Re: [cobirds] Goldfinch seed feeding behavior

[Jared Del Rosso]

The Wisconsin birding list discussed this a few years ago. They documented 
similar behaviors with finches (esp. goldfinches) and thistle. They 
speculated that the seeds are being treated at such high temperatures (so 
they don't reseed) that they're drying out and/or that the long import time 
is drying the seeds out. Apparently, thistle seeds have a short shelf life.

I don't know if their explanation is right. But I'm adding this because 
birders in at least one other state are noticing the same patterns. 

There is a juniper at the edge of my yard. Below it are all sorts of 
introduced plants that, I suspect, robins (and perhaps waxwings) have 
spread while visiting the juniper to eat her cones: a young Russian Olive, 
Poison Hemlock, and thistle. It's neat, though frustrating, to see how 
these plants cluster around a favored spot of songbirds. Meanwhile, I have 
several baby junipers growing around my yard, thanks, surely, to those very 
same songbirds.

- Jared Del Rosso
Centennial, CO

 

On Tuesday, May 30, 2023 at 3:40:06 PM UTC-6 John Malenich wrote:

> I've noticed the same thing with them completely refusing thistle starting 
> at about the same time (3-4 years ago) after many years of devouring 
> thistle with the same feeder set up with sunflower seed nearby.  Now they 
> are only eating sunflower no matter how many times I put out fresh 
> thistleabout to give up on it.
>
> John Malenich
> Boulder, CO
>
> On Monday, May 29, 2023 at 6:48:50 PM UTC-6 Chip Clouse wrote:
>
>> Hulled sunflower gives higher caloric value for less work as it doesn't 
>> have to be cracked to be eaten. I think your birds have just gotten 
>> smarter, that's all.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Chip Clouse
>> Lakewood
>>
>> On Mon, May 29, 2023, 2:13 PM Jim Tyler  wrote:
>>
>>> Birders -
>>>
>>> I’ve noticed a change in Goldfinch (both American and Lesser) behavior 
>>> over the past 6 years or so.
>>>
>>> I live in Roxborough Village, and going back 5-6 years, we had a 
>>> dramatic increase in the numbers of Goldfinches. Two foot-tall mesh thistle 
>>> feeders would be covered with a dozen Goldfinches each, with easily a dozen 
>>> or more waiting to feed. It was normal for them to consume 1/2 to 2/3 of 
>>> the seed from each feeder daily.
>>>
>>> Local populations crashed roughly 3-4 years ago, with almost no 
>>> Goldfinches showing up at my feeders. Oddly, at that time, I noticed that 
>>> the remaining Goldfinches had gravitated to my (shelled) sunflower seed 
>>> feeders. This continued for a roughly 3 years, with only one or two 
>>> Goldfinches showing up at a time.
>>>
>>> So far, this seemed normal as populations shift, and Goldfinches are 
>>> known to eat sunflowers, but they were completely ignoring my thistle 
>>> feeders.
>>>
>>> This year has brought more Goldfinches - as many as 10 at a time - but 
>>> the unusual thing is that they ALL are eating sunflower seeds and ALL 
>>> ignoring my thistle feeders.
>>>
>>> I dumped all my older seed and have completely refilled my thistle 
>>> feeders twice, and have moved one to the front yard, but the Goldfinches 
>>> continue to eschew my thistle feeders and in both front and back yards now 
>>> exclusively eat sunflower seeds.
>>>
>>> At the same time, House Finches are also ignoring my thistle feeders.
>>>
>>> While it’s possible I’ve purchased a bad or old batch of thistle, I’d 
>>> like to think that the bird supply retailer I use hasn’t received bad seed.
>>>
>>> So my question to the group is whether anyone else is seeing Goldfinches 
>>> at their feeders refusing to eat thistle?
>>>
>>> Thanks!
>>>
>>> Jim Tyler
>>>
>>> -- 
>>>
>> -- 
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com
>>> For more options, visit this group at
>>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
>>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. 
>>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate
>>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
>>> --- 
>>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google 
>>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send 
>>> an email to cobirds+u...@googlegroups.com.
>>> To view this discussion on the web visit 
>>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e95e7795-c4f8-42d5-6a96-98eedc5be7bb%40comcast.net
>>>  
>>> 
>>> .
>>>
>>

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and cit

Re: [cobirds] Am. Redstart songs

[Brandon]

I agree with American Redstart songs sounding like various other warbler
species quite often.  I've heard them singing in the east, and I think they
could be something else, and they turn out to be American Redstart quite
often.  The Merlin App gets confused with American Redstarts too, I have
heard people have recorded an American Redstart that they are looking at
singing on their Merlin App, it has said it was a different species, like
Black-and-white.  Even if Merlin hears something, it is a good idea to try
to see the bird, since it isn't always right.  Also, Merlin App has issues
with Indigo and Lazuli Buntings it seems like.  I have recorded a Lazuli
Bunting on Merlin, though it says it is an Indigo Bunting.  I am sure there
are lots of other problem songs, and of course Northern Mockingbirds doing
a lot of different birds.

Brandon Percival
Pueblo West, CO


On Tue, May 30, 2023 at 4:59 PM Paula Hansley  wrote:

> The redstart’s song is more variable than that of most warblers. The song
> this one is singing is the third song in the Sibley vol. 2, bird app.
>
> Paula
> --
> Paula Hansley
> Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
> Ph:  720-890-2628
>
> --
> --
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
> To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
> For more options, visit this group at
> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include
> bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate
> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
> ---
> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups
> "Colorado Birds" group.
> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an
> email to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
> To view this discussion on the web visit
> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtYUPck9bmrW%3D8u%3DN2PzmbuO-NQ3XhzPYSpWiLD48VL5Fw%40mail.gmail.com
> 
> .
>

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CA%2BXeEuVMixUr%2BnR5bmm9YLanB830EvmKUec2ReBO0kV6kQBM6Q%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Am. Redstart songs

[Paula Hansley]

The redstart’s song is more variable than that of most warblers. The song
this one is singing is the third song in the Sibley vol. 2, bird app.

Paula
-- 
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph:  720-890-2628

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtYUPck9bmrW%3D8u%3DN2PzmbuO-NQ3XhzPYSpWiLD48VL5Fw%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] American Redstart!

[Paula Hansley]

I finally saw it, trying to drink from my fountain— an American Redstart.
It looks like a first year male or a female bird. Because it has been
singing, I assume it is a male.

Sorry for the confusion. I’ve always had trouble with the higher pitched
warbler songs. When I was hearing many if them all summer, each summer, it
was much easier to remember each one.

Anyone is welcome to try to come see/hear it.
Just text me.

Paula
303-261-7516

-- 
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph:  720-890-2628

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtY4pWOV5cwc3A06Q%3Dv84_6Ma78t3xNpMQSp2w6O2-qOBA%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Posting

[Paula Hansley]

Someone reminded me that I said I wasn’t going to post on CObirds any more.
Obviously , I need to amend that statement. If I see or hear an unusual
bird at my house, and if I’m going to be home, I will post the sighting.

I may have seen the Black and White Warbler if I had realized what it was
immediately. I was looking in the leaves not on the bark of my maple tree.
It likes to glean insects from under the bark, like a nuthatch.

The trunk of the maple is four feet from my water fountain.

To me, this is a much different situation than an Open Space area that is
not monitored by rangers 24 x 7.

Paula
-- 
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph:  720-890-2628

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQta3qEasqHVSKXeJwRwz7jzHBUOp_98u%3DsXJCx6d%3DLAxwQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies, Chatfield Banding Station - May 30, 2023

[Meredith McBurney]

Another slow day, with 12 new birds and another 12 birds caught previously 
this season.  It is now breeding season!  We will band and then take down 
the station tomorrow.

Here are the 12 new birds today:

Western Wood-Pewee 1
Yellow Warbler 5
Common Yellowthroat 1
Yellow-breasted Chat 1
Red-winged Blackbird 2 (male and female with brood patch, together in net)
Lesser Goldfinch 2 (male and female together in net)
 
Meredith McBurney
Bander, Chatfield Banding Station
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/f4b72b34-e08d-4bca-9e3b-433828b36d7cn%40googlegroups.com.

Re: [cobirds] Goldfinch seed feeding behavior

[John Malenich]

I've noticed the same thing with them completely refusing thistle starting 
at about the same time (3-4 years ago) after many years of devouring 
thistle with the same feeder set up with sunflower seed nearby.  Now they 
are only eating sunflower no matter how many times I put out fresh 
thistleabout to give up on it.

John Malenich
Boulder, CO

On Monday, May 29, 2023 at 6:48:50 PM UTC-6 Chip Clouse wrote:

> Hulled sunflower gives higher caloric value for less work as it doesn't 
> have to be cracked to be eaten. I think your birds have just gotten 
> smarter, that's all.
>
> Cheers,
> Chip Clouse
> Lakewood
>
> On Mon, May 29, 2023, 2:13 PM Jim Tyler  wrote:
>
>> Birders -
>>
>> I’ve noticed a change in Goldfinch (both American and Lesser) behavior 
>> over the past 6 years or so.
>>
>> I live in Roxborough Village, and going back 5-6 years, we had a dramatic 
>> increase in the numbers of Goldfinches. Two foot-tall mesh thistle feeders 
>> would be covered with a dozen Goldfinches each, with easily a dozen or more 
>> waiting to feed. It was normal for them to consume 1/2 to 2/3 of the seed 
>> from each feeder daily.
>>
>> Local populations crashed roughly 3-4 years ago, with almost no 
>> Goldfinches showing up at my feeders. Oddly, at that time, I noticed that 
>> the remaining Goldfinches had gravitated to my (shelled) sunflower seed 
>> feeders. This continued for a roughly 3 years, with only one or two 
>> Goldfinches showing up at a time.
>>
>> So far, this seemed normal as populations shift, and Goldfinches are 
>> known to eat sunflowers, but they were completely ignoring my thistle 
>> feeders.
>>
>> This year has brought more Goldfinches - as many as 10 at a time - but 
>> the unusual thing is that they ALL are eating sunflower seeds and ALL 
>> ignoring my thistle feeders.
>>
>> I dumped all my older seed and have completely refilled my thistle 
>> feeders twice, and have moved one to the front yard, but the Goldfinches 
>> continue to eschew my thistle feeders and in both front and back yards now 
>> exclusively eat sunflower seeds.
>>
>> At the same time, House Finches are also ignoring my thistle feeders.
>>
>> While it’s possible I’ve purchased a bad or old batch of thistle, I’d 
>> like to think that the bird supply retailer I use hasn’t received bad seed.
>>
>> So my question to the group is whether anyone else is seeing Goldfinches 
>> at their feeders refusing to eat thistle?
>>
>> Thanks!
>>
>> Jim Tyler
>>
>> -- 
>>
> -- 
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
>> Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To post to this group, send email to cob...@googlegroups.com
>> For more options, visit this group at
>> http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
>> * All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. 
>> Include bird species and location in the subject line when appropriate
>> * Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
>> --- 
>> You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
>> "Colorado Birds" group.
>> To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an 
>> email to cobirds+u...@googlegroups.com.
>> To view this discussion on the web visit 
>> https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/e95e7795-c4f8-42d5-6a96-98eedc5be7bb%40comcast.net
>>  
>> 
>> .
>>
>

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/85b0bd70-66e0-42af-81bd-cbdcc3aa7ab0n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Black and White Warbler

[Paula Hansley]

I made a mistake. I heard the warbler again and the song is that of a Black
and White Warbler not a Bay-breasted.

I’m walking around the neighborhood to see if I can head it again.

I think the warblers are attracted by the sound of my waterfall.

Trying to figure out how to record on my iPhone!

Paula Hansley
Louisville
-- 
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph:  720-890-2628

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtYj84gtWjzf4Qpx_6EnKDDJE1AfcRgV%3DVX%2BKLV2QMUPiQ%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Bay-breasted Warbler, Louisville

[Paula Hansley]

A few minutes ago a Bay-Breasted Warblef was singing from my maple tree.
Trying to find it.

I suspect that the “late” warblers are now migrating west through.

Many people scan it head this high pitched song.


Paula Hansley
Boulder County
-- 
Paula Hansley
Petrographic Consultants International, Inc.
Ph:  720-890-2628

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/CAHmCQtbaPfzGvwRg0rMv2z4GOgGGUy3tunQViuDRykeOySqh7w%40mail.gmail.com.

[cobirds] Bird Conservancy of the Rockies Chico Banding Station-May 30, 2023

[Chicobander]

A pleasant day to be outside this morning. A few more birds today were 
around- of course they were Swainson's Thrushes but better than no birds at 
all. Some straggler MacGillivray's  Warblers and Lincoln's Sparrows 
appeared. 

*41 New Banded Birds*
Yellow Warbler- 1
MacGillivray's Warbler- 4
Willow Flycatcher- 1
American Goldfinch- 2
Lincoln's Sparrow- 4
Orchard Oriole-1
Blue Grosbeak- 2
Hermit Thrush- 1
Swainson's Thrush- 23
Gray Catbird-2

*5 Recaptures*
Swainson's Thrush -3
Brown Thrasher- 2

The banding station will be open tomorrow through Friday Sunrise until @ 11 
AM. Friday we will operate the nets one last time for the season and take 
down station afterwards.
Enjoy the last days of spring bird migration! Many thanks again for the 
Birders pitching in where needed sharing your info and scribing plus the 
extra snacks provided for all of us workers.

Julie Shieldcastle
Chico Basin Ranch Bird Bander
Bird Conservancy of the Rockies

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/b01fd4a2-46dd-4fa1-9aba-984c163abd68n%40googlegroups.com.

[cobirds] Jefferson, Douglas, Arapahoe Encounters...

[Jared Del Rosso]

Today -- On a dog walk along the High Line Canal in Greenwood Village / 
Centennial today (Arapahoe), I heard a Cordilleran Flycatcher at a location 
where they've seemed to nest since at least 2018.

Last night -- At Daniels Park (Douglas County), I heard at least one, 
probably two Common Poorwills. It was around 9:00ish. 

Sunday - At Beaver Ranch (Jefferson County), Evening Grosbeaks are singing 
and calling from everywhere. I'd only previously encountered this species 
one time, a lone male up in Estes Park. So it's fun to see and hear 
multiple. 

Not yet -- Common Nighthawks in Centennial (for me). This is later than I 
usually encounter one; however, I haven't been as diligent this year -- 
having had some wonderful encounters with them in New York state in mid-May 
following a Mayfly hatch and having too many Nuggets and Celtics games to 
watch through dusk.

- Jared Del Rosso
Centennial, CO

-- 
-- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google
Groups "Colorado Birds" group.
To post to this group, send email to cobirds@googlegroups.com
For more options, visit this group at
http://groups.google.com/group/cobirds?hl=en?hl=en
* All posts should be signed with the poster's full name and city. Include bird 
species and location in the subject line when appropriate
* Join Colorado Field Ornithologists https://cobirds.org/CFO/Membership/
--- 
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups 
"Colorado Birds" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email 
to cobirds+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion on the web visit 
https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/cobirds/89967b9c-5aeb-4d5a-8a2e-a09b8ee15203n%40googlegroups.com.