Autumn Transitions on Sunday, September 13, 2009

Fall bird feeding is an interesting, transitional time. Migrating species leave and join us, causing both backyard scenes and food consumption patterns to change.

Golden-Crowned Sparrow, photographed in Wood Village area

Migrating geese melodiously announce their departure overhead.  Swallows first cluster in trees or on telephone lines, then begin their trip to the southern hemisphere for winter.  Western Tanagers, Rufous Hummingbirds, and Vaux Swifts leave for warmer environs as well.

The ruckus of House Finches at thistle and sunflower feeders gives way to the aggressiveness of Pine Siskins.  Evening Grosbeaks timidly return for an occasional sunflower seed feast. 

Millet consumption increases in the fall as sparrow populations return from nesting sites in Canada and higher elevations.  White-throated Sparrows, White- and Golden-crowned Sparrows, Fox Sparrows and American Tree Sparrows forage on the ground in mixed flocks.  Oregon Juncos return to our yards in small, single-species flocks.

For protection and increased food-finding success, individual crow families join much larger single-species flocks.  The large, late-summer flocks of goldfinches thin down from hundreds to tens in number.  Goldfinch males lose their brilliant yellow coats, molting back to olive-green garb.

Downy Woodpecker and Northern Flicker visits to feeders increase as natural insect food sources become less prevalent.  Suet becomes more attractive to these birds as well as chickadees, nuthatches, bushtits and jays.