Master Gardener: Love is in the Air
Did you participate in the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC)? I did a few separate counts. One time an exclusive flock of 35 cowbirds landed under the feeder. Usually, they stay within the much larger red-winged blackbird flocks. Over twenty cardinals came and went, which was a good thing since several have been sacrificed to the red-shouldered hawk couple. One Spotted Towhee, titmice, chickadees, house finches, goldfinches, and Carolina wrens darted into the feeders when the larger birds were occupied elsewhere. Four brilliant blue jays descended in mass to dine. Mourning Doves and Juncos stayed on the ground while Harris and White-throated sparrows dashed out then retreated under the spreading juniper.
