We can divide our backyard visitors into several groups:  YEAR ROUND , SEASONAL, IRREGULAR, & spring/fall MIGRANTS.  

YEAR-ROUND Birds:  Northern Cardinal, Black Capped Chickadee, Blue Jays, Downy/Hairy/Red-bellied Woodpeckers, White-breasted Nuthatch, House & American Gold Finches are all year-round residents of our area.

SEASONAL residents:  Red-breasted Nuthatch, Dark-eyed Junco, & American Tree Sparrow make their home with us only in the winter, then travel to Canada or higher elevations for nesting.

As soon as the Dark-eyed Junos leave in the spring, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds and Baltimore Orioles show up.  We will get the enjoyment of these birds for 4 months before they head off to Mexico and South America.

IRREGULAR Migrants:  Many species have unpredictable migration patterns.  Winter Finches - Pine Siskins & Red Crossbills.  In any given winter, you may have zero of these birds, or you may have dozens.  These birds breed in the forests of Canada and move south only when their main food is in short supply.

SPRING / FALL Migrants:  Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Yellow Warbler, & Cedar Waxwings pass thru our yards on their way to their summer or winter homes.  Migration can last weeks and these birds must restore their depleted fat stores along the way.  Your yard becomes an important link in the migration of birds.