Feathered Friends in the Winter

Come winter in the Upper Midwest many of our backyard friends leave for warmer weather. We won't see the Barn Swallows, Tree Swallows, Indigo Buntings, Baltimore Orioles or Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks. Even the Wisconsin state bird, the Robin, is all but gone (Note that some sightings will show up on ebird from time to time).

While many birds have left for better weather, a number of our friends remain despite the cold and snow. Now they need foods which are high in calories and oils. Being sure that you have suet, sunflower seed, peanuts, and safflower seed to support them will not only help the birds survive but help attract them to your yard or garden.

If you are wondering which of our backyard friends have stuck around; here's a short list:

1. American Goldfinch
2. Northern Cardinal
3. House Finch
4. Mourning Dove
5. Black-capped Chickadee
6. White-breasted Nuthatch
7. Downy Woodpecker
8. Red Bellied Woodpecker

While many of our usual visitors leave during the cold, others should visit your feeders during the winter. Here are some visitors you may notice during the colder months:

1. Purple Finch
2. Dark-eyed Junco
3. Evening Grosbeak
4. Red Crossbill
5. Red-breasted Nuthatch

Here are some pictures of our winter friends.

Purple Finch

Dark-eyed Junco

Red Bellied Woodpecker