A three-day storm event brings in the birds

Fox Sparrows have arrived

Today was a cold but calm day after three days of rain, sleet and snow that brought much needed precipitation to Central Minnesota. For only the second or third time this winter season, we actually have significant snow with over 8” on the ground. It won’t last long but it did bring birds to the feeders.

On Tuesday morning, the snow turned to rain for a few hours before quickly turning colder to sleet and then more snow. Freezing rain events can be hazardous for songbirds if their feathers get too soaked.

A soggy Blue Jay

Juncos are abundant at my feeder every spring from the end of March to early April. I also had a flock of about 20 American Tree Sparrows eating below the hopper feeder during the storm.

American Tree Sparrows - note pronounced black dot in center of their chest for identification.

The Tree Sparrows were also interested in the suet feeder.

Two Tree Sparrows and a Junco were foraging in the natural grass in the wetland buffer. This is an example why is it important to leave vegetation standing in the winter as it provides food above the deep snow cover.

Another spring migrant that showed up during the storm was a flock of Rusty Blackbirds. Often they will travel with Red-wing Blackbirds. The flat lighting in the storm made it impossible to highlight their coloration. The male’s plumage is a glossy purple and they have a pale white eye.

Male Rusty Blackbirds with one female on the left.

Rusty Blackbirds can be found near wooded swamps and wetlands. Like the Red-wing Blackbird, the Rusty Blackbird breeds near water but in trees and shrubs rather than cattails.

Couldn’t pass up a chance to photograph a cardinal in the snow this year…..we have had so few opportunities….so here it is…..

And in the name of gender equality…here is the female photo…enjoy!