Date: 4/21/24 3:44 pm From: Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Let the Games Begin, Nesting Season
Today I saw Northern Flickers copulating.
The Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers are up to their breasts in a nest hole. Interestingly, it's a red-capped female using the same aspen as last year. Unfortunately, her male was wooed away by the black-capped female that was his partner the prior year; the red-capped female was seen around the yard periodically all summer. Will the black-capped female re-appear this year?
A male Downy Woodpecker is up to his breast in a nest hole. It's in a really dead aspen that has many nest holes started by chickadees and downies over the past couple of years. The wood always looked pretty spongy in the previous holes. This hole looks firm; it's at the base of a dead branch so it may be a winner!
A saw a Black-capped Chickadee inside a Gilbertson tube box. Later I looked and it appears the little fellow was chipping off teeny pieces of the floor. Better hope he stops before he breaks through to the outside.
Bluebirds have deposited grasses into two of our nest boxes: one a Gilbertson, the other a more standard wooden box. Both have hosted bluebirds in past years.
A male Cardinal is patrolling our windows, and still has time for chasing and mate-feeding his female friend.
May we all have good birding stories to share this year!
Date: 4/19/24 9:37 am From: Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Juncos gone?
It was a cool and damp morning. Some might have called it cold and wet. The yard that was covered with juncos and sticks yesterday was now covered only by the sticks shed by the yard’s trees. I gathered those sticks while listening to robin, cardinal, redwing, dove and rooster pheasant voices. A Vesper Sparrow sang “Oh-oh-my-my, its-such-a-beautiful day.” from an elevated perch. My farming father loved to hear that. The vesper sparrow sings at any time of the day but gets its name from its evening hymns (vespers), “Listen to my evening sing-ing-ing-ing.” White-throated Sparrows whistled as I watched an Eastern Phoebe pursue flying insects I couldn’t discern. It was far from 50 degrees. Maybe some insects were wearing wool.
I don't know when it happened, but spring has sprung. The trees are noticeably a bright green, my wild ginger and violets are blooming, and overwintering butterflies are abundant.
A welcome burst of sunshine on a dark day - FOY pine warblers showed up today.
If, after a quick scan of your feeders, your brain says, "huh, a goldfinch on my suet?" take another look - it is likely a pine warbler.
Still waiting on the horde of yellow-rumpeds. Soon I won't be able to keep suet feeders filled.
FOY chipping sparrows showed up the other day and today the first white-throateds are filling my yard with song.
Loads of purple finches and siskins remain, maybe 2 dozen juncos left. It has definitely been a year for finches.
The lovely evening song of robins fills my house daily.
Ahhh, the joys of living somewhere with changing seasons. Does a soul good.
Date: 4/15/24 2:46 pm From: DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Starlings and suet
I feed suet in a wire feeder designed to be attached to the trunk of a tree.All the usual suspects including Brown Creepers and Crows feed from it, but not Starlings. Even Yellow-Rumps and others, and a few thrushes and the occasional turkey eat the morsels that drop to the ground from the activities above.
Starlings home in on shelled peanuts and the meal worms in the "hot" bird mix I put out occasionally when the deer want to eat all the untreated golden safflower in one night.
I always wonder what happened when a Starling song includes the calls of Bluebirds.
Don Grussing
Minnetonka
On Mon, 15 Apr, 2024 at 10:50 AM, Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
To: mnbird
From Mary Oliver’s poem “Invitation”: “…it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world. I beg of you, do not walk by without pausing to attend this rather ridiculous performance…”
A birdie with a yellow bill hopped upon my suet feeder. There are days when starlings dominate the suet feeder. They feed with gusto. There are starling-resistant suet feeders. I purchased an upside-down suet feeder meant to challenge starlings, but the starlings hang upside down and feed. No worries. It’s going to the gym and eating lunch for a starling. The rather ridiculous performance was all on my end.
Date: 4/15/24 8:46 am From: kevin seidel via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Starlings and suet
Cool post 👍
Thanks Al
~Kevin Seidel
Onalaska WI
Sent from my iPhone
> On Apr 15, 2024, at 10:25 AM, Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>
> From Mary Oliver’s poem “Invitation”: “…it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world. I beg of you, do not walk by without pausing to attend this rather ridiculous performance…”
> A birdie with a yellow bill hopped upon my suet feeder. There are days when starlings dominate the suet feeder. They feed with gusto. There are starling-resistant suet feeders. I purchased an upside-down suet feeder meant to challenge starlings, but the starlings hang upside down and feed. No worries. It’s going to the gym and eating lunch for a starling. The rather ridiculous performance was all on my end.
>
> Al Batt
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net
Date: 4/15/24 8:26 am From: Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Starlings and suet
From Mary Oliver’s poem “Invitation”: “…it is a serious thing just to be alive on this fresh morning in this broken world. I beg of you, do not walk by without pausing to attend this rather ridiculous performance…”
A birdie with a yellow bill hopped upon my suet feeder. There are days when starlings dominate the suet feeder. They feed with gusto. There are starling-resistant suet feeders. I purchased an upside-down suet feeder meant to challenge starlings, but the starlings hang upside down and feed. No worries. It’s going to the gym and eating lunch for a starling. The rather ridiculous performance was all on my end.
Date: 4/6/24 7:53 pm From: Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] A shrike
A friend in Freeborn County sent me a photo of a shrike that had met its demise by colliding with a window this week. A shrike in the summer is a loggerhead, and one in the winter is a northern. This time of the year, who knows? They’re often called “butcher birds” and are both a songbird and a predator of songbirds. The shrike’s facial band tells the tale as far as ID goes. I couldn’t see where the mask met the bill in the photo. A loggerhead shrike has a thicker eye band. A northern shrike has a noticeably thinner eye band that doesn’t extend over the eyes or above the bill. The Lone Ranger wore a mask to keep his identity a secret. Not being able to see a mask kept this shrike’s identity a secret.
Date: 4/3/24 9:38 pm From: Allen Batt via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Freeborn County
I tossed some millet onto the ground for the native sparrows. Juncos enjoy that seed, and their gray and white bodies covered the seedy ground. Between the snowbirds and the American Tree Sparrows, there was little room for anything else. A couple of Song Sparrows, a few Purple Finches and House Finches, and one more species. I watched the double-scratch behavior of a handsome Fox Sparrow. It used a backward kick it performed simultaneously with both feet to find food in the leaf litter. I’d like to give that a try, but I’m afraid I’d fall beak first into the scattered millet. Each time I see Fox Sparrows, I want to do for them what the Trashmen did for Surfin’ Birds. During the last couple of snowfalls, I’ve put raisins and bits of suet out for the robins. They sampled those products but were more interested in eating the millet. I took photos to make sure that’s what they were eating. Mourning Doves like millet, too. Good birding, y’all.
Date: 3/28/24 12:47 pm From: linda whyte via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
It's like that here, too - some of the Juncos learned to use feeders, and
even try the ones requiring them to hang and feed upright, like our
nut-feeder. They haven't the skill to do it for long, but can sometimes
shake a few nut morsels onto the ground.
Linda Whyte
On Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 9:36 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <
<mnbird...> wrote:
> After decades of seeing juncos eating only off the ground in spite of
> plenty of foodstuffs in the feeders above them, some of the smarter ones
> learned to utilize bird feeders. Mensa is an organization some humans
> formed to honor high intelligence. Hence, I coined the phrase Mensa Juncos.
> I am grateful that a few have learned to exploit bird feeders. Especially
> since I am now 85, have vertigo caused by a brain injury in the balance
> portion of my brain. When it snowed I used to always clear the ground away
> below feeders for juncos to survive no matter how deep the snow.. Now the
> smart ones can get food directly from the feeders. And they sleep under my
> deck. And I don't have to worry about falling
>
>
> As a footnote, three Mensa Female Turkeys (of the 30 in the neighborhood)
> are smart enough to go to the ground beneath two of my feeders after a
> snowfall and scratch away the snow exposing spilled grains for themselves,
> the squirrels and the few ground feeding juncos still hanging around.
>
>
> Don Grussing
>
> Minnetonka
>
>
> On Wed, 27 Mar, 2024 at 12:24 PM, mary norman <marylouisenorman...>
> wrote:
>
> To: miller johnson
> Cc: <mnbird...>; <cdrussin...>
> What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them
> at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to
> put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to
> plump them first?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mary Norman
>
> > On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <
> <mnbird...> wrote:
> >
> > My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold
> this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it
> could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to
> the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with
> Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes
> a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out
> from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
> >
> > I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our
> winters!
> >
> > Molly Jo Miller
> > Inver Grove Hts
> > Dakota Co
> >
> > PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-)
> > ________________________________________
> > From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD
> GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM
> > To: <mnbird...>
> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
> >
> > Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House
> Finches are gone,
> > Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy
> mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also
> in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging
> to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
> >
> > Don Grussing
> > Minnetonka
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mnbird mailing list
> > <Mnbird...>
> > http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
> .
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
Date: 3/28/24 7:53 am From: John Hamer via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
definition of mensa. Thank you. Great idea
On Thu, Mar 28, 2024 at 9:37 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <
<mnbird...> wrote:
> After decades of seeing juncos eating only off the ground in spite of
> plenty of foodstuffs in the feeders above them, some of the smarter ones
> learned to utilize bird feeders. Mensa is an organization some humans
> formed to honor high intelligence. Hence, I coined the phrase Mensa Juncos.
> I am grateful that a few have learned to exploit bird feeders. Especially
> since I am now 85, have vertigo caused by a brain injury in the balance
> portion of my brain. When it snowed I used to always clear the ground away
> below feeders for juncos to survive no matter how deep the snow.. Now the
> smart ones can get food directly from the feeders. And they sleep under my
> deck. And I don't have to worry about falling
>
>
> As a footnote, three Mensa Female Turkeys (of the 30 in the neighborhood)
> are smart enough to go to the ground beneath two of my feeders after a
> snowfall and scratch away the snow exposing spilled grains for themselves,
> the squirrels and the few ground feeding juncos still hanging around.
>
>
> Don Grussing
>
> Minnetonka
>
>
> On Wed, 27 Mar, 2024 at 12:24 PM, mary norman <marylouisenorman...>
> wrote:
>
> To: miller johnson
> Cc: <mnbird...>; <cdrussin...>
> What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them
> at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to
> put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to
> plump them first?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mary Norman
>
> > On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <
> <mnbird...> wrote:
> >
> > My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold
> this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it
> could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to
> the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with
> Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes
> a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out
> from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
> >
> > I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our
> winters!
> >
> > Molly Jo Miller
> > Inver Grove Hts
> > Dakota Co
> >
> > PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-)
> > ________________________________________
> > From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD
> GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM
> > To: <mnbird...>
> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
> >
> > Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House
> Finches are gone,
> > Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy
> mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also
> in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging
> to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
> >
> > Don Grussing
> > Minnetonka
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mnbird mailing list
> > <Mnbird...>
> > http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
> .
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
Date: 3/28/24 7:47 am From: Pamela Brustman via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
The turkeys at my place hop onto the shepherd hooks and help themselves to
my feeders. I don't love this behavior. It's only the females who do this.
The males just scratch beneath the feeders.
(St. Michael, Wright County)
On Thu, Mar 28, 2024, 9:37 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <
<mnbird...> wrote:
> After decades of seeing juncos eating only off the ground in spite of
> plenty of foodstuffs in the feeders above them, some of the smarter ones
> learned to utilize bird feeders. Mensa is an organization some humans
> formed to honor high intelligence. Hence, I coined the phrase Mensa Juncos.
> I am grateful that a few have learned to exploit bird feeders. Especially
> since I am now 85, have vertigo caused by a brain injury in the balance
> portion of my brain. When it snowed I used to always clear the ground away
> below feeders for juncos to survive no matter how deep the snow.. Now the
> smart ones can get food directly from the feeders. And they sleep under my
> deck. And I don't have to worry about falling
>
>
> As a footnote, three Mensa Female Turkeys (of the 30 in the neighborhood)
> are smart enough to go to the ground beneath two of my feeders after a
> snowfall and scratch away the snow exposing spilled grains for themselves,
> the squirrels and the few ground feeding juncos still hanging around.
>
>
> Don Grussing
>
> Minnetonka
>
>
> On Wed, 27 Mar, 2024 at 12:24 PM, mary norman <marylouisenorman...>
> wrote:
>
> To: miller johnson
> Cc: <mnbird...>; <cdrussin...>
> What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them
> at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to
> put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to
> plump them first?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mary Norman
>
> > On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <
> <mnbird...> wrote:
> >
> > My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold
> this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it
> could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to
> the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with
> Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes
> a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out
> from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
> >
> > I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our
> winters!
> >
> > Molly Jo Miller
> > Inver Grove Hts
> > Dakota Co
> >
> > PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-)
> > ________________________________________
> > From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD
> GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM
> > To: <mnbird...>
> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
> >
> > Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House
> Finches are gone,
> > Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy
> mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also
> in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging
> to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
> >
> > Don Grussing
> > Minnetonka
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mnbird mailing list
> > <Mnbird...>
> > http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
> .
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
Date: 3/28/24 7:36 am From: DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
After decades of seeing juncos eating only off the ground in spite of plenty of foodstuffs in the feeders above them, some of the smarter ones learned to utilize bird feeders. Mensa is an organization some humans formed to honor high intelligence. Hence, I coined the phrase Mensa Juncos. I am grateful that a few have learned to exploit bird feeders. Especially since I am now 85, have vertigo caused by a brain injury in the balance portion of my brain. When it snowed I used to always clear the ground away below feeders for juncos to survive no matter how deep the snow.. Now the smart ones can get food directly from the feeders. And they sleep under my deck. And I don't have to worry about falling
As a footnote, three Mensa Female Turkeys (of the 30 in the neighborhood) are smart enough to go to the ground beneath two of my feeders after a snowfall and scratch away the snow exposing spilled grains for themselves, the squirrels and the few ground feeding juncos still hanging around.
Don Grussing
Minnetonka
On Wed, 27 Mar, 2024 at 12:24 PM, mary norman <marylouisenorman...> wrote:
To: miller johnson
Cc: <mnbird...>; <cdrussin...>
What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to plump them first?
Thanks!
Mary Norman
> On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...><mailto:<mnbird...>> wrote:
>
> My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
>
> I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our winters!
>
> Molly Jo Miller
> Inver Grove Hts
> Dakota Co
>
> PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-)
> ________________________________________
> From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...><mailto:<mnbird-bounces...>> on behalf of DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...><mailto:<mnbird...>> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM
> To: <mnbird...><mailto:<mnbird...> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
>
> Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone,
> Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
>
> Don Grussing
> Minnetonka
>
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...><mailto:<Mnbird...> > http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net
Date: 3/27/24 12:14 pm From: mary norman via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
Thank you, Molly Jo! Yes, now I remember that “mensa” means high intelligence! I’m thinking that all birds must be “mensa” in order to survive! Wish the starlings had a little less in the “smarts” business!
Guess it’s time to buy some new decals for the windows to keep the cardinals from trying to scare opponents! This recent return of winter makes me think spring is a long time away, but it is just around the corner!
Happy birding, all!
Mary Norman
> On Mar 27, 2024, at 1:31 PM, Miller Johnson <johnson-miller...> wrote:
>
> Hi Mary, I'm sorry I can't answer your raisin question.
>
> I believe Mensa Juncos are "smart juncos," not a variation or subspecies.
>
> Mensa is an organization for people with high IQs. So Don is calling his juncos smart because they aren't using a lot of energy trying to survive this storm. They're staying under his deck, popping out only to eat at his feeder buffet, and then return to cover.
>
> Perhaps within all species we could have a Mensa subcategory? Just kidding. ;-)
>
> Although, I think we've all seen male cardinals that are absolutely determined to knock their brains out with their endless window and/or car mirror attacks. They would not be in the Mensa subcategory.
>
> Molly Jo
> From: mary norman <marylouisenorman...>
> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 12:24 PM
> To: Miller Johnson <johnson-miller...>
> Cc: Minnesota Bird <mnbird...>; DONALD GRUSSING Owner <cdrussin...>
> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
>
> What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to plump them first?
>
> Thanks!
>
> Mary Norman
>
> > On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
> >
> > My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
> >
> > I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our winters!
> >
> > Molly Jo Miller
> > Inver Grove Hts
> > Dakota Co
> >
> > PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-)
> > ________________________________________
> > From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...>
> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM
> > To: <mnbird...>
> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
> >
> > Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone,
> > Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
> >
> > Don Grussing
> > Minnetonka
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Mnbird mailing list
> > <Mnbird...>
> > https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmail.lists.mnbird.net%2Fmailman%2Flistinfo%2Fmnbird_lists.mnbird.net&data=05%7C02%7C%7Ca71ac0c7cca64760042608dc4e82ba39%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C638471570622243775%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=0UymibkD8Pn8BscW2EqW3%2FizNAlxfUmCqvn0DejErO8%3D&reserved=0 <http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net> >
Date: 3/27/24 11:32 am From: Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
Hi Mary, I'm sorry I can't answer your raisin question.
I believe Mensa Juncos are "smart juncos," not a variation or subspecies.
Mensa is an organization for people with high IQs. So Don is calling his juncos smart because they aren't using a lot of energy trying to survive this storm. They're staying under his deck, popping out only to eat at his feeder buffet, and then return to cover.
Perhaps within all species we could have a Mensa subcategory? Just kidding. ;-)
Although, I think we've all seen male cardinals that are absolutely determined to knock their brains out with their endless window and/or car mirror attacks. They would not be in the Mensa subcategory.
Molly Jo
________________________________
From: mary norman <marylouisenorman...>
Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 12:24 PM
To: Miller Johnson <johnson-miller...>
Cc: Minnesota Bird <mnbird...>; DONALD GRUSSING Owner <cdrussin...>
Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to plump them first?
Date: 3/27/24 10:25 am From: mary norman via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
What does “mensa juncos” mean? I just call them juncos. Lots of them at our house near the Zoo! And, while I have your attention: I want to put out some raisins for the birds. Do they need to be soaked in water to plump them first?
Thanks!
Mary Norman
> On Mar 27, 2024, at 11:41 AM, Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote: > > My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos. > > I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our winters! > > Molly Jo Miller > Inver Grove Hts > Dakota Co > > PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-) > ________________________________________ > From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> > Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM > To: <mnbird...> > Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect > > Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone, > Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover. > > Don Grussing > Minnetonka > > _______________________________________________ > Mnbird mailing list > <Mnbird...> > http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net
Date: 3/27/24 9:42 am From: Miller Johnson via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect, Fox Sparrow, Song Sparrow
My juncos have returned; they had left behind just a small troop to hold this location from invaders. Yesterday a Song Sparrow was doing all it could to survive: hanging at and eating from the suet cage, moving on to the sunflower feeder. Today, there was a Fox Sparrow hanging out with Juncos. I was expecting it to be the Song Sparrow, so I had to rub my eyes a couple times to make sure I was seeing right! The Song Sparrow came out from under my brush pile and joined the Fox Sparrow and Juncos.
I like "Mensa Juncos." They really do have to be wily to survive our winters!
Molly Jo Miller Inver Grove Hts Dakota Co
PS We knew what you meant by Hairy Woodcocks! ;-) ________________________________________ From: Mnbird <mnbird-bounces...> on behalf of DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Sent: Wednesday, March 27, 2024 10:08 AM To: <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone, Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
Date: 3/27/24 8:20 am From: DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Snow effect
Autocorrect made Hairy Woodpeckers Hairy Woodcocks. Sorry that I didn't catch it. Kind of a Freudian autocorrect.
Don Grussijng Minnetonka
AOn Wed, 27 Mar, 2024 at 10:11 AM, DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
To: <mnbird...>
Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone, Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
Date: 3/27/24 8:09 am From: DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Snow effect
Many birds disappeared and have not returned. Gold Finches and House Finches are gone, Suet eaters are happy. Four Downy Woodpeckers in a crazy mating/territorial dance, Hairy Woodcocks just observing. Chickadees also in an energy burning war. Mensa Juncos sleeping under the deck, emerging to eat a feed mix, then returning to cover.
Date: 3/26/24 10:43 am From: John Hamer via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Trumpeter swans:
On March 24th there were a pair of Trumpeters in Hopkins on a small marsh paralleling Shady Oak road. I Don't think they will stay.They are amazing in their ability to ignore people and traffic. A couple of weeks ago I was parking the car and I saw a pattern on the grass in front of me. Shall I check it out, it's a distinct pattern I'll check it out. It was the wing and tail of a sharp-shinned hawk. Today I saw a Cooper's hawk fly by at the level of the 9th floor. My motto is bird wherever you are.
Date: 3/25/24 9:33 am From: mary norman via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Robins and Raisins
Thank you Charlene! Glad I didn’t put the dried cranberries out as they do have sugar in them!
Mary
> On Mar 25, 2024, at 10:24 AM, Charlene Nelson <jnelson...> wrote:
>
> I’m guessing cranberries work. We planted high bush cranberries in our new grove. They feed everyone who stops by and last all winter till spring bloom.
>
> If you have store bought cranberries I would worry if they’ve been treated with sugar or additives that could be harmful to birds. I’ve had a hard time finding unaltered cranberries for my own use unless they are raw.
>
> Charlene Nelson
> Grant County farm
> Sent from my iPhone
>
> On Mar 24, 2024, at 3:06 PM, mary norman via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>
> I also put out dried mealworms, and I was going to put our raisins but guess I’m out. Will they eat dried cranberries?
>
> Mary
>
>> On Mar 24, 2024, at 2:48 PM, Rose Shea via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>>
>> I put out dried mealworms
>>
>> Rose
>>
>>
>>> On Mar 24, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Lois Rem via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>>>
>>>
>>> I have good luck putting out basic millet. Everyone eats that including the robins. Maybe it's just a South Dakota thing.
>>>
>>> --
>>> Lois Rem
>>> 612-670-5997
>>> 1100 N Lake Ave #204
>>> Sioux Falls SD 57104-1399
>>>
>>>
>>> On Sun, Mar 24, 2024 at 11:05 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> <mailto:<mnbird...>> wrote:
>>>> Robins are tough but the next couple of days may pose a challenge to those which have already staked out territories and are reluctant to leave them even in rough weather.
>>>>
>>>> You can give them some needed sustenance . The birds will seek bare ground such as that protected from snow by eaves or even underneath some evergreens. They will go to such places and a few scattered raisins will be consumed. I've even thrown blueberries and grapes. It's easy to know when to replenish.
>>>>
>>>> Can't hurt and could help. Unfortunately raccoons might also eat that gift.
>>>>
>>>> Don Grussing
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Mnbird mailing list
>>>> <Mnbird...> <mailto:<Mnbird...> >>>> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >>> _______________________________________________
>>> Mnbird mailing list
>>> <Mnbird...>
>>> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >> _______________________________________________
>> Mnbird mailing list
>> <Mnbird...>
>> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net
Date: 3/24/24 1:07 pm From: mary norman via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Robins and Raisins
I also put out dried mealworms, and I was going to put our raisins but guess I’m out. Will they eat dried cranberries?
Mary
> On Mar 24, 2024, at 2:48 PM, Rose Shea via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>
> I put out dried mealworms
>
> Rose
>
>
>> On Mar 24, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Lois Rem via Mnbird <mnbird...> wrote:
>>
>>
>> I have good luck putting out basic millet. Everyone eats that including the robins. Maybe it's just a South Dakota thing.
>>
>> --
>> Lois Rem
>> 612-670-5997
>> 1100 N Lake Ave #204
>> Sioux Falls SD 57104-1399
>>
>>
>> On Sun, Mar 24, 2024 at 11:05 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> <mailto:<mnbird...>> wrote:
>>> Robins are tough but the next couple of days may pose a challenge to those which have already staked out territories and are reluctant to leave them even in rough weather.
>>>
>>> You can give them some needed sustenance . The birds will seek bare ground such as that protected from snow by eaves or even underneath some evergreens. They will go to such places and a few scattered raisins will be consumed. I've even thrown blueberries and grapes. It's easy to know when to replenish.
>>>
>>> Can't hurt and could help. Unfortunately raccoons might also eat that gift.
>>>
>>> Don Grussing
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Mnbird mailing list
>>> <Mnbird...> <mailto:<Mnbird...> >>> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >> _______________________________________________
>> Mnbird mailing list
>> <Mnbird...>
>> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net > _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net
Date: 3/24/24 9:22 am From: Lois Rem via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: Re: [Mnbird] Robins and Raisins
I have good luck putting out basic millet. Everyone eats that including the
robins. Maybe it's just a South Dakota thing.
--
Lois Rem
612-670-5997
1100 N Lake Ave #204
Sioux Falls SD 57104-1399
On Sun, Mar 24, 2024 at 11:05 AM DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <
<mnbird...> wrote:
> Robins are tough but the next couple of days may pose a challenge to those
> which have already staked out territories and are reluctant to leave them
> even in rough weather.
>
> You can give them some needed sustenance . The birds will seek bare ground
> such as that protected from snow by eaves or even underneath some
> evergreens. They will go to such places and a few scattered raisins will
> be consumed. I've even thrown blueberries and grapes. It's easy to know
> when to replenish.
>
> Can't hurt and could help. Unfortunately raccoons might also eat that gift.
>
> Don Grussing
> _______________________________________________
> Mnbird mailing list
> <Mnbird...>
> http://mail.lists.mnbird.net/mailman/listinfo/mnbird_lists.mnbird.net >
Date: 3/24/24 9:05 am From: DONALD GRUSSING Owner via Mnbird <mnbird...> Subject: [Mnbird] Robins and Raisins
Robins are tough but the next couple of days may pose a challenge to those which have already staked out territories and are reluctant to leave them even in rough weather.
You can give them some needed sustenance . The birds will seek bare ground such as that protected from snow by eaves or even underneath some evergreens. They will go to such places and a few scattered raisins will be consumed. I've even thrown blueberries and grapes. It's easy to know when to replenish.
Can't hurt and could help. Unfortunately raccoons might also eat that gift.
