Aspen Song™ Feeding Tips
December Feeding Tip
In the month of December much of the northeastern United States experiences its first widespread snowfall. For some, the whitening of the landscape may be temporary and for others it may set the scene for the next three months. A general snowfall typically increases feeder activity substantially.November Feeding Tip
Northeast News Flash! The various birding hotlines and listservs are buzzing with the news that many Pine Siskins are being seen at feeders across the northeastern states. This member of the finch family resides across northern Canada, Alaska, and in the high elevations of the Rocky Mountains.October Feeding Tip
By this point on the calendar, most of the temperate and neo-tropical migrants have left for southern and warmer climates. Why? Generally speaking, they are insect-eaters who leave for regions where food will continue to be available during winter months. The northeast's resident birds remain with us at this time of year. Why? Seed-eating birds (granivores) have ample supplies of the fruits of native plants. Many of these plants have just completed setting their seeds at the end of the growing season.
September Feeding Tip
As the days of early fall shorten and nighttime temperatures drop, the specie mix and activity levels at many backyard bird feeders change as well. It is an important time of year to keep a steady supply of seed available to your avian visitors. Some of the feeder visits you are observing may not be about today's nutritional requirements. Many of the seedeaters of the northeast are known food hoarders.
August Feeding Tip
August is migration time for Ruby-throated hummingbirds. Exactly when in the month they depart depends on one's location and when temperatures cool. Most have arrived in Central America by the second half of September.
July Feeding Tip
Are you a summer kind of person? American Goldfinches (Carduelis tristis) are a summer kind of bird! This beautiful visitor to backyard feeders is one of the last species to begin the nesting cycle each year, typically waiting until late June or early July.