I had such a fun time birding on Mingus Mountain two weeks ago, so I decided this past week to go back again. I retraced my steps, and it was interesting to see the difference in bird activity from one week to the next.
Two weeks ago, there was far more hummingbird and warbler activity than there was this past week. I realize that bird activity will vary from one day to the next, but there is also a point where migrating bird numbers peak, then the numbers start to drop off gradually from that point on.
Perhaps we are at this point right now, especially with hummingbird activity. Mid-August is typically the busiest time of year for hummingbirds at backyard feeders. From here on, numbers will start to gradually diminish. By the end of September, we’ll be down to just a few Anna’s hummingbirds.
While activity at nectar feeders will start to drop off, we are seeing an increase in bird seed consumption. It is not unusual for us to experience a drop in bird seed sales in May, June, and even July when most birds are rearing young. Bird species that typically eat bird seed switch their diet to insects during breeding season, as that is what they feed their babies.
However, once the babies leave the nest, the parents bring their offspring to your feeders. With the overall increase in bird numbers due to breeding, you are probably experiencing more birds at your feeders now than you have for several months.
Suet consumption has remained strong during the summer months. Suet is geared towards insect-eating bird species. While there are a lot of insects available to birds this time of year, the uptick in suet consumption probably has more to do with the increase in bird population from this year’s breeding season.
It is hard to believe that many of our fall migratory birds will begin showing up in just a few weeks. Don’t be surprised if you see some lazuli buntings in your yard over the next few weeks. They are already moving south, and will frequent seed feeders, looking for white proso millet.
We are also approaching the time of year when species that cache food start exhibiting the behavior of gathering ripening acorns and pinyon pine nuts. They will then harvest these nuts for the winter months ahead. This behavior is similar to what squirrels and chipmunks do. When there is an abundance of food available, they will collect and cache it away for times of scarcity in the coming winter months.
Bird species that cache food include woodpeckers, nuthatches, jays, titmice and chickadees. Seeds with a shell are their primary target, as these foods store better with a protective shell, compared to seeds that are out of the shell. If you feed peanuts in the shell, it is very entertaining to watch the Woodhouse’s scrub-jays come swooping in to quickly grab a peanut which they then quickly bury.
Many customers complain about acorn woodpeckers as they store acorns in structures. They get very creative when it comes to hiding acorns in wood-sided homes, in window frames, in door jams, and anywhere they can store nuts and seeds.
Earlier this week a customer witnessed a flock of wild turkeys in the parking lot of his business which is located in Plaza West, just off of Thumb Butte Road near the bowling alley. Historically wild turkeys have been restricted to the mountainous areas surrounding Prescott, but more and more they seem to be moving into the urban interface.
Until next week, Happy Birding!
Eric Moore is the owner of The Lookout, in Prescott, where you will find a Hallmark Gold Crown Store, wild bird products, and Swarovski and Vortex optics. Eric has been an avid birder for over 55 years. Eric can be contacted at eric@thelookoutaz.com.
