Date: 3/11/25 8:56 am From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Schuylkill Co. Brown Creeper, Blackbirds, Skeins of Geese
Hello all,
I was thrilled to see a Brown Creeper on the dogwood. It's been visiting the tree and suet feeders, daily, since February 2nd.
At times over the past two weeks our property looks and sounds like something out of Hitchcock's "The Birds". Hundreds of blackbirds fly in to settle down on the ground to feed, then suddenly they rise up to the trees where they sit vocalizing for a while before moving on to a different area to feed. It's fun to hear and watch as they swoop and swirl in perfect harmony. Three of our grandchildren were excited to experience a murmuration over the fields when they visited last week. It's a spectacular Phenomenon of Nature.
In early morning while I'm returning the feeders to the yard, I'm serenaded by Robins, Titmice, Woodpeckers, Ravens and Crows calling from the trees and the honking of large skeins of geese flying high overhead...ahhhh the sounds of spring!
About three weeks ago, we watched Ravens, two Red-tailed Hawks and Crows feeding on heaps of carcasses thrown outside the neighboring chicken farm buildings. Those chicken carcasses often draw in Bald Eagles, but we didn't see any during the time the others were feasting.
Grackles, Red-wing Blackbirds, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Starlings are daily visitors. Our lone Mockingbird monitors the feeders and gives chase to intruders so the local yardbirds do get a chance to eat.
Happy Spring birding,
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp. Schuylkill County
