When the cold winds blow and the snow flies, most bird species around northern New Jersey fly south, seeking the comforts of the warmer states. This Hairy Woodpecker, is of a species that generally decides to stay, and this one was recorded among an unusually rich mixed flock of fellow stayers, at the Celery Farm Wildlife Preserve. The gathering included the White-Breasted Nuthatch, Tufted Titmouse, Black-Capped Chicadee, Red-Bellied Woodpecker, House Sparrow, Slate-Colored Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Field Sparrow, and Carolina Wren. One might wonder why birds forage in complex aggregates like this. We believe that many eyes are much more watchful than a few. They all know the unique 'alarm' cals of each of their species, and benefit from the extra vigilance if the Cooper’s Hawk, or the Weasel, or the local cat should draw near. This group interdependency is probably somewhat enhanced in Winter, when there is little foliage amogst the trees to conceal the little bird's feeding activities.