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Info-Research Solutions (© 1996)
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Canada Unless Otherwise Designated
Researching the
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada
FOR THE BIRDS
December 1993
By
Helen O'Shea
The fluctuating temperatures of the last month mean that we must check the seed in our feeders to make sure that it does not begin to mildew within the container. If it is damp spread it out on a platform feeder. If you are using suet for the first time this winter don't be surprised if larger birds like woodpeckers are slow to feed there. Once the tasty quality of the suet is discovered they will return daily.
Large flocks of American goldfinch, Evening Grosbeaks, and common house sparrows have been sighted at various areas throughout the town. Beginning Nov. 16, three red breasted nuthatch, 6 black-capped chickadees, and approx. 40 Evening Grosbeaks have paid daily visits to the O'Shea feeders--dome, disselfink and suet. Grey Jays are in the yards downtown in larger numbers than other years. Gwen Lunn reported sighting either 100 Siskins or Redpolls in front of Carlton Lunn's house. They didn't remain long enough for her to distinguish the identity on Nov. 19. Fifty appeared in the same location on Nov. 24. Finches are recognisable by their flight but one requires a resting period to make a specific identification. Pearl Magee called to report two pair of White-winged crossbills in her yard on Nov. 21. It was 0 degrees and windy that day. On Nov. 28 and Dec. 1 Susann Myers had a Northern Oriole come to her feeder. It really enjoyed the half orange she put out as a treat. On Dec. 4 Bill and Helen spotted 5 common loons in their winter plumage in Louisbourg Harbour. We also saw 4 Black Guillemots swimming near the Government Wharf. These are small ducklike birds with a WHITE SHOULDER PATCH, bright red feet and a pointed bill. In winter they are pale with white underparts and a barred back. The wings are black with a white wing patch. They range from the North Atlantic sector of the Arctic south to New England, British Isles.
On Dec. 7 there was a juvenile Chipping Sparrow beneath my feeders. Dec. 10 a dozen pine siskins dined, and Dec. 11 two White-Throated Sparrows squabbled with a Song Sparrow.
If you are looking for the perfect gift for a beginning or more experienced birder a recommendation is PETERSON FIELD GUIDES:EASTERN BIRDS by Roger Tory Peterson. Have a great holiday and remember your feathered friends.
Call me at 733-2873 if you have any questions or sightings to report. The next For The Birds will be printed by Jan. 8, 1994.
Helen O’Shea
Extracted from © The Seagull, Helen O'Shea, For the Birds