As bird lovers, we appreciate how special rare birds visiting our feeders can be. Each time this happens, we feel as if we have a received a special visit from a nostalgic friend. After looking at birds for decades, I have picked up on a number of behaviors that let me know that something special is about to happen. Here is a list of behaviors that you should be looking for to grab your binoculars and get ready for a special sighting.
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Take note when your typical backyard guests start acting differently! Cardinals could become more watchful. Chickadees may do their warning calls more frequently. Regular birds may stop feeding and look up more often than usual. These changes in behavior generally indicate something different in the vicinity, like a rare kind of bird that is drawing their attention.
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2. Incoming abnormal weather patterns
Changes in the typical weather patterns can result in strange birds appearing at your bird feeders. Migrating birds are typically not in the habit of being diverted from their migration routes, however, strong weather fronts in spring and fall do divert birds from their normal course. Getting birds that do not regularly visit your feeders to take shelter and take advantage of the food you give out is a matter of paying attention to your local weather and the birds that visit your feeders.
3. A sudden disappearence of local birds
If the birds that typically come to feeders stop showing up all of a sudden, there’s potential that a rare bird species could be approaching. This is even truer if the regular birds disperse during peak feeding times. Larger bird species clear the area when they arrive, causing your usual feeder visitors to go into hiding temporarily.
4. Variations in Natural Sources of Food
If you have a bird feeder, you may see some rare species of birds visiting your yard. Birds such as pine cones, berries, and insects. Birds usually begin looking for food sources in your feeder, especially during late winter and early spring when there is a natural food shortage. For the rare birds, your feeder may look like a nice food source. To maximize your chances of attracting rare birds, keep your feeder stocked.
5. Increase of Activities During Dawn and Dusk
Uncommon birds tend to visit at dawn or dusk. If you see a lot of birds at the feeders during normal slow periods, it might mean a rare bird is checking out your yard.
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6. New Sounds in Your Yard
During the migrating season, when you hear birds for the first time, pay attention to their calls. Songs can be unfamiliar, especially if you live near the birds. Get to know the birds in your area. If you hear calls that are not familiar, then it's time to start looking for winged creatures. Watching closely will get you the first look at a rare specimen, and that will be a visual confirmation. Getting a glimpse of new birds usually happens within days or hours of hearing their calls.
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If you see or hear about a lot of visitors at feeders or a lot of birdwatchers neighbors, pay attention to them. These visitors will most likely come to your feeders too! Bird communication will let them know there is food nearby.
8. Changes in Feeding Patterns
If you notice your usual birds starting to feed at different times, or eating more than they usually do, this could mean competition from new birds. This is especially the case if you see your seed disappearing unusually fast or signs of feeding at odd hours.
9. Seasonal Timing Is Right
Rare bird sightings are common during peak migration periods. This happens during the spring and the fall. Make sure you check predictions on bird migration and bird alerts in your area. When everything lines up with the migration patterns, birds will stop at your feeders to fuel up.
10. Ground Feeding Increases
Many birds that feed on the ground are rare species that will avoid your hanging feeders. If you see a lot of birds scratching and feeding under your feeders, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, it could indicate that a rare species that feeds on the ground could be coming.
11. Unexpected Feeder Competition
If your usual birds are acting aggressively and defending feeding spots, or starting to form new social orders, they may have a new visitor. When new birds show up and work up the courage to come to your feeder, these social reorganizations and displays are likely to happen right before or while they arrive.
12. Changes in Local Habitat
Removal of trees and other construction activity that alter habitats can cause unusual birds to temporarily inhabit your yard. Disruption of an existing bird habitat will force birds to relocate feeding areas. If your yard provides food and shelter, it will be a desirable location for them to stay. If construction is occurring in your area, keep your feeders stocked to attract these displaced rare visitors.
13. Unusual Insect Activity
In the early morning and evening hours we see the rise of flying insects. An sudden increase of flying insects can attract insectivorous birds that normally won't come to feeders. Keep an eye out for swarms of moths, mayflies, and other flying insects. These will attract unusual aerial feeders such as warblers, flycatchers, and rare species of swallows.
14. Water Source Activity
Rare birds often visit when there is a heightened amount of activity around water features or bird baths. Especially during dry spells or migration, uncommon species may approach feeds by stopping by water sources first. If you notice somewhat unknown birds taking quick drinks from a water source or showing interest in an ornamental water feature be sure to watch them closely. You may be seeing the advance guard of a rare bird.
