Backyard birds

Heat Effects

The midwestern United States is experiencing a heat dome this week. This is the result of a high pressure system hundreds of miles across and moving very slowly. Air in the upper atmosphere of a heat dome is already warm, but is still cooler than the air below, and cooler sir sinks towards the Earth’s surface. As the air moves downward, it compresses air molecules together releasing heat, making the lower layers even hotter and drying out the area as moisture evaporates. With little or no moisture, no clouds form to relieve the heat and dry conditions.

^{Heat Dome over Eastern US by National Weather Service, Jun 26 2025}

Humans have a variety of ways to cope with high heat including being less active, drinking plenty of fluids, and remaining in shady or air-conditioned areas. Wildlife still has to get food and water every day and may have fewer opportunities available to them to avoid the high heat. Let’s look at how the heat is affecting a few of the backyard species common in the Midwest.

^{Photinus pyralis, Big Dipper firefly by Terry Priest}

Fireflies are cold-blooded, or ectothermic, and prefer warm and humid areas. They come out in the early evening and as their bodies warm, they become more active, flying and flashing more frequently, communicating with other fireflies to find a mate. Eggs are laid soon after mating, but these will perish if they do not remain hydrated. Turning off outdoor lighting for a few hours in the evening and maintaining taller, well-watered vegetation will help fireflies during hot and dry conditions.

^{American Toad by Brad Carlson, Mar 2012; and Bullfrog at Waterfall Place by DonArnold, 2022}

Frogs and toads are also ectothermic and require heat from the environment to live. Species worldwide, including American toads and bullfrogs in our area, find temperatures in the 70s to be ideal. As temperatures move into the mid-80s, these species and others are prone to dehydration and heat stress. In addition, they normally look for shady and humid areas to regulate their body temperatures, but the lack of moisture in a heat dome does not make those niches easy to locate. Maintaining shady, well-watered areas of the garden provides refuge for many amphibian species.

^{Cardinal looking to stay in the shade by Don Arnold, 2023}

Birds are often affected by extreme heat. Most birds have lower body temperatures than the outside air. This allows birds to easily dissipate heat from high energy activities, such as flight. Once the outside air gets above a hundred degrees, birds cannot lose heat to the atmosphere and become severely compromised by heat and dehydration. Rapid open-mouthed breathing, changing eating times to early or late in the day, sitting with wings outstretched, or exhibiting poor balance are all signs of heat stress in birds. Providing shady, undisturbed areas and readily available water sources gives birds the opportunity to move around less and stay hydrated.

Wild animals have to deal with weather extremes just as we do. Come to the Jurica-Suchy Nature Museum or a nature center near you to learn more about providing opportunities for wildlife to survive heat, drought, and other environmental conditions.

Nuthatches

In northern Illinois, it is still winter, and we have enjoyed watching various birds at our backyard feeders, including nuthatches. There are four species native to North America and about two dozen more found world-wide. Taxonomists have moved several species back & forth between genera in recent years, making the exact number of species vary from time to time. The name is from an English reference to the behavior of wedging a nut into a crevice and pecking at it until the inner portion is hatched and can be eaten.

White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis by Mdf, Dec 2005; Pygmy nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea by Len Blumin, Mar 2006; Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla by Anne Davis, Nov 2013; Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis by Katie Herr, Dec 2013

Nuthatches have short tails and legs, compact wings, powerful bills, and strong claws. Nuthatch species have similar markings including varying hues of grayish-blue wings, black caps, a white throat, and light colored white-buff-reddish bellies. In most species, a dark eye-stripe and white cheeks frame each side of the face. Males and females are hard to distinguish, although males may have darker hues on their bellies.

White-breasted nuthatches, Sitta carolinensis, stand 5″ tall with a white face completely surrounding the eyes. They range from southern Canada to Mexico. Red-breasted nuthatches, Sitta canadensis, have a white face and neck and range from southern Canada to the central U.S. Brown-headed nuthatches, Sitta pusilla, have a white belly and cheeks with a white spot at the nape of the neck. They are found in the pine forests of the southeast U.S. Pygmy nuthatches, Sitta pygmaea, characterized by a white spot under their eyes, are found west of the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia to central Mexico.

White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis, heading down by Sarunas Burdulis, Feb 2021
Click > below to listen to the song recorded by Aidan Place, May 2020

Nuthatches are the only birds that can walk head first down a tree trunk, allowing them to forage up or down a tree trunk, seeing insects in crevices missed going the other way. They are comfortable eating while hanging upside down, as are woodpeckers; however, the nuthatch does not use its tail for support relying solely on the strength of its feet. They eat insects and invertebrates when available, but will readily feed on seeds, peanut butter, and suet in colder periods. Food items are often cached in crevices in trees and then covered by lichen or bits of bark.

Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla by Shawn Taylor, Mar 2020
Click > below to listen to the song recorded by PT Xiao, May 2022

Nuthatches prefer open woodlands near sea level in temperate climates. In warmer southern regions, they live at slightly higher elevations. They use abandoned woodpecker holes or natural cavities in trees for nesting. Inside, they build a small cup from twigs, lined with soft material for their eggs. Entrances may be protected in a variety of ways. Red-breasted nuthatches collect pine resin to line the rim of the nest hole and avoid it themselves by diving straight into the hole. White-breasted nuthatches often crush blister beetles and rub the remains around the rim, using the foul smell to deter potential predators.

Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis by Walter Siegmund, Jul 2008
Click > below to listen to the song recorded by Matthew L. Brady, Jan 2023

Nuthatches are one of only a few animals that use tools. A small piece of bark is often used by red-breasted nuthatches to apply resin to the nest entrance. Bark splinters are also used by brown-headed nuthatches to pry up bark on tree trunks and extract the insects underneath. If the tool performs well, the bird will carry it from place to place. Pygmy nuthatches live in large, extended family groups with other relatives often helping to care for younger birds. They nest in large family groups, huddling together for warmth on cold nights. Red-breasted nuthatch irruptions are common in the central U.S. when the weather turns harsh in Canadian boreal forests, making it difficult to find enough food.

Pygmy nuthatch, Sitta pygmaea by Becky Matsubara, Aug 2019
Click > below to listen to the song recorded by Ron Overholtz, Jan 2019

Nuthatches are a favorite species at backyard bird feeders. They will turn up daily for seeds, nuts, peanut butter, and suet, and are entertaining as they flit in and out, taking food items away to cache in nearby trees or other crevices.

Listen to additional calls and songs for each species at the following sites: White-breasted nuthatch: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Sitta-carolinensis Red-breasted nuthatch: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Sitta-canadensis Brown-headed nuthatch: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Sitta-pusilla Pygmy nuthatch: https://xeno-canto.org/species/Sitta-pygmaea

Junco Winter Adaptations

Juncos spend the winter spread across the United States. They spend summers at breeding areas in southern Canada, and in fall males migrate to the northern states while females migrate farther south. Males have several adaptations that allow them to more easily survive in colder climates, and allow them to return early to breeding areas to claim the best territory for attracting a mate among the females that come back a few weeks later.

^{Male dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis by Christian Gott, dec 2022}

^{Female dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis by Joseph Higbee, Dec 2014}

Junco males are small, round-bodied birds with a slate gray back and are larger and weigh more than females. According to Bergmann’s Rule, large bodies have a smaller surface area relative to their volume, and are therefore able to retain more heat than longer or skinnier bodies. Being able to retain more heat for longer periods, an average-sized male junco can go two hours longer without food than an average female, and a large male may go more than ten hours longer between meals. This can be an essential factor when living through a colder period.

^{A cozy tree cavity by Steve Valasek, Apr 2014}

^{Accommodations for one… by Hedera Baltica, May 2016}

Tree cavities provide excellent places to shelter in winter. At night and in severe weather, juncos seek a small, tight space big enough for a single bird that provides protection from wind and moisture. During daytime hours, while foraging, juncos can often be found in conifer trees whose year-round needles provide a windbreak and a place to remain out of sight of predators.

^{Male junco with fluffed-out feathers by Ken Gibson, Dec 2016}

Juncos have a normal body temperature of 107˚F, well above the average outside temperature on a winter day which could be between -10˚F and +20˚F. Maintaining body heat requires a high-caloric diet to create the heat and resources to not allow the heat to escape. Birds have muscular control over their feathers and are able to fluff them, trapping air next to their skin. Preening is a daily activity where oil secreted from a gland above the tail is rubbed on all of their feathers providing a moisture barrier that keeps water, snow, and cold winds away from their skin. Both feathers and trapped air make up two layers of insulation that work efficiently to retain body heat.

During extreme weather, it may be advantageous to remain sheltered and inactive when the amount of calories burned to get a meal is more than the calories in the meal. When sheltering for longer periods, juncos may intentionally lower their body temperatures a few degrees, entering a state of torpor. This state lasts for only a few hours, but saves enough energy so that the bird does not need to forage for an extended period during a day. Using muscular control, birds can generate body heat by contracting and releasing their muscles, similar to shivering in mammals, and bring their body temperatures back to normal and resume daily activities.

^{Juncos feeding on ground by mwms1916, Apr 2015}

^{Juncos feeding on ground feeder by synspectrum, Nov 2015}

Northern U.S. flocks of juncos in winter are 70% or more males, while most females spend winters in the southern U.S. This is also true for several other species that migrate with juncos including tree sparrows, song sparrows, and mourning doves. Juncos will be leaving in late winter to return to breeding grounds across Canada, but for the coming few months we will certainly enjoy their presence in our area.

American Goldfinch

As I sit on the backyard deck, watching the thistle feeder hanging within the protection of our Austrian pines, American goldfinches, Spinus tristis, keep this feeder busy most of the day. Finches have the most vegetarian diet of any North American songbird. Their favorite feeder foods include thistle and hulled black-oil sunflower seeds.

American goldfinch, Spinus tristis, female on feeder by DonArnold, 2021

In the wild, they prefer tree and shrub seeds, and other soft plant parts including buds, berries, and sap. All parts provide fiber, nutrients, and a good source of water. During summer, they may incorporate small insects where insect species are abundant, but depend upon seeds for the majority of their nutritional requirements.

American goldfinch, Spinus tristis, female & male coloring by DonArnold 2021

American goldfinches are sexually dimorphic, with different coloration between males and females. In late spring, preceding their breeding season, they have a unique pre-alternate molt that brightens the colors for both males and females. During the breeding season, males are bright lemon yellow with black caps, black wings, and white wing bars. Breeding females are an overall olive green with black wings and white wing bars. They molt again before winter and colors for both sexes become more cinnamon and duller in appearance.

American goldfinch nestlings by Brian Henderson, 2012

Nest sites are selected by the female, who also builds the nest in a crotch of branches well protected by overhanging leaves. Two to seven pale blue eggs are laid and incubated by the female for 12 to 14 days. Males bring food back for the female every one to two hours during incubation and for another two to three weeks after the nestlings hatch. Four to five days after hatching, the male will also begin to feed the nestlings, who are now able to create their own body heat, allowing the female to leave the nest for short periods. Parents continue to feed the young for another month before the young leave the nest.

American goldfinches are rarely troubled by cowbirds, a brood parasite that lays its eggs in other species’ nests. Goldfinch nestlings are fed a sticky, regurgitated mass of seeds with a few insects. This food mixture does not contain enough protein for the young cowbirds to survive.

American goldfinches are gregarious singers, vocalizing a variety of unique songs while feeding, eating, and in flight. Monogamous pairs, males and females will sing identical songs to each other while in flight. This strengthens the pair bonding and helps them identify each other. Males defend the territory around the female rather than around the nest. Squabbling males are an indication that one has gotten too close to the other’s mate.

American goldfinch on goldenrod at Cuba Marsh by JanetandPhil, 2009

Goldfinch eating seed from sunny-day coreopsis by John Brandauer, 2011

A group of finches is known as a “charm,” from the Middle English word “cherm” referring to a blended singing of birds or children. Some plants to include in your gardens to attract these fun, musical companions include coneflower, coreopsis, catmint, sunflowers, black-eyed Susan, and goldenrod. Grasses, cattails, and spider silk are readily used to line their nests for comfort.

Sunflowers, coneflowers, black-eyed Susan by SueOBrien 2019

Red-winged Blackbirds

Red-winged blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, returned to my backyard a week ago and began singing to establish territorial boundaries. In spring, males return first to stake out territories in high quality areas. These marshy habitats have an abundance of food, water, and nest sites. Females, returning a few weeks later, will select mates that can offer the best nest sites.

Red-winged blackbird male in marsh habitat by Steven Miller, Apr 2011

Red-winged Blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus, recorded by Pamela C. Rasmussen, Sleepy Hollow State Park, MI

The best nest sites are located in thick, marshy habitats. Nests are an open cup woven from grass, reeds, and twigs, attached to a sturdy stem of grass or reed, one to two feet above the surface of the water. Sites for males who arrive late may include more open water or be located in a grassy field with water nearby. Nest sites in marshes are the best protection against predators, but any site can still be vulnerable to some predators including snakes and raccoons.

Red-winged blackbird nest, by Gerald McKibben, Jul 2006

A large area is not required for nesting, but more aggressive males will establish territories large enough to support several nest sites. A female may have from one to three clutches each year, with a new nest constructed for each one. Redwing blackbirds are a highly polygamous species. A male commonly mates with two to four females nesting in his territory. Females commonly mate with males from outside the nesting site territory for one or more of their clutches.

Red-winged blackbird female, Agelaius phoeniceus, by born1945, May 2009

A redwing male is bold and protective of his territory during the breeding season. They use their epaulets, the bright red patches on their shoulders, to send warning signals. While overflying his territory, he may flash his epaulets to warn other males to stay away. Redwings are not afraid to attack larger birds, animals, or humans that come too close and will flash their epaulets to signal their intent to give chase or fight to protect a site.

Red-winged blackbird with exposed epaulets, by Scott Robinson, Apr 2006

Epaulets are also used in combination with singing to attract mates. During the non-breeding season, males and females form large flocks that stay together for protection and to find food. When males are members of a large flock, the epaulets remain hidden so as to not provoke responses from other birds.

Red-winged blackbird, male singing for mate, by June West, Apr 2013

Redwing blackbirds are one of the most abundant species in North America. They are mainly ground feeders consuming insects, seeds, berries, fruit, and small invertebrates. They do very well in urban environments, and easily consume seeds offered in backyard bird feeders. As you enjoy walking in marshy areas, you can hear them calling until late summer when they follow the warmer weather south once again.

Project Feederwatch 2021-22

Cornell University Labs’ Project Feederwatch, a survey of birds visiting backyard feeders, starts this weekend. With the nice weather we are still experiencing, it may seem too early for a wintertime bird watching project, but birds are well into the fall migration period. Birds are an indicator species of environmental change because they are easy to observe, have predictable behavior patterns, and are popular subjects among citizen scientists who contribute significant amounts of data from observations for use in scientific studies.

Northern Flicker, Colaptes auratus, on backyard suet feeder by DonArnold 2020

There are several bird behavior studies being done using data collected by citizen scientists. One study tracks when birds stop at their usual migratory rest areas and the availability of food during those stops. Fall migration has been spread out over an additional 17 days in the last 50 years. Food resources that have peaked earlier in the year are dwindling in early autumn, right when migratory birds are seeking those same resources. Another study, at Cornell Labs, identifies wind patterns and their shifts over time. Winds from the south are getting stronger in autumn. Flying into these stronger headwinds slows birds down resulting in more birds congregating in local areas, possibly staying longer and requiring additional food. Other studies track changes in land use, availability of water, and habitat loss along migration routes.

Coopers Hawk, Accipiter cooperii, wet & icy after dip in our pond by DonArnold, 2020

Project Feederwatch involves thousands of people observing and counting birds in their own backyards across North America, an effort that no research project has been able to duplicate. Accumulated data includes the number of species observed for each area, the abundance of individual birds, the types of food being eaten, the identification of environmental factors that attract birds, and the timing and spread of certain disease vectors among specific groups. Further studies from these observations assist in identifying long-term trends in bird movement and behavior.

Project Feederwatch provides an opportunity to be part of the citizen science network gathering data on bird behavior. If you want to learn more, there are several bird field guides available that can assist with information and identification. Some of my favorites include:

Sibley’s Birding Basics, by David Allen Sibley, provides a guide to the general characteristics that we can use to identify specific birds.
The Birder’s Handbook, A Field Guide to the Natural History of North American Birds, by Ehrlich, Dobkin and Wheye, provides basic biological information for 650 species known to nest in the U.S. In addition, dozens of essays cover biology topics of special interest including breeding, displays, diet, conservation, and many others.
The Sibley Guide to Bird Life and Behavior, from the National Audubon Society and illustrated by David Allen Sibley, provides lots of information on how and where birds live. Essays cover a wide range of topics including classification, breeding, foraging, migration and many interesting facets of bird life and behavior.
Eastern Birds’ Nests, from Peterson Field Guides, provides excellent pictures and descriptions for eggs, nests and their associated habitat for species found east of the Mississippi River.
Birds of Illinois by Stan Tekiela includes identification characteristics, range maps and photos for birds that call Illinois home.

Cornell ProjectFeederwatch	Project overview, data collection, history, staff, links to more information
Cornell Home Page	Mission, what we are about, staff, news
eBird	Cornell’s online database of bird observations
Tally Sheet	Sample tally sheet

Neighborhood Nests

There is a lot of activity taking place outdoors. We are a couple of months into spring, and many birds have returned to warm weather activities after winter. They are actively engaged in finding mates, building nests, laying eggs, and raising young. Birds in backyards, woodlands and open fields build a variety of types of nests, many of which we can find when we are outside enjoying our daily activities.

Nests are used by birds of all species as a place where eggs can be kept warm and safe until they are ready to hatch. Some birds build a new nest every year, and some will build a nest for every new clutch of eggs. Others return to use an old nest, one of their own they keep adding material to or one that is found in a convenient place worthy of renovation and reuse.

The type of nest and the habitat it is located in are excellent indicators of the specific bird living there. Each species is known for a specific type of construction including ground nests, platforms located low in foliage or high in trees, open cup nests, closed or domed cup nests, and nests created using a natural cavity, such as a tree hollow. Nests keep eggs and young together, provide a place hidden from predators, with protection from harsh weather. They are built from materials available in the area. These materials include twigs to pine needles to monofilament fishing line. The form and function of the nest does not widely vary for any species. As you are out walking this spring, here are a few of the more interesting nests that you may be able to spot.

Blue jays, Cyanocitta cristata, are found in forests, meadows, parks and backyards, and build a bulky nest of thorny twigs, bark, moss and string. Their nests are located in the crotch or outer branch of deciduous or conifer trees. Nests are well hidden, seven to eight inches across, and lined with soft rootlets. Jays, known for their brash, loud calls, exhibit very different behavior around nest sites, becoming very quiet so as to not give away the nest location.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on nest by Lorie Shaull

Ruby-throated hummingbirds, Archilochus colubris, are small, very quick fliers. Nests can be found in a variety of trees, ten to twenty feet off the ground. Made of plant down, fibers, and bud scales, nests are attached to a twig or small branch that slants downward. Hummingbirds use spider silk to securely bind the nest to the limb under a canopy of leaves. The nest, about the size of a thimble and covered with green-blue lichen, is very hard to see, resembling a knot on the branch.

The Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula, is often found in city parks and backyards. The oriole builds a thin-walled, deep, basket-like nest of coarse grass lined with finer grass. The nest hangs from a forked tree branch between ten and twenty feet off the ground. Nests are commonly hung in locations that are well concealed by leaves. Many orioles like to nest with Eastern kingbirds, an aggressive species that keeps away predators and cowbirds.

As you are out walking along stream banks and woodland paths, and maintaining a close watch on your own backyard, keep a keen eye open for observing the places that birds call home. Getting to know the area and habits of the birds as they raise families is a rewarding experience.

This year’s Cornell Ornithology Lab’s Feederwatch Project began twelve weeks ago, and we have been counting the birds in the backyard every Sunday & Monday. We have seen nineteen different species using our seven feeders, one heated birdbath, trees and bushes, and a pond surrounded by native forbs and grasses. Much of the pond freezes on particularly cold nights, but the mallard population keeps a portion open all the time. Birds visit the feeders several times each day. Every species exhibits unique feeding behaviors, using one or more of the feeders which include a covered tray, an open tray, a tube for black oil sunflower seeds, an open mesh tube for nyjer seeds, an upside down cage for suet, and seed placed out on open ground. This attracts a large mix of birds for us to watch.

Chickadees and red-bellied woodpeckers may eat or cache their food. A bird flies to a feeder, takes a food item and immediately flies to a nearby covered perch, usually in one of our pine trees. The bird may store the item in a cavity in the bark of the tree or eat the item immediately. Hairy and downy woodpeckers eat at suet feeders, but are very vigilant. After landing on the feeder, they will spend several minutes checking all directions for possible threats before beginning to eat. Sparrows and cardinals select different types of seeds. Northern cardinals have a large, heavy beak making it easy for them to break open seeds like striped sunflower that have a thick outer shell. Sparrows have small beaks and eat correspondingly smaller seeds, including millet, safflower and black oil sunflower seeds, which have a thin outer shell.

Goldfinchs’ favorite seed is nyjer, a small, oil-rich seed from an invasive plant native to Ethiopia. Imported from overseas, the seeds are put through a heat-sterilization process prior to distribution in the United States to ensure that invasive plants do not grow from the seed. House sparrows take small seeds from the woodpecker blend in the covered tray house feeder. Mourning doves and juncos feed on open ground and are found cleaning up various seeds that fall around all of our feeders. Sparrows and mourning doves also enjoy white millet, a small, starchy grain that provides a nutritious meal, served in an open tray.

Occasionally, a red-tail hawk, sharp-shinned hawk, or Cooper’s hawk buzzes the yard. These birds are top predators in the area and feed on the smaller birds flying to and from feeders. Hawks will grab a smaller bird either in flight or from a feeder, grasping their bodies with strong talons, that are also used to kill their prey by repeated puncturing. The hawks will fly to a nearby perch, high up in one of the larger trees, to eat. Their attacks are swift and usually come from a direction that is not easily monitored by birds on the feeders. Whether the hawk is successful or not, there are no birds to observe for a long time after one flies through the yard.

Projects, such as Feederwatch, have gathered data on various bird behaviors for many years. Combined observations from all of North America help to identify long-term trends in species distribution, which food items attract each species, and environmental factors that affect the birds. Observations and anecdotal evidence provide insight into species that travel and feed together, how habitat is used for food and cover, and group communication.

The Feederwatch Project website, at https://feederwatch.org/, contains information on a variety of topics including summaries and graphs of the data being currently collected, as well as all past data. Click on the EXPLORE button to access bird count summaries, trend graphs, and more scientific information. eBird, another observation project hosted by Cornell Ornithology Labs, also contains an EXPLORE page with species and hotspot maps, bar charts showing population distribution over time, photos and sound recordings. Try accessing the page for eBird / Explore / Explore Hotspots, at https://ebird.org/hotspots; change the date in the middle top bar to “Jan, current year” and scroll in until only the Chicago area is displayed. Hover your mouse over any one hotspot to see the number of species reported in January at that location. Then consider signing up to create your own observational hotspot!

If you are interested in making your own bird observations, consider signing up for the Great Backyard Bird Count happening next weekend, February 12th to February 15th. Click on the link below for more information and to sign up as a participant.

Fun sites to explore:

https://feederwatch.org/ Project FeederWatch home
https://ebird.org/home eBird Home
https://www.birds.cornell.edu/home/ Cornell Lab of Ornithology home
https://www.birdcount.org/ The Great Backyard Bird Count home Feb 12-15, 2021

Feederwatch

Birds are flocking to the feeders in my backyard. As soon as the temperatures started to dip, perhaps because day light hours are shortening, the feeders empty in less than a day. Bird watching, as a recreational activity, is considered to be among the top favorites of people around the U.S. We can learn a lot about birds and our backyard habitats from daily observation of the birds in our neighborhoods.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is part of Cornell University’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, whose mission is “to interpret and conserve the earth’s biological diversity through research, education and citizen science focused on birds.” This non-profit organization, along with Birds Canada, gathers data through citizen science programs. These are opportunities for scientists, students and the general public to participate in collecting data about the birds in their own backyards.

Collected data is compiled and made available to anyone who wants to use it. Conservationists have gained protection for various bird species in serious decline; scientists are learning about migration routes and what resources birds need and use along the way; and population sizes and health can be monitored in near real-time across the entire North American continent. Basic maps, trend graphs and summarized data by state as well as local region are displayed and downloadable. Interactive maps that combine monitoring data with satellite images from NASA are educational and simply fun to watch.

Articles for backyard birders on feeder types, preferred food for specific bird species, keeping a healthy environment, and landscaping to attract birds are waiting for you to peruse. These offer how-to information, including resources, for setting up your own backyard bird feeding and monitoring area. If you want to look outside your own backyard, searching the internet for more projects reveals opportunities for observing and recording data concerning nesting, bird-building collisions, and migration and data for specific families, such as hawks. Birding hotspots in DuPage County include Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Waterfall Glen south of Darien, Cantigny Gardens in Wheaton, Greene Valley Forest Preserve in Naperville.

A specific project that I am involved in is Cornell’s FeederWatch program, a survey of birds visiting my backyard habitat between November and April. Observation is for two consecutive days each week, and data is recorded concerning species identification, how many individual birds are in each sighting, what types of food and feeders are in use, and daily weather conditions. I use my own checklist, shown below, to keep track of my observations and enter the data online on Cornell’s website. If you are interested in joining the 120,000+ citizen scientists for birds, visit the following sites for more information:

Cornell ProjectFeederwatch	Project overview, data collection, history, staff, links to more information
Cornell Home Page	Mission, what we are about, staff, news
eBird	Cornell’s online database of bird observations
Tally Sheet	Sample tally sheet

My Backyard Birds Checklist

Note that there may be other birds that you see in your own backyards especially if you are close to a prairie or forest or any type of habitat different than my own

From Date:_____________	Start Time: ________________	End Time: ___________________
To Date: _______________	Start Time: ________________	End Time: ___________________

General Weather (temp, wind, rainfall/snowfall inches) .

Common	Scientific	Count	Notes
Belted Kingfisher	Megaceryle alcyon
Blue Jay	Cyanocitta cristata
Canada Goose	Branta canadensis
Chickadee, Black-capped	Parus atricapillus
Common Grackle	Quiscalus quiscula
Finch, American Goldfinch	Carduelis tristis
Finch, House	Carpodacus mexicanus
Finch, Purple	Carpodacus purpureus
Junco, Dark-eyed	Junco hyemalis
European Starling	Sturnus vulgaris
Hawk, Cooper’s	Accipiter cooperii
Hawk, Red-tailed	Buteo jamaicensis
Hawk, Sharp-shinned	Accipiter striatus
Mallard	Anas platyrhynchos
Mourning Dove	Zenaida macroura
Northern Cardinal	Cardinalis cardinalis
Nuthatch, Red-breasted	Sitta canadensis
Nuthatch, White-breasted	Sitta carolinensis
Owl, Great Horned	Bubo virginianus
Sparrow, American Tree	Spizella arborea
Sparrow, House	Passer domesticus
Woodpecker, Downy	Picoides pubescens
Woodpecker, Hairy	Picoides villosus
Woodpecker, Red-bellied	Melanerpes carolinus

Other: Behavior interactions (displacement or predation), Eye disease notes

Backyard Birds

Our backyard bird feeders have seen a big jump in activity over the past two to three weeks, and I am filling the feeders at least once a day. We have three feeders out all year: include mixed nuts, fruits & seeds, black oil sunflower seeds, and thistle. In winter, we add a fourth feeder with a variety of suet types. There is also a birdbath, heated in winter, in addition to the small pond behind our house. The heated birdbath guarantees fresh water all year, even when the pond freezes. We also have plenty of cover for the feeders with two large Austrian pine trees and a small multi-stem Amelanchier tree. There are plenty of other bushes and trees on neighboring properties, all within 50-70 yards of our feeders. Our garden plants provide berries and seeds from sunflowers, coneflowers, Amelanchier tree and honeysuckle vine.

Interconnected backyard habitat by DonArnold-c

The bird species we see change from season to season as summertime birds migrate south at this time of year and winter birds move into the area to take their places. Food sources change, winter shelter requirements are different, and water availability becomes much more important when freezing temperatures arrive. Within the last few weeks, I have noticed that many of the summer resident birds have left the area including the house wren, chipping sparrow, killdeer, ruby-throated hummingbird, green heron and great egret. A few may still be sticking around until it gets really cold, but most individuals have already headed south to follow the warmer temperatures.

Year-round residents include red-bellied woodpecker, house finch, mourning dove, black-capped chickadee, white-breasted nuthatch, northern cardinal and American goldfinch. But, we are already starting to see some winter only residents at our feeders including dark-eyed junco and purple finch. These two species spend their breeding season farther north, but return to this area during winter as they move around in search of food. All of the birds visiting our backyard in the winter will eat seeds, although some of the insect foragers are still checking out our trees and garden soils. The red-bellied woodpecker and white-breasted nuthatch scurry over the trunk and limbs of our two Austrian Pines checking out all of the crevices and nubs and knobs. Goldfinches primarily eat thistle seed, but can also be observed on many coneflowers in the garden. The mixed nuts and fruit blend attracts the white-breasted nuthatch, the red-breasted nuthatch, and the red-bellied woodpecker. I have observed all of the species, at one time or another, eating black oil sunflower seeds. Most species are comfortable with the perches available on the different feeders, although the mourning dove is mainly a ground feeder, scavenging for dropped seed along with squirrels and ducks and the occasional skunk.

We tend to think that birds live in nests. However, nesting is primarily a breeding season activity, encompassing early spring to mid-summer in our area. Many of the birds in our backyards spend winter periods as close to food sources as possible. Habitat in our area includes several distinct micro-environments offering differing levels of protection and accessibility. Medium sized shrubbery, thick with many small stems and twigs, is used by sparrows, finches and other small birds. Evergreen trees and bushes provide cover for cardinals and mourning doves. Large oak, linden and maple trees are favored by woodpeckers and nuthatches. Areas of tall, thick grasses may be used by all species during daytime foraging activities. All of these habitats provide shelter from wind, cold and predators.

Water availability is another prime concern for over-wintering species. Birds need water every day to maintain a healthy metabolism to keep their body temperature and hydration level normal. They use water in the process of preening their feathers to maintain an outer covering that is waterproof and provides good insulation for their bodies. They will travel long distances to find open water. If none can be found, they may resort to eating snow, if that is available. We provide a heated birdbath which I fill at least once a day and clean every two to three days. Dozens of birds visit each day and it can be one of the highlights of bird observation in our own backyards. Providing food, water and shelter for the birds in our neighborhoods can provide a daily dose of rich and rewarding fun for your family.

If you are looking for ways to get further involved, consider looking into all of the information and citizen science opportunities at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Their Project Feederwatch (click on name to link to URL) offers a fun way to observe and report on action at your own backyard bird feeders.

Woodpeckers

My backyard is filled with birds at this time of year, and some of the most distinctive ones flash through the trees and across the feeders with black and white wing bars and some bright red highlights. These are woodpeckers, in the family Picidae (pis-a-dee). Seven members of this family are found in DuPage County: downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens; hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus; red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus; pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus; Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus; red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus; and yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius.

Dryobates pubescens, Downy Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Dryobates villosus, Hairy Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Woodpeckers naturally live in areas with large tracts of woods. However, several of these species have adapted to living among human dwellings and backyard bird feeders. Primarily insect eaters, these birds can find food by foraging under tree bark and listening for insect movement, then chiseling away the bark to get to the prey. Sapsuckers drill out rows of holes across the bark and feed on the sap of the tree, as well as any insects drawn to the sap. Flickers, and pileated woodpeckers in particular, are known for the large quantities of ants they consume. Nuts, fruits and seeds supplement their diets. Some woodpeckers, including red-headed, downy and hairy may store food. The most commonly stored items are acorns, and storage sites are aggressively defended.

Melanerpes carolinus, Red-bellied woodpecker by Phil Myers

All woodpeckers are cavity nesters. Nests are thermal regulated to some extent by facing the opening to the nest to the south or east in cooler climates, and the north or west in warmer areas. Nests tend to be found in soft wood trees that are wide enough to support a cavity for both adults and young without coming near the sap layer just under the bark, so nests remain tidy. Cavities are never made above a branch, presumably so that rain water cannot run into the opening. Woodpeckers do not reuse old cavities, but these cavities are used by many other species in following years including squirrels, snakes and other bird species.

Sphyracipus varius, Yellow-bellied sapsucker by Phil Myers

Woodpeckers form long-term pair bonds except for sapsuckers who bond for one season. There is one brood a year and both males and females care for the young. Eggs are laid on a bed of new wood chips, and incubation lasts 11-14 days. With a clutch size of between 4 and 6 eggs, young will take 24-30 days to fledge. Woodpeckers will establish their own territories by the start of their second year. Species do not migrate but may wander a couple hundred miles north or south in search of food and suitable nest sites.

Colaptes auratus, Northern Flicker by Phil Myers

One of the few bird species that do not sing, woodpeckers have simple calls that may sound like a rattle or a whirring noise. Drumming is also widely used for marking territory, attracting mates and communication. Both males and females drum. Drumming is performed preferably on hard surfaces so sound carries a good distance. This may include hard-wood trees as well as barrels, downspouts and sides of houses. Drumming can be easily distinguished from the sound made when drilling for food by its very fast tempo.

Dryocopus pileatus, Pileated Woodpecker by Phil Myers

Bills, heads and bodies are all uniquely adapted to support drumming and wood chiseling. Tails are very stiff and the two central feathers are pointed, reinforced with central ridges and have inward curved barbs with strong muscles to hold the bird upright and steady against a tree trunk. Feet have four toes, two pointing forward and two backward to provide a solid platform for an upright stance. Bills are stout, straight and chisel shaped to break wood apart. Species that aggressively excavate tree trunks include downy, hairy and pileated woodpeckers. These birds have extra feathers covering their nose to filter out sawdust and eyelids that close right before each strike of the bill.

Melanerpes erythrocephalus, Red-headed woodpecker by Phil Myers

As a group, woodpeckers have stable populations. They may be locally declining in areas where there is heavy pesticide use on ant species, one of the staple food items for several species, particularly flickers in the Eastern U.S. Competition from starlings for cavity sites may affect small populations. Some birds are dependent on large woodland tracts, but evidence for the woodpecker populations in our area indicate that none are in danger.

Hummingbirds

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are making their way back to Illinois for the summer. There are about 325 known species of hummingbirds, all of which are found only in the Americas. Most species live in tropical areas of South America and Latin America while 18 live in North America, and only the Ruby-throated hummingbird commonly occurs in Illinois.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird *Archilochus colubris*, by jeffrey

Hummers are the smallest birds in the world, ranging in weight from 0.1 to 0.3 ounces. Also setting them apart from other birds are their flight abilities. Their wings make a unique figure-eight rotation, allowing these birds to feed on nectar while hovering in mid-air. This allows the birds to fly forwards, backwards and sideways. They can even fly upside down for a short way. Birds that appear in summer here migrate south for the winter traveling up to 2000 miles including a 500 mile non-stop leg over the Gulf of Mexico!

Another feature is their beautiful iridescent colors. Most species are metallic green on their backs, but chin and belly colors range from blue/green to violet, red and bright orange. Ruby-throated hummingbirds display green backs, white bellies, and a black chin strap. Only males display a red throat, which also may appear black or dark gray from certain angles.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird *Archilochus colubris* by Joe Schneid, Louisville KY

Hummingbirds have long beaks and long tongues. They typically feed on nectar found in the base of long tube-like flowers but they can also lap up small invertebrate prey. Their tongue has many tiny grooves promoting capillary action that moves liquids up to the mouth with no sucking required. Nectar is very watery with a low sugar content. This allows liquids to move through the tongue grooves without clogging on sugar crystals. Keeping this in mind when preparing feeder solutions for your own backyard feeder, a good solution is to mix four parts water to one part sugar; boil 30 seconds to make sure sugar dissolves; let cool before putting into feeder. No food coloring should be used.

Another way to attract Humingbirds to your own backyard is to plant the flowers that they use for nectar. Red flowers that grow in full sun are the best, whether in pots on your balcony or in a full garden bed. A variety of flowers that bloom from spring through fall will provide food for their whole stay. A few red flowering species include coral bells, scarlet salvia, fire pink, Cardinal flower, trumpet vine, columbine and common zinnia. Blue and/or purple may also attract visitors including ‘Blue-Bird’ rose-of-Sharon, blue salvia and bee balm.