A Season in Transition

As we approach Winter, the past two weeks has seen some not-so-subtle changes in the local landscape.

Hill of Graves looking north

The last of the leaves are persevering, at least until the next rainstorm or windy day. Groundhogs are settling into their dens until Spring. The skunks, while not true hibernators, have become scarce. Eastern Red Bats that opted to remain in the northeast are hibernating in tree hollows or buried themself in the leaf litter.

Eastern Red Bat

All is not quiet, however, as there are many new arrivals that will be spending the cold months here. Dark-eyed Juncos, White-throated Sparrows and Fox Sparrows have returned and are being seen moving around in large flocks. They are mostly feeding on the grasses and wildflowers that have gone to seed. In addition, sweetgum trees have begun dropping their abundant, tiny seeds on the paths and dirt below their extensive, spreading crowns. Finches, blackbirds, chickadees and titmice will also benefit from the windfall and probe for seed from the tops of these trees. Sparrows appreciate the spillage.

Dark-eyed Juncos

Dark-eyed Junco bathing

White-throated Sparrow bathing

Fox Sparrow

Field Sparrow

American Goldfinches have also been finding food in the tiny, pinecone-like fruit of the Cherry Birch trees.

American Goldfinch flock

American Goldfinch feeding in Cherry Birch

Crabapples, hollies, multiflora rose and some of the yew trees still have enough fruit to help some of the larger bird species survive. Northern Mockingbirds aggressively try to protect their claimed holly trees.

Northern Mockingbird in holly tree

Eastern Bluebird eating rosehips

Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers have arrived from the north and will spend the winter with the local Downy and Red-bellied Woodpeckers.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

All is not happy and peaceful in Brooklyn's wild environs, however. Our local Red-tailed Hawks and American Kestrels have been joined by Merlins, Red-shouldered Hawks, Sharp-shinned Hawks and Cooper's Hawks. A Bald Eagle has even decided that the county of Kings is a desirable place to overwinter. If there is one truth in this world, it is that every living thing, no matter size, shape or habitat, needs to eat. I just don't always need to see cute birds as the meal.

Merlin perched in horsechestnut tree

Merlin with goldfinch meal

Sharp-shinned Hawk surveying the neighborhood

Immature Cooper's Hawk scanning the flocks