I have been scattering sunflower seeds in my driveway for several years. I have two reasons for doing that. #1 offering a meal to all my feathered visitors and #2 to study their behavior. I’ll expand on my observations after the page break and mission statement.
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream, visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on Follow.
|
The Nuthatch (title photo) is holding a seed as big as his beak. These tiny birds will dive rapidly out of the trees and snatch a seed; then flit back into the trees to eat. Other species that repeat this technique are Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Chickadee, White-breasted Nuthatch, Red-headed and Red-bellied Woodpeckers. Wary of predators, it is a good habit but uses a lot of energy. Sunflower seeds offer great nutrition as a counter balance.
1:04 minute film
In the next video, you’ll see Blue Jays and Mourning Doves collecting seeds. These are birds that will usually hang around the seed pile and eat until they are full. Other birds with that feeding habit are Chipping Sparrow, Dark eyed Junco, Common Crow, White-throated Sparrow. Goldfinch, Pine Siskin and Cardinals. An example is shown in the video below.
15 second film
There are some species that have their own method. I caught this juvenile Red-headed Woodpecker land on the seed pile at the prompting of his parent. The adult flew off with seeds to stash away for winter. The film below shows the confused juvenile. I’m sure it will learn what to do before it’s head changes colors.
.
I’ll add this video of the adult Red-headed Woodpecker taking the juvenile to the seed stash and feeding it. The film below was taken in 2021 but the parent is the same for both offspring. This habit has continued for generations with this family unit.
43 second film
I pondered on how on how far I should explore other species feeding habits. My examples cover only the species that visit my feeding station. Other feeders (better constructed and placement, different locations and different food sources) get varied results from a multitude of species.
I’d like to hear about other places and the results observed. Please submit the feeding habits of your own visitors.