Birdwatching in the Winter
Birding (or “birding”) can be an enjoyable, educational, and family-oriented activity that will promote an appreciation of nature and photography.
Woodpeckers, nuthatches, chickadees and cardinals can often be easily seen during winter months; tundra species such as longspurs and snowy owls may show up unexpectedly at local wetlands or refuges due to an irruption event.
Waterfowl
Winter months provide an ideal opportunity to observe an impressive array of waterfowl. Whether it is the classic mallards and wigeons or more exotic brants and trumpeter swans that you seek, your chances of seeing these birds increase significantly during this season. Furthermore, many local species like wood ducks, gadwalls, Northern shovelers, American black ducks remain year round in area waters; furthermore spectacular tundra species like ivory gulls and snowy owls may even make appearances!
Waterfowl are most easily seen during winter in open water sources such as lakes and ponds, marshes and sedge meadows. If your backyard offers high-fat foods such as black oil sunflower seeds, thistle seed, peanuts or suet, backyard bird watching could become even more rewarding!
Open water can also provide the ideal setting for seeing herons and grebes; some hawk species like eagles and vultures may even make appearances during winter. To attract waterfowl to your yard, consider building or adding a birdbath and providing fresh, clean water that’s easily accessible for ducks, geese and other aquatic creatures.
Backyard bird feeders are also popular winter spots for dark-eyed juncos and Evening Grosbeaks, as well as blue jays and cardinals that often live nearby. When branches become barren or there is less leaf cover around them, these birds become much easier to spot.
Bird watching can be an engaging way to learn about local wildlife and the environment around you, providing a fun, educational, and relaxing pastime that enhances observation skills while simultaneously meeting people who share similar outdoor interests. Beginner or experienced, it’s a fantastic activity for beginners or families looking to broaden their horizons!
Join your local Audubon chapter or birding club for events and scheduled hikes to local winter hotspots, or participate in citizen science projects like Christmas Bird Count or Project FeederWatch to make the most of winter birdwatching. With just some effort and planning you can maximize winter birding.
Songbirds
Birders might assume winter is an inactive period for birds, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Winter offers an abundance of nonbreeding songbirds and other species as well as seasonal visitors only found here during these coldest months.
Many birding hotspots become even more productive in winter – open water draws ducks, geese and other waterfowl, while marshy areas and evergreen forests provide shelter for songbirds looking for food and nesting sites.
When it comes to winter bird observation, the essential tool is binoculars – specifically one with an extra zoom feature for longer distance viewing. A spotting scope may also come in handy depending on where you live, while camera equipment should always be close at hand for taking photos of wildlife.
Dress appropriately for winter weather by layering up and donning a hat. Additionally, bring along a waterproof notebook and pen or pencil for taking notes – this will allow you to improve your birding skills and identify species that you see over time! You may even discover hidden migratory secrets, uncover fascinating habits or routines or become immersed in an exciting avian drama!
As it’s essential to keep wild animals at a distance when approaching them too closely, humans should remember that wild animals react similarly when approached too closely by humans – they flee when approached too close. Be sure to respect any wildlife encountered by using marked trails, speaking softly and moving slowly through the woods. You can encourage birds to visit your property by setting out feeders containing high-fat foods like black oil sunflower seeds, thistle seed and suet; just make sure your feeders are cleaned regularly so as to prevent disease as filling too much food may lead to obesity among certain species of birds.
Owls
Winter can be harsh on many species, yet also offers opportunities to spot species more difficult to see during warmer months. Snowy owls are winter visitors in our region whose numbers fluctuate year-to-year depending on lemming populations; their hunting areas include open tundra-like regions where farm fields, airports and woods meet – often perching telegraph poles, hay bales or machinery while you drive country roads or stroll the length of a runway – where these spectacular white raptors hunt – their calls include hoots, whistles shrieks and cat-like meows!
Not just raptors can be easily seen during winter months; other northern bird species that normally remain hidden away in their boreal environments such as redpolls, crossbills, waxwings and snow buntings become easier to identify by sight or sound alone – these include redpolls, crossbills waxwings and snow buntings – as well as chickadees finches and woodpeckers that make winter homes.
Before heading out on a cold winter walk, take some time to research which species have made your area their winter home by consulting eBird or other birding websites. That way you’ll be prepared for any surprises that might appear!
Assuring birds have food sources is another effective way of drawing them to your yard and feeders, as is offering high-fat foods like black oil sunflower seeds, thistle seed, peanuts and suet. Furthermore, offering fresh water sources such as bird baths free of ice or warmers regularly will attract birds during colder conditions; consider filling it up with both dechlorinated tap water as well as dechlorinated rain water to provide them with all they require for survival.
Focusing your winter birding excursions around a specific habitat type or region is another effective strategy. For instance, birders in northeastern Pennsylvania could visit the eastern Upper Peninsula to see common redpolls; those from central Illinois might try seeking out pine siskins and black-capped chickadees that migrate there due to abundant nut crops.
Raptors
Raptors are one of the stars of winter birding. You might witness them soaring through thermals, perching on utility poles or outer branches of trees, or even swooping down to catch prey. Local Cooper’s Hawk and Sharp-shinned Hawk species are commonly seen, often preying upon small to medium mammals, reptiles, crustaceans grasshoppers and some fish for food.
While songbird activity does decrease during winter months, you still may see many species by visiting a conservation park or natural area for a bird walk. Be sure to wear warm clothing and bring binoculars – birds are easier to spot without leaves covering them up!
Always avoid nesting areas and disturbing birds during nesting season to minimize disruption and ensure their chances for survival. Shocking them or disturbing their nest could compromise these efforts and impact their chances for survival significantly.
Un excellent way to improve winter birding is to get acquainted with the year-round resident species in your region. Doing this involves getting familiar with each species’ individual characteristics and closely watching its behavior – providing hours of enjoyment while honing your birding abilities!
As you explore new habitats, look out for places where active birds might be hiding out – unfrozen bodies of water, open fields, forests, grasslands and locations with food sources like bird feeders are good bets for finding active bird populations.
If you’re searching for something truly remarkable, make sure to watch out for irruptive species like Pine Siskin, Northern Cardinal, Evening Grosbeak, Red-winged Crossbill, and other boreal migrants that make an unexpected appearance in our region. Some irruptive species even make headlines when they show up far outside their typical range – making headlines of their own when such unusual sightings make headlines!
Put in an extra effort this winter to observe birds, and you will discover their splendor! Plus, exercising, getting outside more, and meeting other enthusiasts of nature and birds could all add up to an enjoyable wildlife watching experience!