Exploring Nature October 24

Oct. 11 marked the return of winter birds to my yard, when I spotted a black- backed American goldfinch at my sunflower seed feeder. Appropriately enough, the little bird showed up along with the season’s first significant cold front.

One day I was complaining about the hot and humid weather and the next I was complaining that winter had come much too soon. It was a swing in temps from the 90s to the 50s.

Along with colder weather, a whole new cast of birds

is arriving in our area, as we transition to winter. What are a few new species you can expect to see?

Well, as mentioned, finches will be arriving, both American goldfinch, a plump, five-inch “wild canary” and lesser goldfinch, a slightly smaller bird that often travels in large flocks.

Speaking of large flocks, you might see cedar wax- wings in bunches up to 40 birds, often feeding on red-berried shrubs. This bird sports a black bandit-like face mask, has a

jaunty head crest and sports a yellow-tipped tail. A very handsome creature.

Robins will be showing up, often in large flocks, and so will yellow-rumped and orange-crowned warblers. The hummingbird most likely to overwinter in our area is the rufous variety, although they are quite rare.

Winter can be a great season for seeing new birds. Keep an eye out and there’s no telling what you might see.