Today, I just realized that I haven't seen or heard any of my chickadees, which were around thru this winter, since I think early spring.
I haven't heard any of their cute "twee-hee's" in the morning which used to be a regular welcome sound.
Last summer I noticed a number of brown headed cowbirds coming to my feeders for the first time as well as the usual red wing blackbirds.
This summer, the number of the cowbirds and blackbirds has increased tremendously.
I'm wondering if the permanent presence of the red wing blackbirds and now the influx of the cowbirds are responsible for the ultimate disappearance of my chickadees and the goldfinches...........
And for the record, I am shooting the cowbirds with my pellet rifle every chance I get and I can't believe how many I have shot over the past month and a half.
Any suggestions on how I can get my chickadees back would be appreciated.
I’m hoping it’s cyclical - I’ve had more Cowbirds and Red Winged Blackbirds this year than normal too, now that you mention it.
For me, Goldfinches come and go throughout the season.
I’ve only had a few Hummers and the Orioles are pretty much gone now - busy nesting and raising babies, eating bugs and berries - don’t need the Grape Jelly right now.
If you can change up the seed-type you’re offering, that may bring back more Chickadees:
https://birdgap.com/best-foods-black-capped-chickadees/
The weather plays a part, too. For me, we had a very cold May, and now it’s gone straight to hot and humid. That effects birds and they’re probably looking for food sources that also have a near-by natural water source, beyond the birdbaths we offer in our yards.