I had a small influx of Robins here this evening now that the ice is about a 1/3 rd off the fields. I was surprised to see them joined by a group of chickadees & nuthatches on the ground foraging. Initially they were near a cut up red pine on the ground but later were out in the open in the field. One of the chickadees carefully checked out the maple taps.
I suppose they were foraging for insects, but for birds which I only ever see on the ground under the feeder, it seemed odd behaviour and companions.
Sarah
Montville