Toward the end and after yesterday's snowstorm I watched the bird feeder activity with great interest. Everyone was cold and hungry and eager to take care of themselves after hiding out in the hedges for hours. Finches in large number, chickadees, sparrows, nuthatches, woodpeckers and more were vying for a place at the feeder. But heading the lot was one immature bright red male cardinal who dominated the area. He even patrolled at the entry to all the food and chased the others away, though there was plenty for everyone. He wouldn't even let the female cardinals join him at the feast. They all let him get away with it for awhile until another large bird challenged him and they pecked beaks repeatedly until the cardinal backed down. At that point, the rest of the crowd broke in and grabbed what they could and the cardinal never got back the position he had held so forcibly at first. He sat to the side, seemingly chastened, and watched the frenzy. Nor did the other large bird take up a position of dominance. He fed with the rest, knowing that food was the essential thing, not dominance.
These next two weeks until the new moon eclipse on February 26th should be quite interesting as well. The eagle will be challenged.
