Saratoga Springs, New York


The Talk in the Store

In this section, we'll share some of the issues, questions or problems that we're hearing at the store.

WHERE ARE MY BIRDS?????

Feeder activity been slow lately??  It's not just you.  Activity at birdfeeders is WAY down since mid-September in many locations around the area, as well as along the eastern seaboard.

After a wetter and cooler than normal summer, natural food sources are extremely abundant.  Just look at the pine trees in your yard - they're FILLED with pine cones.  Walk around and you're likely to step on an acorn; oaks are producing lots of acorns this year.  Insects are still around.  Fruiting trees and shrubs have lots of fruits and berries.  What a buffet all this provides for the birds!

Until activity picks up again (Trust us - it WILL!), it might be a good time for a fall cleaning of your feeders.  Refill with fresh birdfood only half-way until activity picks up again.

For more information, read the "Top 5 Reasons Why Birds Stop Visiting Your Feeders".  Read more about pine cones in our post "A Look Inside a Pine Cone".

 

MIGRATION SEASON WRAPPING UP 

Fall migration is wrapping up but here's some of the late-season migrants that have been recently seen in the area:White-throated Sparrow

  • Indigo Bunting
  • Ruby-throated Hummingbird (in Albany and Brunswick)
  • Swainson's Thrush
  • Rose-breasted Grosbeak
  • White crowned Sparrow
  • White throated Sparrow
  • Fox Sparrow

Let us know of any late migrating birds you see in your yard.