Date: 2/6/26 5:33 am From: Chuck Imbergamo via CTBirds <ctbirds...> Subject: [CT Birds] Feeder watching
With the ongoing bitter cold and snow cover, getting out to actively bird has been difficult at best. This leaves most of us with watching our feeders as the only practical way to enjoy the birds lately. They are under incredible pressure to survive right now, and I have been making an extra effort to keep my feeders filled this winter.
Other than the usual year-round locals, White-throats and Juncos, I’ve had many visits from Purple Finches, Eastern Bluebirds eating suet, and an American Tree Sparrow, visiting under the feeders for about a week now. Yesterday afternoon was extra special however, because a rather haggard-looking Indigo Bunting showed up. I’ve had them at my property a few times over the years (but always in spring) and I was quite surprised to see this winter rarity!
For my tube feeder mounted on a platform, I use a mix of sunflower hearts and ‘Backyard Basics’ birdseed that includes millet and cracked corn. The Bunting was really enjoying the millet, and the birds that prefer sunflower do a great job of keeping a supply of it on the platform and ground. I also have a mesh thistle feeder which I fill with ‘Lizzie Mae’s Finch Favorite’ which is a blend of thistle and tiny sunflower heart chips. I can’t recommend this seed enough since it attracts numerous species besides the expected American Goldfinches, including nuthatches, my Carolina Wren pair and even Flickers! It also lasts quite a while, which is a bonus.
I highly recommend offering many types of seed to get the greatest variety of birds. I typically have over a dozen species at any given time. The Indigo Bunting was back again this morning and I will keep him well fed as long as he’s around.
Keep your feeders filled!
Chuck Imbergamo
CT Birds Moderator
Madison
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