Winter Birding

Have you peered out your window lately? Notice anything different fluttering around in a tree perhaps? Here in Texas for the months of November through March are birds perched in your neighborhood having migrated from the farthest reaches of the North. I find this time the most exciting as a birder and a photographer.

I feel winter is a great time to deduce changes to bird habitat as a bird enthusiast and seasoned observer. The birds migrating from the north have to fly a super long way to find their little slice of paradise. Changes to the North American continent like fires, land development, and weather changes may impact a migrants traditional path. This year I am noticing a steep decline in White-crowned Sparrows and am note entirely sure why. There are a lot of variables which have to be truly optimal for our winter feathery friends to arrive here safely.