- Until lakes and reservoirs are completely frozen,
continue to check them for waterfowl. As water freezes
and the season progresses, most loons, grebes, and ducks
will move on, but there are always a few that linger in
the small amount of remaining open water.
- The large number of Mallards at local lakes affords
ample opportunity to observe their courtship activity
that starts in late fall and continues through the
winter.
- A few Common Mergansers usually begin to arrive in
early December. By mid-month their numbers begin to
build. For reasons that are not apparent, in some winters
the total may reach 1,000 or more on Triadelphia
Reservoir—providing it remains ice-free and the water
levels are normal. Four of the last five years, these
winter numbers have been among the highest in the
state—an unusual circumstance for any species in this
Piedmont county. Because both reservoirs are closed to
the public from December 15 to March 1 (or later if there
is still ice), the best vantage point during that period is Brighton Dam. By
standing on the sidewalk on the north side of the dam any
time from about 3:00 p.m. until dark, it is possible to
watch the mergansers fly from the main reservoir into a
cove at the left side of the dam. In the morning, the
process is reversed. (On weekdays, nearby traffic is
worse in the morning.) Red-breasted and Hooded mergansers
may also be present, but normally there are only a few of
those species.
- During the colder months, watch powerlines, utility
poles, and leafless trees along major highways for
perched hawks. In open country in the western part of the
county, keep an eye out for a Rough-legged Hawk or a
Northern Harrier hunting low over fields. Both of these
species occasionally winter in the county, the harrier
more consistently. Neither species is easy to find.
- Although unusual gull species are most likely in
January and February, Iceland and Glaucous gulls have
been recorded a few times in December. Lesser
Black-backed Gulls have now become almost regular each
winter, but that may be limited to a single sighting.
- By December, Northern Saw-whet Owls may have taken up
residence in pine plantations and in dense, viney,
deciduous tangles. Finding a perched saw-whet owl,
whether after a long search or as an accidental
encounter, is not soon forgotten.
- Check tangles and exposed tree roots along riverbanks
and hillside streams for the tiny, secretive Winter Wren.
Fortunate is the individual who hears the liquid song of
this mouse-like bundle of energy in the "dark of
December."
- Birds are never evenly distributed in a given
habitat, but in winter it is more obvious than during the
breeding season. In wooded areas and along wood edges,
look and listen for small mixed flocks of chickadees,
titmice, nuthatches, kinglets, woodpeckers, and Carolina
Wrens as they move through an area. In more open brushy
situations, look for various sparrow species, Northern
Cardinals, House Finches, and American Goldfinches. Check
individuals in any grouping carefully for the less common
species that may accompany the flock.
- Now and then an escaped caged bird is spotted at a
feeder, but more exciting is the lingering warbler,
thrasher, or oriole. Once in a great while someone finds
a geographic stray such as a Varied Thrush, Dickcissel,
or Yellow-headed Blackbird. Severe winter weather,
especially heavy snow, prolonged cold, or ice storms
tends to produce the most reports of vagrants or
lingering migrants. If neighbors or friends mention a
strange bird at their feeders, please check it carefully.
Birders don't have a corner on rare species! The only
county Painted Bunting record is based on a photograph
taken at a feeder. The bird was present for several
weeks, but the homeowners did not realize the rarity of
their visitor. If you spot a rare bird, try to obtain a
photograph and please report the species to this website
so that interested birders may attempt to see it.
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November — January 