This is one of those genuine cold spells. The birds do seem quite puffed up. Trapping some body warmth is all they need to do to survive. Of course all of you classified as birders are doing your best as well. Keeping water at the ready is a big deal for some. Karen out Hazelton way has put out a sand and ground egg shell mixture for the birds. She had many come to try the mixture. Good idea Karen.
Watch for big gatherings of birds on the road as they seek sand and salt. If you see them in time a couple of toots on the horn might disperse them.
The 2010 bird count results are out. The Eurasian collared dove was among the interesting birds seen. I was tickled to see our pileated woodpecker was the one counted. Also the purple finch made it to the list. The brown creeper came to us after the legal count time but he was here for sure.
I thought I would take a moment to mention that some of you have called about the calibre of the some brands of mixed seed. I know we just bought a bag which seemed to be mostly millet. The very thing the birds discard. Sharon from Fort Nelson had a good idea. She bought a big bag of fine corn. The juncos, grouse, and jays have been eating it. Good idea!
Had a report of a big falcon in Smithers. It was making an attempt to take small birds at a backyard feeder. The reader thought it was a peregrine falcon. No other confirmation on that.
How are your outside dogs doing? Mark up in the Northeast asked a local farmer for hay spillage. Managed to get enough for his two dogs.
On this cold day I must offer a public goodbye to our 17-year-old golden retriever who was put to rest a couple weeks ago. A beautiful dog who came to us as an old dog from a rescue place.
From the calls to 250-846-5095 and the e-mail notes to mallory@bulkley.net it is clear that you are keeping busy caring for the birds and other critters.
