As other have reported, our feeders on the southern end of Snake
Mountain have nothing unusual this winter. There are many birds at the
feeders, with typical numbers for us -- except down among the regulars
only for Mourning Doves, Cardinals, and Downy Woodpeckers. Finches,
cross-bills, and grosbeaks, so prolific last year, are absent. In
general, the more snow on the ground and in the air, the more birds.

Daily visitors during January:

Gold Finch -- increased from 3 to 14 through the month
Tufted Titmouse -- 5-12
White-breasted Nuthatch -- 2-5
Red-breasted Nuthatch -- 1
Red-bellied Woodpecker -- 1
Downy Woodpecker -- 1
Hairy Woodpecker --1
Chickadee -- 5-15
Junco -- 3-7
Blue Jay -- 6-11
House Sparrow -- 10-26 (total flock is about 40)
White-throated Sparrow -- 2 (but haven't seen them since last week's thaw)
Cardinal -- 1-3
Tree Sparrow -- 5-12
Mourning Dove -- 2 (only occasionally stop by)

Regulars nearby the house, but not at the feeder

Golden-crowned Kinglet -- 2
Raven -- 2-3
Crow -- 2-6
Pileated Woodpecker -- 1
Robin -- 3-50
Cedar Waxwing -- 25-60 (No Bohemians seen)
Turkey -- 6
Red-tailed Hawk --1
Ruffed grouse -- 2 (infrequent)

I clearly overstocked on thistle seed for the winter!

Ian
==============

Bruce and Mary Lou wrote:
> I have had little unusual to report this season from Brandon, but the pattern at my feeding stations seems to fit the state-wide pattern reported so far. There are no irruptive species at the feeder this winter, and my seed consumption is way down. Daily visitors include:
> Chickadees 5-6
> Cardinals 2
> Goldfinch 3-5 (some days a few more)
> Downy woodpecker 2
> Hairy Woodpecker (at least 10
> Blue Jays 2
> Mourning Doves 3-5 (this is down from the crowd of 20+ I have had other years)
> Tree Sparrows 10-12 (this is the usual number I have every winter, and the only group where I have not seen a decline.)
>
> Semi-regular visitors. These birds show up every few days or right after bad weather.
>
> Tufted Titmice 3-4
> Dark-eyed Junco 1
> White-breasted Nuthatch 2
> Red-breasted Nuthatch 1 (this was the first one in several years and came in with the Chickadees just two mornings ago.)
>
> Today, Jan.31, I noted a new visitor to the yard for the winter season, although I have seen them here other winters.
>
> Brown Creeper 1
>
> I have not had any other sparrows or blackbird family members as noted by other feeder watchers.
>
> Mary Lou Webster
> Brandon
>