Backyard Migratory Visitors in 2015
/In 2015 over thirty regional and Neotropical migrating birds visited my backyard wildlife habitat during the spring and fall seasons. Generally these birds are not attracted to feeders. Only the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Red-breasted Nuthatches fed on sunflower seeds, and the Pine an Yellow-rumped Warblers fed on suet. While my garden plantings and structure that provide security attracted many of the species, my water features provided the major attraction for these short term visitors and afforded me close viewing and many photo opportunities. Focusing on their natural feeding sites such as in the tops of spring budding trees and fall berry laden trees and shrubs also provided many delightful migration bird sightings.
I was thrilled to view warblers as close as fifteen feet on my deck water feature such as the Tennessee and Yellow-rump Warblers, and Northern Parula. It was overwhelming to have the Northern Parula and Red-breasted Grosbeak come onto my deck. The radiant color of Baltimore and Orchard Orioles was striking to see along with Summer Tanagers, American Redstarts, Black-throated Green, Yellow and Magnolia Warblers, and Cedar Waxwings. Some of these transients gathered in groups to drink and bath in my ground water features providing long periods for viewing. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Red-breasted Nuthatches fed on sunflower seeds, while the Pine and Yellow-rumped Warblers fed on suet.
