Well … sort of! Obviously migration is very taxing, but during the Fall migration when there is no rush to get to breeding grounds, birds will take time off from migration to hang out near good food sources. Such was the case over the past few days. Friday evening I noticed a particular mountain ash tree was being raided by Cedar Waxwings. Early yesterday morning I returned to the same tree with my camera. Even though there are lots of other mountain ash trees in the vicinity which are loaded with berries, this tree was apparently “the” tree.
All kinds of species of birds were eating berries out of this one tree. Closer inspection yieleded me some clues. This tree had lots of nearby cover, and great wildflowers within a few yards now going to seed (think food). In addition, this spot was only 500 yards inland from Lake Superior. Thus, birds following the shore of the big lake (their migration highway) were able to find easy food.
Thus, this migration season think like a lazy bird. Find their logical highways (rivers and occasionally even highways that cut through the boreal forest) in conjunction with food, and you will normally find birds taking a rest stop. As long as the food lasts, and the weather does not change dramatically … such as a HUGE wind out of the north to ride south, the birds will stick around. We’re all lazy when presented with easy, yummy food.
Cedar Waxwings Feeding on Mountain Ash Berries (mainly juveniles)
Female American Goldfinch eating wild Sunflower Seeds
Swainson’s Thrush gets in on the Berry Action!
