The fall songbird migration has begun, probably due to the dryness around here. I’ve been getting some interesting birdies at the feeder, especially since I put out a small pan of water. That’s been a source of endless entertainment. The smaller the bird, the bigger the splash they seem to make.
It’s endlessly cute to watch the approach. I use the bottom tray from a planter for water, and dump/refill it daily. I also put it up on a deck bench. The birds land either on the bench or a nearby mullein stalk, then perch on the edge to drink carefully. Then they look around and cautiously hop in. The smallest goldfinches barely can see over the rim. They peer around, splash, peer around again, then hop out and shake off.
Those little finch and sparrow birdies? They spread water in 3-4 foot arcs. Not that they waste it–often they’ll sip from the splash puddles before going to the main dish.
But so far this morning I’ve seen goldfinches, house finches, yellow and white-crowned sparrows, yellow-rumped warblers, black and grey warblers, and black-capped chickadees. The finches and the chickadees are regulars, the rest are travelers.
The other day a couple of crows daintily sipped from the tray.
Such a small thing, my bird feeders and waters. But it provides me and the birds much happiness. Besides the mixed seed and nyger feeders (I don’t run suet until the rains set it), I have a not-very-used hummingbird feeder and sunflowers that the birds can work. Plus all the mullein stalks.
And now a scrub jay is drinking. But I must go.
