There is something very special about watching a new day begin with the birds. From quiet darkness, to the first early chirps, to the first few winged visitors, building to the busy activity of dozens, local birds are a big part of the start of each new day. If you pay attention, you are likely to see patterns in bird activity in your yard. Every yard is different and every day is different, but this is the pattern I see on a typical winter morning in my yard.
A Junco, House Finch and Sparrow Enjoying a Warm Birdbath Last Winter
All birds need water. If you make it available year-round, you’ll find that it can be as much of an attraction as putting out seed or suet. In fact, birds that might have no interest in eating at a feeder may come to visit your yard if there is water. Providing water when the temperatures dip into freezing levels, requires some adjustments, but it isn’t hard.
On Sunday a Fox Sparrow came to visit. These little birds occasionally show up in our yard, but aren’t regulars. So it is always fun to see one hopping around on the ground with the other sparrows.
