Through the Window: March 2014

This spring thing? Has been taking a long time. But it’s coming, oh, finally, it’s coming. Here’s the evidence—these bold-faced birds are one we did not see last month.

• American Crow
• Dark-eyed Junco
• Black-capped Chickadee
• Hair Woodpecker
• Blue Jay
• Northern Cardinal
• Downy Woodpecker
• Purple Finch (male and female)
• American Goldfinch
• Red-bellied Woodpecker
• American Robin
• Tufted Titmouse
• White-breasted Nuthatch
• Evening Grosbeak (male, March 14)
• European Starling (March 29)

The chipmunks are awake again too! The first of the year was spotted March 9, despite deep snow. This is probably helped by our youngest volunteer, who is as sure as a four-year-old can be that we should spread seed on the ground near the stone wall (at least until April 1).

Come see them for yourself! We’re open by appointment, with a fantastic Volunteer Work Day coming up on April 26th. Check out our calendar of events for details.

The “Through the Window” series is an informal record of observations made by staff, volunteers, and visitors. Anyone at the Museum may add to this list. Observations are usually through our viewing window: a large window with a film to make it more difficult for birds to see the watchers. We have chairs and binoculars to try there, a white board, and many identification guides. Outdoors, several feeders are attached on a single, bear-resistant pole. A small pond, flowers and water plants, shrubs and trees add cover and (seasonally) other food choices . You can sometimes see what we see via our webcam.