kai

I have just returned from being out of town for 3 months. when I left in July, it seemed as though my neighborhood was full of birds- so loud that people would comment on them if I used the phone outside. I've only been home for a day or so (and have been pretty busy), but it seems as though things are really quiet here (NW san antonio)- i haven't heard or seen a single dove. there used to be a cardinal that i would see on a daily basis, and i didnt see that guy yesterday evening, either.

is this a normal occurance? i hadn't been feeding the birds last spring, so my absence shouldn't have mattered to them at all. i'm wondering if this is a normal seasonal change...

Shannon

I've noticed far fewer white-winged doves and mourning doves in my yard, but I still have several inca doves visiting daily, particularly in the 1-2 hours before dusk. I still see plenty of white-winged doves flying overhead to roost in the evening, so I know they're around... just not feeding at the feeders particularly much, for some reason.

It's all part of the ebb and flow of nature, but I'm not sure what causes it. For instance, I was missing my tufted titmice -- they'd been absent for what seemed like 2+ weeks, and suddenly yesterday as I worked at the computer with my windows open, I heard them chirping excitedly (OK, titmice can't chirp any other way!). So, they went away for an exotic vacation to someone else's yard, or a nearby park... who knows? But they're back...

The same day, I had three adult squirrels barking and chasing after one another in the oak trees in front of my house... if I were a bird, that would have been enough for me to go perch in someone else's tree for some peace and quiet!

__________________
- Shannon Moore
Your Host @ WildTexas.com
http://www.twitter.com/ageekgal