One of the attractions of this site (in which I've participated since 2004) is noting the similarities of so many aspects of intersts and daily life between the U.K. and here in the western U.S.
Bidwatching is one of those. While the lists presented have passing comparisons to any I would post, the enjoyable task of checking Google or someother source for clarification of terms used by the posters within the U.K. are often striking in the similarities.
We are on the fringes of the Western Flyway for migratory waterfowl and as a reuslt are in the midstof literally thousands of Canada Geese, Snow Geese and a plethra of various ducks. Obviously,we don't get very close to them (except to harvest a quick Sunday dinner) their flight (especially on a clear, cold moonlit night) is a joy to behold!
Ya'll know,of course, why one leg of the typical "V" formations is linger than the other, don't you? Thought so...
We don't put up the feeders until the last vestiges of Starlings (thank you England) have disappeared. They overwhelm the feeders and keep the lesser birds away.
We feed almost exclusively shelled sunflower seeds with about 1/4 by volume of whole oil sunflower seeds mixed in. Seems every variety takes a liking to it.
Two of our favorite native, perennials are a very large variety of woodpecker known as the Pileated (seen here:
http://www.pbase.com/...OW7Aw&ved=0CBwQ9QEwAA ).
They are heard a long ways away... a schreeching call never mistaken for anything else. And, in the barn and nearby woods are three different varieties of owls that love to talk to each other on moonlit winter nights...