This back yard bird feeder in Ontario
Canada is a busy spot for birds of all kinds, especially during the cold
winter months when food is scarce. And when food is hard to find, the
birds scramble to get their share. They fly in and out, calling to each
other and chirping away excitedly.
But one bird was found making a very unique
sound. It's a rapid chirp that sounds like light bullets fired by the
storm troopers in Star Wars. He's an adorable little junco, a "new world
sparrow" and he seems to be trying to warn the much larger cardinals to
stay back by imitating the dangerous weapons.
The cardinals at this feeder have found the
seed and they take their share and more. They rapidly turn the seeds
over in their beaks , **** the shells with impressive speed to get
at the food inside. The dexterity of their beak and tongue rivals that
of humans with their fingers and thumbs.
Birds at the feeder must work rapidly, and
they must keep a careful eye on the skies above for predators like
falcons and hawks. Even owls will make an appearance in order to catch a
meal at these feeding stations. The little birds know they must grab
their food to go, finding shelter in the nearby pine trees and then
returning for more.
Back yard bird feeders can provide hours of
delight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts. They are also a good
way to help the song birds that are experiencing extra challenges from
cold weather and habitat loss. Many of the migratory song birds are
affected by the loss of trees and food supplies along their migration
routes. With extremely fast metabolisms and no ability to store fat,
they must eat constantly. They are often only a few meals away from
starvation.