Re: Birds and snow

*** R. wrote: 
Steve IA wrote:

*** R. wrote:

Hi all,
We've only had 2 minor snowfalls (1-2"), but both
times I've noticed a feeding frenzy. A few Goldfinches
at the thistle feeders became a "mob" when it snowed.
Even our regular birds (Chickadees, Cardinals, woodpeckers,
WB Nuthatches, etc.) became hyper-active at the feeders.
It seems to me that the best time to watch birds is when
its snowing.

Just an observation,
*** R. in Apple Valley, Minnesota



We use the birds' activity to (very unscientifically) predict the severity of incoming storms. Seems to start about 12hrs before. More birds, more snow. At least, that's what we see.

Steve
southiowa, usa
41N


Hi Steve, and greetings from your northern "neighbor" in Minnesota.
So what's with these birds? Are they visiting the feeders because
other sources of food have been covered by the snow?
I'm still very curious (and clue less) about the behavior of birds.
When the snow and birds arrive, it's best if you don't have to
drive to work.  :-)

Take care,
*** R. in Apple Valley, Minnesota USA
20 miles south of Minneapolis

***,
My point is that bird activity seems to increase *before* the snow starts. Whether it's the wind, rh, air pressure that's cluing the birds, I don't know. Or it could be my imagination and wishful thinking having heard the weather folk on TV, and knowing a snow is coming, I /wish/ more birds to the feeders to 'stock up'.
Don't you have the pre-storm crush of humans at the grocery stores every time bad weather is predicted? Maybe it's just and Iowa thing where people don't think they can live without 10 lbs of 'little smokies, 88 gals of bottled water, 48 rolls of TP and lots of beer if they can't get to the store for a day or so. It does give the local newsfolk something to talk about besides the weather.
We've got 1-3" of snow predicted for tonight. Lots of Juncos, gfinches and the rest of the usual suspects at the feeders now.

This morning we did get to watch a juvie sharp-shinned hawk sit in the big pine tree next to the feeders waiting for someone smaller to do something really stupid. They didn't while I watched for about 20 minutes. Fun watch though.

Steve
41N
.