
2010 has been a good one for Goldfinches, and generally for juveniles, but it's been a pretty poor one here for Carolina Chickadees. I don't see them as often as I am accustomed. Sure, some are there, and I usually see two when they visit. But the frequency of visits is down. Looking at my BirdCam log, I have photographed at least one bird on 28 days since April 1st. In the same period last year I picked up 42 days with Chickadee photos. That's a significant 33% reduction. What's going on? There may be fewer birds this summer and the ones I see may be working a larger area. Or another feeder station may be more attractive. Or they're simply more comfortable elsewhere. Who knows. Ebbs and flows of population are normal. Next year may see a noticeable expansion in Chickadee populations. I'll do my best to help that along. I have seven available nest boxes, plenty of food, water, and shelter. We shall see what happens.
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