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1/6: Are you ready for an avian look-a-likes thread? These side by side comparisons can help you brush up your birding skills. First up: Hairy vs Downy Woodpecker. (Photos by @7StellarJays). Males of both species have red spots on the back of the head. #WinterBirdsWRDSB
2/6: Next up- Nuthatches! These species can be located by their distinctive 'squeaky' call. RBNU is the more nasal of the two. Hear them at: https://schools.wrdsb.ca/environmental-education/citizen-science/winter-bird-count/winter-bird-sounds/RBNU prefers coniferous habitat while WBNU is more common in deciduous habitat. #WinterBirdsWRDSB
3/6: These two finch species are irrupting from their boreal habitat this winter, so take the opportunity to get to know them! Attract them with nyjer thistle seed in a finch feeder. Redpolls may stay in lower branches; Siskins tend to prefer upper branches. #WinterBirdsWRDSB
4/6: Compared to Common Redpolls, House Finches have a larger more conical beak shape, have more grey overall with heaver streaks. House finches like the shelter of conifer hedges and can be pretty faithful to a well-stocked feeder. #WinterBirdsWRDSB
5/6: Look for Pine Siskins ranging through woodlands with spruce or tamarack. According to @CornellBirds, "their most recognizable call is a 'watch-winding' note, a harsh, upsweeping zreeeeeeet..." Hear it here: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pine_Siskin/sounds (second sound clip). #WinterBirdsWRDSB
6/6: Let us know if you've seen Evening Grosbeaks this winter! This species has declined 92% since 1970. Grosbeaks are larger than Goldfinches and love to eat fruit, buds, and black oil seed. They will also drink maple sap by breaking the tips off branches. #WRDSBWinterBirds
