Feeder Survey Fall/Winter 2022-2023

Jan 31, 2023 | Bird Feeder Survey, The Sandpiper

Writing this in the beginning of October, I was going to comment on the dry summer we just experienced, but Mother Nature did a turn around and we are now experiencing the dregs of Hurricane Ian, the final consequences of which are yet to be seen. I am hoping that it is not too late for the rain to revive the near dead trees and plants. Wonder how birds drink? Here are some examples, birds with conical beaks ( finches, cardinals, grackles, etc.) collect water in their beak then force the liquid into their stomach as they flip their heads back, hummingbirds have probing beaks and get enough moisture from the nectar they imbibe, birds with hooked beaks, such as owls and vultures obtain enough moisture from the meat they tear apart and waterfowl that have “strainer beaks” strain out food particles from the water and ingest large amounts of water. Baby birds need to have water but cannot drink so their parents supply water to them. I’ve always wondered what is the difference between a Bill and a Beak and finally found an answer. The bill is the overall mouth of the bird. It consists of bones, blood vessels, different kinds of tissue, and the Beak or the lips of the bird is a external organ that grows continuously and has a nostril at the end of its structure.

The fall/winter feeder survey starts in November and everyone is welcome to join.

The GSBAS Feeder Survey has been run for many years. The reward of the survey is to bring awareness of nature to our doorstep and share our observations with others. Visit greatsouthbayaudubon.org to learn about how the survey works

Red-tailed Hawk _

Sharp-shinned Hawk _

Cooper’s hawk _

Hawk Pigeon _

Mourning Dove _

Monk Parakeet _

Red-bellied Woodpecker _

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker _

Downy Woodpecker _

Hairy Woodpecker _

Northern Flicker _

Blue Jay _