Since August, our bird population at our feeders has been way down here
in SE MN. Others in Houston County who regularly feed birds are also
noticing the same scenario. I do see and hear a few chickadees, titmice,
woodpeckers, blue jays and goldfinches but currently only the
goldfinches seem to be eating regularly at the feeders.
I have been on the lookout for predators such as hawks and kestrels, but
haven't noticed any depredation as the cause.
I'd be curious to know if this is only local to our area, or elsewhere
in the state. We have had other years where things slow down during this
time of year, but never to this extent. My speculation is that food is
in abundance right now and that most birds are feeding naturally. Last
year due to a late freeze we had very little (if any) tree nuts, but
this year nuts are in abundance.
Alan Stankevitz
Mound Prairie Township
Houston Co. MN
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