[Tweeters] Starlings learn

[Dennis Paulson]

In our yard, we also have Varied Thrushes and Spotted Towhees that do the same thing routinely. A second flicker may do it also.

As usual, the snow has brought so many birds in to the feeders that it’s hard to look away. SIX flickers were in the yard at once this morning, a new record for us. We also have one male each of Downy, Hairy and Pileated coming regularly. One each Townsend’s and (Audubon’s) Yellow-rumped. Thirty Dark-eyed Juncos at least, a White-throated, 2 Golden-crowned and 2-3 Song Sparrows, 2 Spotted Towhees, as many as 4 Varied Thrushes, a European Starling, 2 Steller’s Jays, 3 House Finches. A few each Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, at least one each Red-breasted Nuthatch and Bewick’s Wren. Irregular Band-tailed Pigeons, usually just a few but up to 16 one day. At least 3 Anna’s Hummingbirds at feeders we take in every night.

I think that’s all of them, although I should add the six Eastern Gray Squirrels that are regular visitors. We told them we wouldn’t give them any peanuts if they didn’t get along with the birds. And oh yes, they also wait under the suet feeder for a flicker to dislodge some.

Dennis Paulson
Snowy Maple Leaf, Seattle


> On Dec 20, 2022, at 10:38 AM, Tom and Carol Stoner <tcstonefam at gmail.com> wrote:

> 

> The starlings can't use the protected suet feeder, so they sit on the railing below it and gobble up the bits the Northern Flicker is knocking out.  Clever critters!

> 

> Carol Stoner

> Snowy West Seattle

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