For a lot of us, it has been a tough winter. If you're
like me, then there have probably been days when you've found it difficult to
make yourself spend time outside—or perhaps extreme weather conditions have
prevented you from being outdoors. If malaise is
the problem, then finding a new challenge—such as species identification—may
help you to find more enjoyment in your surroundings. If inclement weather is the issue, then you
can still learn about birds and wildlife, giving yourself a head start for when
all of that ice finally melts!
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| Aftermath of 2021 ice storm |
How about brushing up on sparrow identification? Sparrows may seem drab, especially in comparison with our spring and summer wood-warblers, tanagers, orioles, and buntings. However, if you spend some time studying them, you may be surprised at the variety of colors and patterns they sport. A growing appreciation for subtlety is one of the benefits of watching sparrows: https://astheraincrowflies.blogspot.com/2018/12/sparrows.html.
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| White-throated Sparrow |
If you’re able to visit lakes, ponds, or the seashore, then you might also enjoy studying waterfowl: geese, ducks, swans, grebes, coots, etc. Waterfowl tend to migrate farther south when food sources up north get harder to find, so, if you live in the Southeast, be on the lookout for large flocks of ducks to start appearing in your area after snow and ice events. While waterfowl generally display flashier plumage than sparrows, some species have subtler coloration, and if you’re observing any of them from a great distance, identification may be tricky. Here are some basic tips that I’ve compiled for common (and some not-so-common) waterfowl species: https://astheraincrowflies.blogspot.com/2020/12/winter-waterfowl.html.
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| Ring-necked Ducks and Green-winged Teal |
Finally, have you noticed that some species of birds in your region seem to fluctuate wildly in numbers from year to year? This may be due to dispersal patterns known as irruptions, which occur when food sources in northern climes are too low to sustain local avian populations. Pine Siskins, Red-breasted Nuthatches, Red Crossbills, Evening Grosbeaks, and some species of sparrows are among the birds that can be considered irruptive. Here is a piece about this phenomenon: https://astheraincrowflies.blogspot.com/2019/01/irruptions.html.
Happy winter birding!
