Ask Chip
David Fullenkamp, Midwest Electric
Q. In the November 2025 issue of Ohio Cooperative Living, you wrote an article about migratory raptors. The story helped me identify the pair of birds hunting around my house, a pair of gyrfalcons. I have seen them most days since the first of December. I live two miles west of St. Henry, Ohio, in Mercer County. I have lived in the country all my life, and this is the first year that I have seen them. Is it unusual for gyrfalcons to migrate this far south? Just thought you might be interested and would like a comment.
Annette Franke, Consolidated Cooperative
Q. Hi, Chip: Red-winged blackbirds entered my yard a week ago in a huge flock. Now I am having difficulty managing my backyard bird-feeding station. The blackbirds take over so other birds cannot feed. Also, they break my feeders. How do I get rid of the redwings?
One of the things I enjoy most about writing my monthly Q&A “Ask Chip” online column is interacting with electric cooperative members. My wife and I have been co-op members for 47 years (Consolidated Cooperative), and it’s always interesting to hear what other members statewide are involved with in the out-of-doors. That said, the recent item below is one of the most unusual — and fascinating — email questions I’ve ever received.
Jim Murtha, South Central Power Company
