Many gardens appear quiet and empty during the winter months, as many birds migrate south and insects become dormant. However, several bird species remain active in local gardens and neighborhoods throughout the season.
Cedar Waxwings are often found in areas with berry-laden trees and shrubs. These birds are recognized by their crested brown appearance, eye masks, and red wing markings. “With thin, lisping voices, flocks of Cedar Waxwings will descend on the berries, fluttering about as they feed. They are non-territorial and will groom each other. Occasionally a line of waxwings perched on a branch will pass a berry back and forth, from bill to bill, until one of them swallows it,” according to the article’s author. Cedar Waxwings primarily eat berries such as juniper, dogwood, winterberry, hawthorn, and cherries but may also consume insects.
California Scrub Jays can be identified by their blue and gray coloring. “A distinctive, assertive, acquisitive, and vocal bird, it is the only local bird with blue and gray coloring. Scrub Jays are sometimes mistaken for Blue Jays, but Blue Jays are a different species altogether since they are found east of the Rockies.” These birds live in various habitats including suburban gardens and spend autumn storing acorns for winter consumption. They have strong memories that help them recover stored food.
Anna’s Hummingbird is native to the west coast and is present year-round in some regions. The males display a rose-red crown and neck. “Native to the west coast region, this is the only hummingbird that lives year-round in our area… Like all hummingbirds, they often hover over flowers while feeding… Since they feed from different flowers they are valuable pollinators.” Anna’s Hummingbirds rely on nectar but also eat insects.
Black Phoebes exhibit behaviors such as bobbing up and down while perched on fences or posts. “Their habit of bobbing up and down endears phoebes to bird lovers… Experts at catching just about any insect, they forage by watching from its perch…” They tend to move into urban areas during colder months where water sources like fountains or ponds attract them.
Despite the quieter atmosphere of winter gardens due to fewer migratory birds and less visible wildlife activity overall, resources like Audubon’s field guide provide information for identifying remaining local species.
The author of this article is Denise Godbout-Avant, who has been involved with UC Cooperative Extension’s Master Gardener program in Stanislaus County since 2020.
