Birding with Phil By Phil Kyle 

February Birding

American Wigeon

    February is the middle of WINTER, more specifically February 15, BUT we have an hour more daylight on FEB 1st than at the Winter Solstice and 2hrs more daylight by the END of February........ Your probably saying to yourself, BIG DEAL !!! Where's Spring and the warm weather ! But the birds know there's a difference, they've already started vocalizing(singing).
    The 90 or so Winter birds are noticing the subtle change in the amount of sunlight. They are already saying, "THIS IS MY YARD ,RIGHT HERE", the Mourning Doves have already assumed their territorial positions on different telephone wires.  The migrants down south in warmer climes have noticed the increase too and are getting ready to move north.
    The waterfowl we see out on Cape Cod Bay and non-frozen parts of fresh water ponds, like Longtailed Ducks, Goldeneyes, Common Eiders, Buffleheads, Ring-necked Ducks, American Wigeons to mention a few , will start their head-bobbing courtship ritual this month -  something to watch for.
    So the bottom line is that winter weather elements are to be tolerated and birding to commence! As I'm sure I've mentioned before, this is the only time of year to see about 40 species.  So join us from 8AM - 11AM .  The Green Briar Van leaves punctually! 

January Birding

Snow Bunting

    January means WINTER TIME with shorter days, less time to forage for food and colder temperatures. The 90 species or so of birds that are around at this time are very preoccupied by getting enough energy to create FAT to insulate them from the cold so they don't get sick and die. So much for  the dramatic theme!  

    BUT winter  IS a challeging time for birds. Most people just sit near their windows inside and watch the birds at their feeder but by bundling up and actually going to the local hotspots with Green Briar Nature Center's van,.... you'll see birds you CAN'T see in your cozy home.  

    Don't get me wrong. If it's life-threatening outside of the van or even close we stay INSIDE the Thornton Burgess's Nature Center van with the HEAT on !!  

     We could see the following birds at this time of year...Snow Buntings, Horned Larks, Cooper's Hawk, Lesser Scaup, Long-tailed Ducks, Golden-eyed Ducks, Horned Grebes, Loons, Harlequin Duck even a Bluebird,  Cedar Waxwing or Golden-crowned Kinglet. 

    Join us Mondays at 8 for a Winter adventure!   Members: $12  Non-Members $16

  To view the 2009 articles:   Birding with Phil By Phil Kyle 

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