The fallout effect

          A tropical-storm system is moving up the east coast this weekend. For most people in these areas, this can mean disaster. For bird-watchers it can mean opportunity.
          That's because of a thing called fallout. And no, not the nuclear kind. Fallout is when a weather system throws birds off course. It is particularly effective during migration when large numbers of birds are in the air. And in winter, when a system brings snow, it can provide a - dare I cliché - perfect storm for folks with bird feeders. The birds are not only hungry and tired from battling the elements; they also have a tougher time finding food because of the snow cover.
        We're not exactly in migration season anymore. But there's a chance you'll have a wandering bird at your feeder this weekend, if you're along the Eastern Seaboard. It may even be a bird that you'll never see again.

So feed up, batten down and keep a lookout.

Here’s what I saw at my feeding area today:

PM, showers, 75 degrees, 15 minutes

Northern Cardinal
House Finch
Mourning Dove
Tufted Titmouse
Common Grackle
Blue Jay