What causes shifts in bird populations from season to season? I know that extremely cold weather brings the Harris’s Sparrows to my backyard feeders. An occasional White-crowned Sparrow will also show up when the food is scarce because of snow cover. This winter has been unusually warm and dry, creating conditions for wildfires across Oklahoma. How has this shift in weather affected the birds in my yard? Well, the Harris’s are a rare sighting and I haven’t seen any unusual sparrows. The American Goldfinch numbers are way down, due in part (my theory) to the abundance of dried seed-bearing wildflowers still standing in nearby fields. 
The exciting news, however, is the significant increase in White-winged Doves in my backyard! The appearance of this favorite bird has increased from numbers as small as one-a-day to more than 20 at one time. It’s been several years since I’ve seen that many of this rare dove in the yard. Their numbers decreased last year in direct proportion to the increase in the number of Eurasian Collared-Doves at the feeders. Now, I’m happy to see their return in such significant numbers while the Collared-Dove numbers are still high (more than 20 at a time).
The White-winged Dove is native to the Rio Grande Valley in south Texas and is a rare sighting in Oklahoma. In Texas the White-wings migrate to Mexico during the winter months. The ones that are resident to Oklahoma are very gregarious and appear to fare well in Oklahoma’s winter weather. With the mild weather we had in January, perhaps conditions are even more favorable for them. The White-winged Doves show up first thing in the morning but are easily spooked by the Sharp-shinned Hawks. In the afternoon though, they are usually seen feed on BirdCam #2 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Visit the Backyard BirdCam in the afternoon (Central Time) and enjoy watching these beautiful birds!
Hello Pat
What a nice bird but much more spectacular when it opens it’s wings.
I had to step through the video on your photo gallery to see the patches as the images on the web are mostly of static birds.
Was there any more news of the Snowy Owls progress?
Les
Hey, Pat.
WWDOs are on the increase in the state of Florida. Breeding-wise, anyway.
We had a flock of at least 4 that would come to our small window feeders at my last work location!
Even had one in my backyard in Orlando a couple months ago.
Seemes they are doing well.
Goldfinches have found my yard earlier than last year.
Take care,
Andrew
Orlando
Hi Les! I’m trying to get a photo of the White-winged Dove in flight. I think I’ll have the best results if I shoot video and pull a frame from the video. The birds are really beautiful in flight and it would be wonderful to be able to show that.
Regarding the Snowy Owl — the bird was captured by a wildlife rehabilitation specialist two days after I photographed it. Unfortunately, the bird did not survive the day in captivity. There has been a lot of discussion among birders about the merit of capturing the bird. I have mixed feelings about it; preferring to let nature take its course. Death in the wild is noble, perhaps?
Hello Pat
Sorry to hear about the Snowy Owl but it did sound as though it would be lucky to survive.
Human nature to try and help an injured bird or animal I suppose. There was a similar situation in the river Thames where a whale had swum up as far as London. It was “rescued” but died before it could be returned to the sea.
The birds are returning to the feeders here as the hawk seems to have gone, it’s probably in the wood now getting ready for the nesting season.
Les
Hi Pat:
I’ve been visiting your site for about 2 years now, but never sent a comment. I love watching the birds on the cam!
Anyway, I believe the goldfinches decided to stay by my house in Chicago this winter. I have a few thistle socks out and every morning a flock of about 25-30 goldfinches arrive to feast! It looks like wall-to-wall goldfinches on those socks. They are joined by a large group (at least 25) of house finches, several pairs of cardinals, a few downey woodpeckers and some house sparrows…oh, and not to mention, quite a few squirrels!
It’s nice to read about your trips to various places and all the different species you encounter.
I’m saddened to hear about the snowy owl not making it but I guess that’s part of the circle of life.
Thanks again for all the time you put into this site. It’s really great!
Monica
I saw this bird for the first time ever about 2 weeks ago at my feeder here in Burleson, Tx. What a treat for me. I then found out they are coming this way more and more. I will keep my eyes peeled to see more.
Beth