[CT Birds] Redpolls and stuff. . .

[Carrier Graphics]

On the nyjer seed - I also would think the husks should be at least 1/3rd the gross weight of the total seed weight. And it seems the smaller the bird, the more they eat in proportion to their own weight to get enough calories for heat and energy.

I find, if their are not many Redpolls feeding and they don't over populate the feeder causing others to feed on spilled seed, the majority of nyjer seed on the ground gets wasted. It tends to spoil quickly as well, and other birds don't seem to eat much of it, though some will take it limitedly.

Today, while watching 6 Redpolls eating from the feeder, a larger bird came in and hovered around the feeder, it was a Sharpie.  It easily grabbed a Redpoll as they all flew from the feeder, taking this unfortunate bird into the woods. It happened so quickly and silently - not with the speed of a hunting Coop, but  more as a mater of fact slowness, plucking one from within the group and off it went. Some predators are so efficient at blending in unnoticed and silent, with no noise or disruption to give it's intentions away. This was not an attack, but a simple grab and run sort of thing... I was in awe of this birds opportunistic efficiency through silence and perfect timing.

Paul Carrier