[CT Birds] Redpoll weight

[Robert J. Bitondi]

Paul and Dave---thanks for the info.  1/2 oz does seem like nothing at all.  But they really are tiny birds.  So, based on my observations, an average of 15 birds in the visiting flock adds up to less than 1/2 lb of birds consuming 20 lbs of seed, or each 1/2 oz bird eating 1 1/3 pounds (though they spill a lot too) in about two months.  If my math isn't screwy (it often is), this seems to work out to 0.71 oz of seed per day per bird.  Which means each bird is eating 1.42 times its body weight per day at my feeder alone (and I assume they're feeding elsewhere too).  The only other factors are the few juncos and goldfinches that also take nyjer, but I think that's a tiny portion of the consumed seed.  Not being a scientist I have no way of evaluating this rate of consumption, but from my layman's perspective it seems amazing.

Bob