2016 Birding Journal Observations - November / December

Cute bird feeder in the form of a squirrel

The usual migratory songbirds and raptors were seen in November and December, but the overall number of backyard birds visiting the feeders seems to be noticeably decreased since Hurricane Matthew. My avian observation about fewer birds has been shared with and agreed upon by a couple of fellow bird observers. I haven't a conclusion just yet, but a hypothesis might be linked to the widespread number of hardwood trees that were toppled during Hurricane Matthew - perhaps those trees were more vital habitat for nesting birds than realized? After all, the pine tree were largely spared by Hurricane Matthew, but they could not have offered much protection form the winds and rains of a Category One Hurricane - which hit in early October. Hopefully, a succession of seasons will bring balance back in the form of a bounty of bird life.

Observations include downy woodpecker, chipping sparrow, tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, yellow-bellied sapsucker, cardinal, robin, bluebird, brown thrasher, wood thrush, pine warbler, bald eagle, mockingbird, meadowlark, pileated woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker, dove, Carolina wren, red-tailed hall and downy woodpecker.

To view past Birding Journal Observations for Nov. / Dec. click on 2015 - 2014 - 2013- 2012 - 2011 - 2010