Feed The Birds (Tuppence a Bag)
OK, BOOMERS! You know where this song is from, don't you? (Link below)
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
But, did you know that February is National Bird Feeding Month?
Here it is, straight from top, the National Audubon Society: Don’t let your feeders hang empty! February is one of the toughest months for wild birds in North America. Support birds when they need it most with our many blends and mixes of seed, feed, and suet.
Learn more abut feeding backyard birds here, visit the National Audubon Society: Audubon.org
We are taking this opportunity to remind Westporters that winter is a great time to feed our beautiful backyard songbirds. We took these photos in our backyard this week. One of the best loved birds we see all the time is the male Northern Cardinal, pictured above. Here, is seen taking cover in a thicket, awaiting his chance to visit a nearby feeder, then getting a little bit closer.
About the Northern Cardinal
From ebird.org: Striking and familiar backyard bird throughout most of eastern North America; also occurs in the southwestern U.S. and fairly extensively in Mexico. Crest, large red bill, and long tail render this species distinctive even with a poor view. Male is entirely red with a black face. Female is brownish overall with redder wings and tail. Usually seen in pairs or small groups near dense cover, especially thickets near forest edges. Frequently visits bird feeders.
Learn more: https://ebird.org/species/norcar
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The photos above are of the Common Grackle which appears in large flocks at this time of year. They can often mob backyard feeders and con often overpower other birds trying to enjoy a meal.
About the Common Grackle
Those unfamiliar with birds often mistake Grackles for crows, or members of the extended crow family. To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Grackle/id
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
In the photos above, a female Northern Cardinal shares a thicket with a house sparrow. At center, a Dark-eyed Junco, a species of sparrow common in our area in winter, has found a black oil sunflower seed.
About the Dark Eyed Junco
Unique sparrow with incredible variation between populations. Generally patterned with gray, white, and shades of tan. All have pinkish bills and white outer tail feathers.
To learn more about Grackles: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Dark-eyed_Junco/id
And, for those who are not Boomers, or perhaps children of Boomers, here is the answer to the song title above, Feed The Birds, (Tuppence A Bag):
Feed the Birds (Tuppence a Bag) YouTube link: https://youtu.be/XHrRxQVUFN4?si=xfnP78l5Biablk43