Winged Migration

Juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk                                         © Diane B. Reed

When we think about bird migration, we tend to think about the vast flocks of migratory birds which pass though the Walla Walla Valley every fall and spring. Some move through our area on their way south, but for others we are the ultimate destination for the winter. I've been reading an interesting book by Scott Weidensaul, Living on the Wind: Across the Hemisphere with Migratory Birds. It's a fascinating book about bird migration, well worth reading.

Dark-eyed "Oregon" Junco                         © Diane B. Reed

Of particular interest to me in Weidensaul's book is the concept of altitudinal migration.  Although we traditionally think about birds moving north and south with the seasons, many birds simply change their altitude. For example, Dark-eyed Juncos move down from the Blue Mountains in the winter and hang out in the valley. They arrived here a few weeks ago and are busy foraging in the yard and under the birdfeeder.
     The White-crowned Sparrows arrived just before the Juncos, and this morning the Pine Siskins arrived for the winter.
     Weidensaul notes that many birds are wintering farther north because of the prevalence of bird feeders.  And this has led many predators, notably Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawks, to stay around as well.

Immature White-crowned Sparrow           © Diane B. Reed

     Sharp-shinned and Coopers Hawks are regular visitors to our neighborhood. This morning the juvenile Sharp-shinned Hawk shown above tried his luck at the birds on our feeders. We noticed him sitting on our deck railing, looking a little dismayed. Although he missed his intended target this time, there's little doubt he'll stick around. Fortunately for the little birds, there's lots of bushes and brush to hide in when the hawks come around.

Pine Siskins and House Finches                  © Diane B. Reed