I'm finding similar numbers as previous years as to species and counts (chickadees (2 max at one time) and titmice (3 or 4 max) the exception); typically getting 12-15 species per morning checklist in a suburban lot edging on woods (21 yard species so far in 2025). I was gifted a couple water baths last Christmas and after little use in Sept.-Oct. I now see a number of the species, including a squirrel or two, visiting for drinks. I don't have them on heaters so must thaw and replace each morning.
I noticed a lot of squabbling on the nyger sock by the goldfinches and found another that had a couple too large holes repaired and after I hung it my goldfinch count doubled to as many as 17.
Before, during and just after the snow events I see greatly increased activity. I've had as many as 6 male and 5 female cardinals visible at once. It seems the white-throats and juncos are more prone to higher numbers very early or late in the day.
There have been visits by a sharp-shin and multiple Cooper's hawk. The birds see them more than I do as I'll often observe the downies, especially, plastered tight to a shrub stem not moving for minutes.
Still looking for siskins, red-breasted nuthatches, evening grosbeaks and/or purple finches.
Ron Burkert
Oakmont, Allegheny Co.
> On 01/15/2025 9:57 AM EST jerry Kruth <00000005ead0dac6-dmarc-request...> wrote:
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> Our small back yard in urban Pittsburgh has normally hosted many winter locals, but this year there seems to be an exceptionally low census, and the feeders are mostly empty.
> The nyger feeders have been practically untouched The peanuts seldom visited, the suet occasionally sees a nuthatch or Downey. WE DID HAVE A RETURN OF THE RED-BELLY, WHICH WE HADN'T SEEN ON THE SUET IN SEVERAL YEARS.Even the black oil sunflower, which is the most popular, has not seen many visitors.
> There are robins buzzing around; more than usual.
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> Overall -- lowest populations we've ever seen.
> Jerry Kruth
> Pgh
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> On Tuesday, January 14, 2025 at 01:43:33 PM EST, Meg Kolodick <000000dc3b46d747-dmarc-request...> wrote:
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> We have posted sightings all year, but I want to address the birds that regularly visit here, spring and/or fall, in Seneca, Venango Co., that failed to show up at all at our yard in 2024: Indigo bunting, Hermit thrush, White-crowned sparrow, Blue-winged warbler, Mourning warbler. They were probably seen in the county, but we always had these birds at one point. Not this year.
> Does anyone else have notable non-sightings?
> Meg/Nick Kolodick
