As the seasons change, so does the rhythm of life in the backyard. This winter marked a shift in how I share my bird sightings – moving from well intended monthly updates that never happened, to seasonal recaps. With the slower pace of winter, this new format feels like a natural fit allowing me to reflect on the patterns and surprises each season brings.
From December 21st, 2024 to March 20th, 2025 I spotted (or heard) 13 different bird species, the same count as last winter. However, there were a few notable differences. Unlike last year, I have not seen a Bohemian Waxwing or House Finch yet, nor did I hear the calls of the Great Horned Owl or the Merlin. That said, winter still brought a wonderful mix of regular visitors and a few mysteries. New to this season were the Common Raven, Rock Pigeon, and the two unidentified birds – one an owl, and the other possibly a Dove.
Here is a list of birds I saw (or heard) during the Winter of 2024-2025:
- American Crow
- Black-billed Magpie
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Blue Jay
- Canada Goose *SFY
- Common Raven
- Dark-eyed Junco
- Downy Woodpecker
- House Sparrow
- Red-breasted Nuthatch *H
- Rock Pigeon *SFY
And for the mystery birds:
- Owl – Flew into our yard at night. Completely silent in flight. Smaller, brown. Possibly a Northern saw-whet Owl
- Dove – On power line in alley. Very light in colouring, nearly white. Possibly a Eurasian Collared-Dove
It seems that I was not too camera-happy this winter, as I only captured a few bird photos. While the birds were certainly around, I must have been content relishing the slower pace of the season rather than reaching for my camera.
If this post sparked an idea, made you pause, or nudged you to notice the life in your own space, share it. Every share spreads the invitation: to garden with purpose, to rewild a yard, to create a place wildlife trusts – and helps this little patch of land inspire more backyard birders, native plant gardeners, and nature-lovers.
Thanks for reading! Until next time,
Tracey
INFORMATION
FO = Flying Overhead
H = Heard
L = Lifer
SFY = Saw From Yard
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Tracey | Home & Habitat Journal
A birdwatching, plant-loving, thrift-hunting homebody crafting a space where comfort and nature live side by side.
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