If you share my passion for birds, you are probably counting down the days to spring migration like a kid before summer vacation, or fans of Muranda Cheese Factory that can’t wait to dance to the summer band picks. This exciting time of year will soon have the skies bustling with colorful, fascinating birds returning to the northern regions. So, dust off your binoculars, practice your “oohs” and “aahs,” and get ready for another season of trying to capture photos of warblers before they disappear faster than a SnapChat video.
European Starlings: Noisy pests possess a remarkable ability to gather in large flocks that head straight to your suet feeders.
As of today, March 28, 2026, I have only heard a Red-winged blackbird and a Robin. Have you heard or seen any spring migrating birds? Let me know in the comments.
In Central New York, spotting a Robin in March is like texting your pals, “Spring is here!” Their orange chests and cheery chirps like Syracuse Orange fans. But don’t expect them at your feeder. Robins aren’t built for cracking seeds like cardinals. Their beaks prefer softer, squirmier meals; think earthworms, beetles, and caterpillars.
During breeding season (spring–summer), robins go wild for protein-packed bugs to feed their chicks. Picture them trailing you across your lawn, eyeing that nightcrawler under your flip-flop. If robins could talk, they’d yell, “Step aside, lady, you’re standing on my lunch!” If that were me, I would have fled to my porch, scraping worm goo off my shoe all the way. Gross! But robins love it.
• Worms: Earthworms and nightcrawlers are to Robins like The Owl house in Rochester is to vegans. In summer, robins hunt these in your yard or at Lime Hollow’s trails. No feeder needed—they’re nature’s bug repellent (Because even robins appreciate a good snack and a well-manicured yard).
Where do Robins go in the winter?
Some robins migrate to Texas or Florida for better grub, but many stay in Central New York, hiding in wooded areas like the Finger Lakes National Forest for insulation. I used to think they were snowbirds, like Central New York retirees fleeing to their favorite beach spots, but nope, robins grow extra downy feathers to brave the cold and stay right here in Central New York. In the immortal words of the Late, Great Johnny Carson, “I did not know that.”
Keep Birding, Beginners!
A closeup shot of a European robin bird in a winterpark covered with snow
Got a robin tale? Drop a comment below—I’m begging you! Share your winter sightings or worm-chasing stories. Check mybirdingjournal.com for Central New York birding tips.
Now that fall migration is over, and the smart birds have flown the coop for sunnier locations, other, tougher birds hang out in colder regions. By the way, migrating birds are no smarter than the winter birds; they’re just different. It’s like going to Long Point Winery or Johnson Estate Winery. Same species, different process.
Apparently, some birds haven’t heard of Florida, where many Central New Yorkers birds and “people” go for the winter months.
But, here at home, you’ll spot common feeder birds like Black-capped Chickadees, Northern Cardinals, and various woodpeckers, all braving the cold with enthusiasm, plus hardy waterfowl and raptors who must have lost their bird minds. It’s just Mother Nature’s way of keeping things interesting.
Common Backyard/Feeder Birds in Winter
Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they arrive from the north just as winter begins in the region. These birds clearly know how to beat the crowd and have zero complaints about airport crowds because clearly they are headed in the most unpopular direction.
Male Northern Cardinals stand out against the snow in their bright red plumage is nature’s way of making sure you never lose track of your bird feeder’s most dramatic guest. Read more on my post.
Black-capped Chickadee, in particular, is so tough it can lower its body temperature to get through cold nights. Sweaters are for amateurs, these birds basically audition for the ugly sweater contest at Liquid State Brewing Co every night.
In winter, Goldfinches lose their bright yellow breeding colors and transform into a drab, dull olive-brown or grayish-brown, making them look almost unrecognizable, with males becoming less yellow and females more gray/brown. Read more
The Tufted Titmouse is the squirrel of the bird world tucking away seeds like it’s prepping for a feathered apocalypse every winter. Think Walmart on Black Friday.
You can often spot the White-breasted Nuthatch moving head-first down tree trunks while searching for food. It’s the only bird that auditions for Spider-Man daily, making squirrels drop their acorns in shock.
Downy and Hairy Woodpeckersare both common think of them as the neighborhood regulars at your backyard diner. The Downy Woodpecker’s small size lets it feed on just about anything, even weed stalks (think of it as the snack-sized woodpecker with a big appetite).Red-bellied Woodpeckers also stick around all year, probably because they can’t resist the local menu.
Blue Jaysare smart and adaptable birds that live in the region all year. They’re so clever, they’ve probably figured out how to order birdseed online by now.
Who can forget the lovely Mourning Doves? While some people claim it’s their favorite birds, I see them as messy feeder hogs. Read on another of my posts about why Mourning doves aren’t my favorite bird.
Waterfowl and Raptor
You can spot Bald Eaglesalong the shores of larger lakes like Seneca and Cayuga from December to February, hunting for fish under the ice because who needs Wegmans grocery store when you have talons and attitude? Thinking about visiting? Click the link for more info. FLX Treehouses and Coastal Cottage.
Large white Mute Swans while nooften seen in the Finger Lakes region and Lake Ontario, gliding along like royalty on parade (minus the crown). While Mute Swan are considered an invasive species, they often pass through during migration, probably just stopping to stretch their wings and gossip about the locals. Learn more here.
Ducks like Common Mergansers, Common Goldeneyes, Buffleheads, and Mallards look for parts of the Finger Lakes and Central New York that don’t freeze because, shockingly, even ducks prefer not to ice skate. Learn more here.
Flocks of Snow Geese, sometimes in the thousands, pass through the area in late winter as they migrate making the sky look like a badly shaken pillow fight. Learn more here.
Irruptive Visitors
Some species show up only some winters, depending on how much food is available farther north:
Most of us in Central New York love hearing Canadian geese pass over in the spring, but in mid-October, their honks are not music to our ears. Why? Because we know “Winter is Coming,” and that menacing theme from Game of Thrones plays in our heads. Still, instead of dragons and bloody battles, we’re just facing the inevitable struggle with our snow shovels and digging out our winter clothes.
This Q&A will help you understand why Canada Geese do what they do—and let’s be honest, why they drive us just a little bit crazy.
Q: Why do most geese fly south for the winter?
A: Canada geese fly south in the winter to find food and unfrozen water, kind of like us enduring the heartbreak of Cream at the Top closing after Labor Day. Geese lounge around in their favorite Finger Lakes, waiting for the temperature to dip below freezing. When they finally decide to leave, it’s just a hop, skip, and a honk southward to their beachside havens. You might as well think of them as the original snowbirds.
When the time change rolls around, geese get a hormonal wake-up call that’s less “rise and shine” and more “time to hit the road!” It’s their body’s way of saying, “Pack your bags; we’re leaving!”
Geese also love a good tailwind. Haven’t all of our fathers followed a tractor-trailer down Rt. 81, claiming “drafting” will save on fuel? If not, don’t try it. Just know that geese do it correctly, courtesy of Mother Nature. They often wait for a friendly northward breeze to give them that extra push—like the buffet line on Thanksgiving.
Q: Why do some geese stay put in Central New York?
A: The assumption that all Canada geese fly south for the winter is invalid. An increasing number of “resident” geese, particularly in urban areas, have adapted to staying year-round. They’re like those friends who never seem to leave the lake house.
The Finger Lakes region’s open waters, like Canandaigua, Seneca, and Cayuga, don’t freeze over, making it a go-to spot for geese that prefer not to deal with a polar vortex. Milder winters help, too, more opportunity on other lakes like Skaneateles and Owasco, where the only “chill” they feel is from a glass of Riesling from Anyelas Vineyards. Plus, Montezuma National Wildlife Refuge is the ultimate winter vacation spot for both snow geese and Canada geese.
Q: How do geese use science to navigate?
A: Migrating geese are nature’s navigators, using skills passed down like family recipes for Thanksgiving stuffing. They can sense the Earth’s magnetic field, acting as their internal GPS.
Young geese learn the ropes by following their parents and other experienced birds in the flock, sort of like the way our fathers taught us to parallel park without hitting the curb.
Q: Why the famous V-formation
A: During migration, geese fly in a V-formation to maximize aerodynamics. Think of it as carpooling; each bird helps lift the others and reduces air resistance for the one behind. Even geese know that sharing the workload (and conserving energy) beats flying solo while trying to remember where they left their sunglasses. Imagine their conversations: “Stay behind your father, Herbie!” or “Frances is always showing off.” If one gets tired, they gladly swap places, unlike your cousin at Thanksgiving, who won’t sit next to Aunt Doris.
Q: How do they choose a leader?
A: Geese take turns being the leader. The bird in front is usually the one that tires first, kind of like the first one on a road trip who has to pee. When they get tired, they rotate back, and another goose takes the lead. It’s teamwork at its finest, like the Buffalo Bills when one player is injured. So, if you see a goose take charge, you know they’ve earned that front-row seat!
Q: Where do they go for the winter?
A: Geese from northern regions fly south and head for southern U.S. states, including Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Florida, the Carolinas, and Georgia. It’s their ultimate getaway! Imagine them checking into the luxurious Fontainebleau, sipping on grass smoothies, and debating whether to take a dip in the fountain or waddle over to the nearest Miami Food Truck.
Some adventurous geese even wing it all the way to Mexico. Why not? If you’re flying south, might as well stop for some guacamole and sunshine; it beats a Finger Lakes Taco Bell in February, right?
So, if you spot a gaggle of geese huddled together making plans, know they’re not only discussing the weather but also plotting their next tropical escape to warmth, good food, and easy access to the geese-type cocktails of their choice.
Are you a snowbird itching to go to your next winter escape? If so, what kind of birds do you see? And if you’re spending the cold months in Central New York, don’t worry, you can still discover the birds that stick around! Stay warm and keep your snow shovel handy; the geese aren’t the only ones looking for a way out!
If a Blue Jay struts onto your Central New York feeder, you’re not just hosting a bird, you’re entertaining the John Gotti of the avian underworld. These loud, flashy showstoppers rock their bling like Frank Sinatra night at the Dark House Tavern. But don’t be fooled by their charm: these feathered mob bosses are sneaky, cunning, and ready to shake down any nest for a quick score. Let’s dive into why Blue Jays are the Gambino crime family of your backyard.
The Dastardly Don
Blue Jays don’t just chirp, they announce their presence with calls ranging from a cheerful “Yo, what’s up?” to a piercing “Trouble’s coming. Scatter!” When a hawk or owl crashes their turf, these birds go full-on Goodfellas, mobbing the intruder with dive-bombs and shrieks that’d make a guest at a backyard BBQ drop their burger. Their loudest trick? A pump-handle scream that sounds like a prankster in the woods or a Red-shouldered Hawk impersonation to scare off rivals. It’s like Gotti barking orders at his wise guys.
The Impish Impersonator
Like a mobster with a talent for aliases, Blue Jays mimic hawk calls to spook other birds away from feeders or warn fellow Jays of danger. Picture them grinning as sparrows flee, thinking a predator’s near, while the Jay swipes the suet. Pure ‘Teflon Don’ behavior, smooth and untouchable.
The Clever Criminal
Blue Jays are the masterminds of the bird world. In captivity, they’ve been caught crafting tools from newspaper scraps or sticks to snag food like a villain picking a lock. Finger Lakes farmers curse them for swooping down post-planting to nick seeds, pulling off heists with Gotti-level swagger.
The Shifty Scammer
One sly Blue Jay was spotted faking a peanut stash, hiding a pebble instead to throw off rivals. It’s the kind of decoy trick Gotti might’ve pulled to dodge the feds. Trickery at its best.
The Monogamist Mate
Unlike those Playboy hummingbirds, Blue Jays are more like that mobster couple who stay together, with a dash of drama. From mid-March to July, these birds pair up for life, and the male goes all out, feeding his mate like they’re on a honeymoon. If another Jay dares to invade their turf in late summer, you might catch the female throwing food back at him, saying, “Don’t even think about it!” It’s like a mob couple sharing a plate of ziti at Rosalie’s Cucina saying, “We’re in this together, now hand over the garlic bread!”
The Handy Homemaker
Each year, Blue Jays build a new nest, tucked high in evergreen trees, crafted from twigs, moss, and even stolen cloth or paper. They camouflage it to keep it low-key, and parents quietly clean out waste when needed. If a nest fails, the male brings new materials to the female for a do-over like buying a mansion for his mob-wife on Skaneateles Lake.
The Feathered Family Unit
Blue Jays are all about family. Both parents team up to build a nest, with the male serving the female while she incubates. Once the chicks hatch (17-21 days old), the whole gang leaves the nest together, like the Gotti clan rolling out of Ozone Park. Parents keep feeding and guarding their young with the fierceness of a Gambino hitman.
The Protective Parent
Mom and Dad Jay are on high alert. The female broods chicks for 8-12 days while both parents feed and defend them. Owls, cats, and hawks prey on adults, but babies face threats from snakes, squirrels, and even crows. It’s a tough world out there, but these Jays guard their kids like Gotti protected his inner circle.
The Mysterious Migrant
Most Blue Jays stick around Central New York all year, while the young ones jet south for winter, only to skip migration the next year. They’re like Gotti dodging a subpoena, unpredictable and always keeping you guessing. You’ll spot them from the eastern U.S. to the Northwest, slowly expanding their turf.
Will Blue Jays Crash Your Feeders?
Like the Gambino family muscling in, Blue Jays hit up any feeder, but they love the big ones loaded with peanuts, sunflower seeds, or suet. Stock your backyard like Potters Farm to Fork, and these Dapper Dons will be a regular customer.
Spill the Beak: Has a Blue Jay pulled a Gotti move at your feeder? Drop a comment and tell me about their backyard capers.
If you’re reading My Birding Journal, you’re either hooked on our feathered locals or you thought this was a scrapbooking site for lovebirds (spoiler: no glue or stickers here, just wings, beaks, and backyard drama). Let’s unpack the quirky tribes of Central New York bird enthusiasts and see if you recognize yourself.
Birdwatchers: The Casual Spotters
Birdwatchers are the laid-back nature lovers of the birding scene, like hikers at Fillmore Glen who spot a sparrow and go, “Aw, cute!” They’re out for a walk, binoculars and iPhones loaded with the Merlin app just in case they want to look up. What’s their vibe? Enjoying nature’s free show, maybe followed by a glass of Riesling at Six Mile Creek or a gummy from Sweet Grass dispensary to celebrate spotting a cardinal. These folks aren’t chasing rare birds; they’re just happy to see a chickadee while sipping coffee on their Cortland County patio. Me? I’m a birdwatcher with one toe on the birder bridge, dreaming of joining Birding Bob in Central Park (but not driving six hours for it).
Birders: The Driven Bird Buffs
Birders are the CrossFit warriors of the bird world. Think Skaneateles Community Center regulars chugging a Wegmans protein shake and sporting Audubon-branded sweatbands. They don’t just watch birds; they study them, identifying species by a single chirp or an unusual beak like they’re at a high-stakes trivia night at Bru 64. Ready with eBird checklists and life lists longer than a Walgreens receipt, they’ll hike Labrador Hollow trails to log a warbler’s sneeze. Their fancy cameras cost more than my car, but their data supports conservation efforts that help the birding world. Birders aren’t just hobbyists; they’re basically birding FBI agents, without the sunglasses.
Twitchers: The Adrenaline Junkies
Twitchers? They crave the dopamine rush, like a hunter with ‘buck fever‘ but for a rare owl instead of a deer. Twitchers will drop everything, job, family, common sense, to chase a rare bird across state lines or another country. Imagine them booking a red eye to Iceland because someone tweeted about a snowy owl in the Westfjord. Their life lists are sacred, their apps (eBird, Rare Bird Alerts) are essential, and their slogan? “Neither snow nor rain nor low-balance bank account stops Twitchers from the chase!” If birding’s a sport, twitchers are the Breanna Stewartof birders, blurry photos and all. Watch The Big Year, it’s their life in movie form.
In a Nutshell
Birdwatcher: Got feeders in your yard, toss out whatever seed’s on sale, and call it a day? You’re living the chill life, my friend.
Birder: Whether you’re a scientist at Cornell’s Ornithology Lab (or self-taught like me), logging every beak on eBird? You’re the nerd we love.
Twitcher: Itching to max out your credit card for a glimpse of a Kirtland’s Warbler? You’re a legend, and also maybe a little unhinged.
Spill your guts in the comments
Are you a patio birdwatcher, a birder with a PhD in sparrow calls, or a twitcher ready to hitchhike to Brazil for a harpy eagle? I’m dying to know what rocks to your feeders!
Across New York State, billions of birds are getting ready for their fall journey to the tropics. Bright Baltimore Orioles, Red-breasted Grosbeaks, and the ruby-throated hummingbirds are packing their tiny suitcases and saying goodbye to summer in the Finger Lakes. Bird lovers, with binoculars in hand and hearts full of excitement, watch eagerly, hoping these little travelers have a safe and successful trip. Snowbirds from Central New York will also be heading to warmer climates for the winter. Am I a little jealous, you bet your Rough-legged hawk boots I am.
Are you wondering how you can help with the fall bird migration? You are in luck because I’ve found five ways to make for a safer journey.
High-Energy Food (This is a Biggy)
Black oil sunflower seeds, kernels, and hearts: These are a rich and concentrated source of energy and protein for migratory birds, much like natural energy drinks like we like to order at Blue Dog Drink Co in Victor.
Suet: It’s not just for woodpeckers anymore, it’s now a tasty local delicacy! During fall migration in New York, suet becomes the bird equivalent of a gourmet energy bar, keeping our feathered friends energized for those long journeys and winter prep. Honestly, suet is to birds what a trail cookie at Emmie’s Organics in Ithaca is to us—an irresistible, nourishing treat.
Mulch piles: Central New Yorkers often compete in a neighborly rivalry like who’s going to rake up leaves first and clear out end-of-summer mulch. It’s only natural when the season to come is winter. But try to hold off during fall migration. Let leaf piles gather in your yard. These tiny mountain ranges are nature’s playground, providing a cozy mansion for insects and tiny creatures that birds love to snack on. By supporting our local critters, you can keep your yard lively and fun even though it’s killing you to finish yard work.
2. Keep Cats Indoors:
Ever catch yourself thinking, “Could Fluffy be a bird assassin?” or whispering, “My Thomasina’s way too adorable to be a murderer”? Well, believe it or not, around 2.6 billion birds in the U.S. and Canada fall prey to cats every day. Yes, it’s surprising to think your little mouser is also a bird killer. But it’s all instinct! Just like how we desperately try to snag a last-minute reservation at Lasca’s Restaurant on a Friday night, craving that irresistible prime rib and budging ahead in line to get it. Outdoor cats risk contracting tapeworms, fleas, and other diseases, and also being preyed upon by predators and becoming a hood ornament on a speeding car. Bird lovers aren’t anti-cat; they just want to keep birds as well as our feline friends safe and sound.
3. Windows:
Windows are deadly to birds, with an estimated 599 million dying per year from collisions in the U.S. alone. Homeowners can make a significant difference by doing their part with window safety.
At night, lighted windows attract and kill migrating birds. During the day, windows reflect foliage, the sky, and other birds, which makes birds think they can fly through them. I know what you’re thinking. If I cover my windows, how will I see my birds at the feeder? Okay, maybe you’re not thinking that, but I am.
So, I did some research and here’s what I found on Amazon:
I’ve rarely have bird collisions into my windows, but some people have certain birds that will constantly run into a window because it sees its reflection. That is frustrating for both the window owner and the poor bird.
4. Turn Off Lights at Night:
Did you know that most birds prefer to migrate under the cover of darkness? Bright lights can blind feathered travelers into accidental casualties, causing them to bump into buildings or becoming lost. How can we lend a wing and help them find their way south? In New York State, the ‘Fall Lights Out initiative’ runs from August 15 to November 15, between 11:00 pm and 6:00 am. Check out DEC and OGS Remind New Yorkers to Keep ‘Lights out’ to Protect Migrating Birds to find out more.
5. Pesticides:
Exposure to pesticides can affect birds in lots of ways, whether they come into contact with them directly or indirectly. Sometimes, birds can swallow pesticides, mistaking them for seeds, especially pellets or granules. Imagine a bird thinking it’s grabbing a snack only to get a mouthful of chemicals. They might also get exposed indirectly by eating contaminated prey, drinking polluted water, or grooming pesticide residues off their feathers. Birds can even absorb pesticides through their skin when they bathe or breathe in chemicals during pesticide spraying. Because there’s no Erin Brockovich in the birding world, we have to do our parts to save them.
Now that you’ve got these steps in place, you can feel confident that with your help fall migration will go off without a hitch.
Are you looking to the skies for your favorite birds flying south? Let me know what you see.
