January 8-14, 2014
The week started off with snow and cold temperatures that were followed by a warm-up and snow melt, which kept feeder activity to a minimum. January 9th brought with it the first mammal of the year. Often loathed by bird enthusiasts for their tendency to gluttonize bird feeders, the Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger), for whatever reason, seems to be declining in our neighborhood. In years past, the current amount of snow cover would have typically brought three to four of these creatures at a time to the feeders, but so far in 2014, I've seen only one, which makes me wonder what has caused the apparent population drop. Of the four species of squirrels that are found in northern Indiana, the Fox Squirrel is the only species that I've ever seen on our property.
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| Fox Squirrel (Sciurus niger) |
The beginning of the week also kept a few birds around the feeders such as this White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis). Males and females are distinguished by the color of the back of the head. Males are glossy black whereas females are dark gray.
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| White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) |
We did have a few more bird visitors than what I've posted, but part of the rules of the Property Big Year is obtaining photographic or audible evidence.
Species total now stands officially at ten birds and one mammal.
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