Dakota Beacon

At last, the sights and sounds of spring arrive.

            For some, the webcam video of the eagles nest at Decorah, Iowa, might be the epitome of bird watching. The raptor camera catches every move of the two adults and three baby eaglets. However, nothing compares to the live bird show outside my kitchen window.

            Spring migration never ceases to amaze and delight me. As the snowdrifts disappeared at the end of April taking with them the Slate-colored Juncos, the spring migration was underway. Within the past three weeks at least a dozen and a half species visited my feeders including some of the old hangers-on.

            For the record, I’ll point out some of my feathered friends. As mentioned, the Juncos moved north to cooler climes for the summer. They were so fun to watch skittering across the snowdrifts at eye level outside the window. They looked like midget penguins with their slate colored backs and white tummies. Perky and cute, they clean up the tailings other birds leave behind.

            Redpolls were not as prolific this year as in some. A few were spotted before they headed north for the summer. Almost simultaneously the Purple Finches arrived to take their place. With their wine-colored head, throat and breast they seek out the bag of thistle seed competing with the American Gold Finches for a spot on the bag.

            Not only do the two finches compete for food, they also compete in a beauty pageant. Side by side, the bright gold of one finch contrasts remarkably with the rich wine-red hue of the other. Each takes a turn making a deferential bow.

            White Crowned Sparrows spy out the area from the safety of the trees before descending to the ground where they typically feed. How handsome and spiffy they look with white racing stripes on their head next to their distinguishing white crown. Their sprightly dance consists of a hop-scratch / hop-scratch behavior as they search for seeds.

            Within the last few days the first Harris Sparrow made his long awaited appearance. He looked quite dapper with his black hat and bib and pink bill. The largest of the sparrow, he looks like a “Mr. Harris” as he holds himself proud. As he hops backward scratching for just the right seed, he’s quite the gentleman showing courtesy to his dining companions.

            About the same time a Rose-breasted Grosbeak dropped by for his first visit. I think he put on weight over the winter. He looked like a small chicken sitting at the feeder. Keeping an eye on other birds, he doesn’t turn her head. Instead, he turns his whole body or waddles from side to side checking out the activity around him.

            One creature returns every year like clockwork. The Grackle. Darth Vader himself.

            I’m no fan of the Grackle, but I do acknowledge he is good for something. In spite of their brutish, hoggish, bullying behavior with other birds, they have a way of tidying up the area under the feeders.

            Best of all comes my anti-villain, the squirrel, sometimes known as the Fuzzy Bottom Boy. Although not as rambunctious as Grackles, squirrels are no more genteel in their eating habits. One squirrel in particular mounted the fence and proceeded toward the feeders attracting the attention of the Grackles. Incensed at the intruder, I watched as one Grackle wheeled about and charged the squirrel. The Grackles had flown all the way from Mississippi and were in no mood to allow some squirrel to interfere with their feeding ground.

            Some of the year round hangers-on from winter were still loitering about the feeders. Hairy and Downy Woodpeckers, Chickadees, Nut Hatches, Mourning Doves and House Sparrows visit occasionally. With nicer weather, however, they’re probably further afield in search of nesting sites before all the good real estate is taken.

            Last but not least there is everybody’s favorite and a true sign of spring -- the Robin. This year the robins pushed the envelope. They arrived with snow round about and before the late April blizzard. Instead of worms they were feeding on suet at my feeders!

            Free as a bird, so to speak, my feathered friends offer a welcome reprieve from a long, wet winter.

Dennis M. Patrick can be contacted at P. O. Box 337, Stanley, ND 58784 or (JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).