Tag: chickadees

Top Winter Birds to Watch in Central New York

A vibrant scene featuring a male Northern Cardinal alongside a Blue Jay, surrounded by various feeder birds in a snowy landscape.

Dear bird fans,

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.

A small, colorful bird perched on a shiny black surface, with green palm leaves in the background.

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.
A Dark-eyed Junco perched on a branch, showcasing its gray and white plumage.
  • 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.
A vibrant male Northern Cardinal perched on a snow-covered branch, surrounded by winter foliage.
  • 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.
A close-up of a Black-capped Chickadee perched on a wooden branch, showcasing its distinctive black cap, white cheeks, and grayish body.
  • 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
A close-up of an American Goldfinch perched on a bird feeder, displaying its dull olive-brown winter plumage.
  • 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.
A Tufted Titmouse perched on a branch, showcasing its distinctive tufted crest and grayish plumage with a hint of orange on its side.
  • 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.
A White-breasted Nuthatch clinging to a tree trunk, showcasing its distinctive blue-gray back and white breast.
  • Downy and Hairy Woodpeckers are 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.
Two Downy Woodpeckers clinging to a metal pole, one facing left and the other facing right, showcasing their distinctive black and white plumage and red markings.
  • Blue Jays are 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.
A Blue Jay perched on a thin branch with a soft focus background.
  • 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.
A close-up of a Mourning Dove perched on a wooden post, showcasing its soft, muted plumage and gentle features.

Waterfowl and Raptor

  • You can spot Bald Eagles along 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. 
A Snow Goose standing on grassy ground, displaying its white plumage and distinguishing black-tipped wings.

Irruptive Visitors

Some species show up only some winters, depending on how much food is available farther north:

Have you seen any interesting birds at your backyard feeders? Drop me a comment. Inquiring birdbrains want to know.

References:

If you want more details about where to find these birds or recent sightings, check resources like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Audubon and eBird.

Most photos borrowed from All About Birds. Photo credit noted.