Ornithologist says more birds failed to fly south this winter

Many birds usually missed in the winter are being spotted around town due to this year's mild weather.

      Local bird enthusiast Diane Porter said bird species that completely migrate south, such as swallows and chimney swifts, have all left the area. However, in the case of species that mostly migrate south, meaning some remain all winter, more than usual are staying behind.

      Porter said a number of Canada geese and robins can be found in Iowa all year long, although the majority migrate south. Canada geese, she explained, need water that isn't frozen, so in a mild winter more can remain in Iowa.

      Even though some birds remain all year, it isn't as common for them to be spotted in town because the ground is frozen, and they can't find worms, Porter said. Birds that stay in Iowa spend the winter in the woods where they can feed on berries, she explained.

      This year, she said, "I'm sure seeing more than I usually do."

      Besides robins and Canada geese, Porter said people are more likely to come across brown creepers, Carolina wrens and yellow-bellied sapsuckers.

      Porter said although people may have noticed that their bird feeders aren't being used as much, they should continue to keep them stocked. In the mild weather, the birds are able to locate their own food, but if the weather does turn nasty, the birds will remember where the feeders are, she explained.

For a complete story, read the Dec. 28 Fairfield Ledger.