feed about ten feet from us; the remainder of Harris Sparrows are quite timid at this time. Generally, they adjust to our presence over time and will move in closer to the feeding area for a better view and more opportune photo moments. Due to the predicted strand of good weather in the forecast, we hope to get out birding during the coming days and will be sharing our findings with you. Typically, birding heats up during mid-December and will continue to produce very good opportunities through May. In other words, it's a great time for year for birders! December 7, 2009 - Update For the past week, North Central Texas has experienced a big blast of icy cold from the north seeing the rarity of snow in On December 4, 2009 - for the first time we spotted a brown thrasher in the woods feeding. Like towhees, they thrive in kicking about the leaves on the ground while searching for food - like a bunch of crazies. And speaking of towhees - they have also decided to stay for the winter, as well as some beautiful fox sparrows, which are about the size of cardinals and quite magnificent. The cardinals are starting to become more prolific, but are nothing more than great big chickens. They are very hesitant to come into the feeding area, but with time and patience, they will allow we-birders a curb-side view (as long as we don't breathe or wink). We have also experienced a heavier flow of sparrows, titmice, chickadees,juncos and goldfinch. We have one downy woodpecker who we highly suspect fed at our feeders in the spring when he was just a baby. He is very tame and will allow us to change out the feeders without exhibiting any fear. I'll try to post a photo of him in the next birding update for North Central Texas. Today, it is misting a very fine, very frigid rain so getting the cameras and birding gear back to our birding area is going to be challenging. Here are a couple of recent photos, one of the lovely fox sparrow, and one of the brown thrasher.
November 2009 Birding Report for North Central Texas November 19, 2009 - Update North Central Texas experienced a short blast of colder weather which unfortunately appears to have blasted the birds out of our feeding area. A few of the commoners are hanging on and include chickadees, titmice and juncos. A few sparrows are also flying in, but all-in-all, birding opportunities remain sparse. Bird traffic should pick-up dramatically as we edge towards December, based on the dates displayed from my photos taken last year. Some of the best surprises of our 2008 birding season for our area of North Central Texas included visits by the following birds: cedar waxwings, rosy grosbeaks, brown thrashers, and Bewick wrens. I hope you'll stay tuned to my Birding Report for North Central Texas as the birding season progresses. I will update often, sharing photos of the birds that visit my feeding stations. November 15, 2009 Our birding report for North Central Texas is an ongoing documentation of the birds in the area. As we enter into fall birding, because North Central Texas resides in the migratory fly-way, we receive quite a number of migrators that one might never expect to see in this area. Mushroom Hunters will be tracking the bird species that pass throughout the season along with photos that we hope you will enjoy and find interesting. As of mid-November, birding in our feeding area has gotten off to a slow start. The weather has been beautiful with temperatures hovering in the mid to upper 70's and warm weather combined with light wind speeds create a perfect environment for insects - a key 'food group' in most bird's diets. When birds have access to the best, they won't opt for second best. We've also experienced a good deal of rain in North Central Texas this fall which has benefited the grass. It doesn't take long to have a flock ofbirds visit the yard after a productive mow. In addition to the birds ample supply of insects, the surrounding states have also experienced milder-than-usual weather. But things are a-changing....
The cardinals arrived only a couple of days ago and have been very timid about feeding at our birding area. The meadowlarks arrived yesterday. With a cold snap on the way, things warmed-up in our birding area. Today, we saw several flickers in our woods - one of which we have posted below. Please take note that he was about 75 feet or more from us, so these are massive crops. The goldfinch arrived for the first time at our feeding station. And we had the privilege of a towhee paying us a visit. He was very timid, keeping to himself as he danced through the fall leaves in search of bugs. We'll update this page frequently as fall progresses. It's always interesting to see which birds will put in an appearance.
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As the evening drew to an end, the cedar waxwings began settling into the tree foliage as we wondered what foods they could possibly be feeding upon in our area - which is basically devoid of their common diet (berries, fruit). Tomorrow, I plan to awake very early and take some chopped fruits and dried raisins to the birding area as the cedar waxwings have been here for two days now. Nonetheless, there must be some of their common foods in our area, or they may just be migrating through.
addition to rain, fog and misty skies. Day time temperatures have been all over the place, from the mid-thirties to the low fifties. Odd how Mr. Wind can impact our birding adventures. It can be in the thirties with a 1 mph wind speed and one is very comfortable in a coat, gloves, hat and scarf. But add the wind, and oh my! On the other hand, amid a fifty-ish temperature, a brisk wind of 20 to 30 mph can send one running to the house in search of body-sized heating pad.
Before today, we had the following birds visit our feeding area in North Central Texas: titmice, chickadees, cardinals, white crowned sparrows, white throated sparrows, juncos, various sparrows and woodpeckers.
