Date: 02/15/2017

Number: 7

Howdy,

AMROs feed at this isolated rural home throughout winter. They like the abundant fruits on the Eleagnus angustifolia here. There also is liquid water provided them in subfreezing temps. This winter's flock numbers 15. There are also 2" x 4" rabbit fence hung strategically in the understory to thwart accipiter attacks.

I believe most migrate east about 5 miles from 7000 feet here in Pinyon-Juniper to spend the warmer summer months in the high country at about 8500 feet in mixed conifer.

There is one male that for the last 2+ years has sung at the gate (100 m away) and comes to the water year round. He approaches and increases song repetition when i attempt to whistle a 5 syllable breeding song. By August the ripening olives of the Foresteria neomexicana attract what i believe is the local "non-migratory" Cuba Valley flock. There are only 2 fruiting "females", and squabbling is intense with up to 5 birds in each shrub.

Thanks for your efforts!

Happy Birding!

Cuba, NM

Latitude: 36 Longitude: -107

Observed by: Paul
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