Nesting Birds and Low Water

The second brood of Eastern Bluebirds has hatched right on schedule! As of the evening of 6/5, three out of four eggs had hatched. They should fledge probably on the 22nd or 23rd.

Baby bluebirds on hatching day.

Mom and Dad bluebirds checking on their babies.

The Chimney Swifts have begun laying eggs. I couldn't see very clearly when I was checking, but I think they have laid one or two eggs as of 6/5. I'll take my binoculars and check soon. I'm glad to help them because they are heading toward threatened status with the changeover to metal flues, people capping their chimneys and not as many abandoned industrial smokestacks standing any longer.

In other property news, the old pond is lower than I have ever seen it. The water is easily four feet lower than normal. I'm thinking I need to take the boys down there and do a little fishing and transfer some of the fish to the new pond which is holding water pretty well, although it's down about three feet. The new pond doesn't have nearly as many trees and plants around it taking the water more quickly. I think if we don't get rain in the next two to three weeks, the pond will be completely dry. If that happens, I'm going to get down there and clear out some of the fallen tree branches and other debris.

Pond on 6/5 with the normal water level drawn on the right.

Several birds have had successful nestings already this season. I have seen juvenile cardinals, Blue Jays, chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers and doves at the feeders. The Carolina Wrens that are nesting in a box on my aunt's carport are within a week of fledging. It's a fun time of year to see the young birds at the feeders figuring them out and begging for the parents to give them some food.

Summer Birding and BirdCam

Summer is here! It is hot and dry to begin the summer months. The birds are eating a lot at the feeders these days. It must be harder to find food with many of the plants being dead. I have seen fledgling Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice, Northern Cardinals, Blue Jays and Red-bellied Woodpeckers at the feeders so far this year. There is a pair of Carolina Wrens with a nest in a box I built for my aunt on her carport. The Eastern Bluebirds are on their second brood and the eggs should hatch on 6/5. The mosquitoes are thick down in the woods making walking around to see what birds are around nesting uncomfortable. Any insect repellent is sweated off within a few minutes! So, I let my BirdCam do the birdwatching for me. Water is hard to come by these days, so my birdbaths are extremely popular! I have to fill the one down in the woods nearly every day due to evaporation and the birds splashing it out of the bath when they are bathing. I've got a dripper on the one in my backyard and it stays full.

I have had my BirdCam for about a year now. I have really enjoyed it more than I thought I would. So far I have photographed 51 different species of birds with it. I just recently tried the video function on it and have been pleased with the results. There have been two new property birds that I probably never would have seen had it not been for my BirdCam. Just after I got it in June 2010, a juvenile Hairy Woodpecker showed up at my feeders. This winter a female Purple Finch showed up with the American Goldfinches at the feeders in the woods. I was able to "see" a few spring migrants that I missed when I was out birding, but they came to my birdbath where I had my BirdCam set up - Golden-winged Warbler, Gray-cheeked Thrush, Scarlet Tanager and Wood Thrush. I'm hoping that the weather patterns are more normal next spring and we don't have the strong south winds we had this year so more of the migrants drop in as they complete their flight across the Gulf of Mexico. I am going to put the BirdCam on the bluebird house on Sunday morning to see if I can get some pictures of the adults taking the eggshells out of the nest, and then I'll put it on it again the day the chicks are supposed to fledge and hopefully get some video of them leaving the nest.

Spring 2011 Report

With spring migration winding down, I start looking at the birds that I missed during spring migration. This year featured particularly lower warbler numbers (18 species). I'm not sure the reason, but the howling south winds throughout the spring may have had something to do with it. They just didn't stop, and if they did, they didn't stop long. The warblers I missed on the property this spring are:

Nashville Warbler
Yellow-throated Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Cerulean Warbler
Ovenbird
Northern Waterthrush
Louisiana Waterthrush
Kentucky Warbler
Canada Warbler

Non-warbler species that I missed on the property this spring are:
Black-billed Cuckoo
Acadian Flycatcher
Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
Yellow-throated Vireo
Philadelphia Vireo
Warbling Vireo
Veery
Gray-cheeked Thrush
Orchard Oriole

It's still possible for me to see Kentucky Warbler and Acadian Flycatcher since they nest around here. Of course, I can see nearly all of them in the fall except Blackpoll Warbler when they come south.

As I began looking at the birds I missed, I started wondering what the percentage of years I've seen each species. I've been keeping spring migration records since the spring of 2004, so this makes the eighth year. Here is a list of the warblers and the percentage of years I've seen them:

Blue-winged Warbler - 88%
Golden-winged Warbler - 38%
Tennessee Warbler - 100%
Nashville Warbler - 25%
Northern Parula - 100%
Yellow Warbler - 63%
Chestnut-sided Warbler - 88%
Magnolia Warbler - 88%
Black-throated Green Warbler - 100%
Blackburnian Warbler - 88%
Yellow-throated Warbler - 63%
Bay-breasted Warbler - 75%
Blackpoll Warbler - 50%
Cerulean Warbler - 50%
Black-and-white Warbler - 100%
American Redstart - 88%
Prothonotary Warbler - 13%
Worm-eating Warbler - 88%
Ovenbird - 75%
Northern Waterthrush - 25%
Louisiana Waterthrush - 38%
Kentucky Warbler - 50%
Hooded Warbler - 100%
Canada Warbler - 50%
Yellow-breasted Chat - 88%

That's one thing that makes birdwatching so fun - it's never the same. One year to the next is completely different and you never really know what to expect. One day to the next is different. It's constantly changing, even within the normal patterns of migration.

So far the Eastern Bluebirds haven't begun building a second nest. It's only been a week since the babies fledged, so it will probably be a least another week before they start thinking of brood number two.

I got a couple more good pictures with the BirdCam on Sunday, May 8.

A Chestnut-sided Warbler


A variety of birds including a Yellow Warbler, Indigo Bunting and Northern Cardinal

May 2, 2011

This morning I walked outside and was greeted by north winds, cool temperatures and lower humidity. The birds were very active today just about everywhere! A flock of Cedar Waxwings flew in to check if there were any ripe mulberries on the tree. Carolina Chickadees and Carolina Wrens attended to begging youngsters. It was the best species total of the spring - 51. There were no FOS (first of season) birds today, but quite a variety. I'm looking forward to walking down in the morning with these stronger north winds and see what all stayed overnight!

Some of the more interesting sightings today were large flocks of swallows flying low over the trees feeding. I couldn't see what kind of insect they were preying on, but they were going after something. I kept expecting two of them to run into each other as fast as they were flying, but never saw a collision. A lone Anhinga flew overhead. There were three female and one male Rose-breasted Grosbeak at the feeders in the woods. They seem to like peanuts. While walking along the gully, a Belted Kingfisher flew in and announced his presence with his rattle call.

My BirdCam was quite active today. I put an empty card in around 4:00 on Sunday. At 6:00 pm tonight, it had 370 pictures on it! Here are a couple of my favorites:

American Redstart (female), Red-eyed Vireo (on fence), Baltimore Oriole, Tufted Titmouse, Black-and-white Warbler (right)

American Redstart (male)

And one from yesterday:

Golden-winged Warbler - a near-threatened warbler species

I have been very pleased with my BirdCam this spring! I'm glad I was able to provide some water for the birds. It's the best way to get photos of the widest variety of birds, but it also provides water that is hard to find with the drought conditions.

You can see all of my BirdCam images here.

Birds Seen 5/2/11 (51 species): Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Anhinga, Great Egret, White Ibis, Turkey Vulture, Mississippi Kite, Cooper's Hawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Belted Kingfisher, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Cliff Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Cedar Waxwing, Golden-winged Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Sparrow

Spring Migration Peaks

The peak of spring migration began with a flurry of activity on the property! On Sunday afternoon, the variety of birds was really good. I saw 39 species with 10 FOS (first of season) birds. On Monday, the activity seemed to slow down, but I still saw 42 species with three FOS birds. Over the two days, I saw 54 species. The birdbath in the woods is really attracting a lot of attention. Here are a couple of male Baltimore Orioles that were photographed with my BirdCam. And an Indigo Bunting.


I have been watching a Barred Owl on a nest all spring. On the 15th, we could see movement in the nest, so we knew there was at least one baby in there. On Sunday, I walked along the trail and one of the babies was sitting on the edge of the nest, and I could see another in the nest. Here is what the baby Barred Owl looked like as he posed for his photo!


The Eastern Bluebirds had five babies and all five fledged on Tuesday, April 26. I'll be watching for the babies at my birdbath. In a couple of weeks, I should see nesting activity again as the adults start their second brood.

One of the most surprising finds on the property this spring didn't involve birds at all. While out birding on April 15, my friend and I went down to the old pond. We saw a Yellow-crowned Night-heron sitting on a branch low over the water. After he flew away, we walked to the edge of the water hoping to see some Wood Ducks. What we found were nine baby alligators with a six foot mama alligator! After locating the mother, we enjoyed looking at them!

Birds seen April 24 & 25, 2011 (54 species):
Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Little Blue Heron, White Ibis, Black Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, White-winged Dove, Mourning Dove, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Common Nighthawk, Chimney Swift, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Eastern Kingbird, White-eyed Vireo, Blue-headed Vireo, Red-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, American Crow, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Swainson's Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, European Starling, Blue-winged Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, American Redstart, Worm-eating Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Hooded Warbler, Summer Tanager, Northern Cardinal, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Indigo Bunting, Painted Bunting, Red-winged Blackbird, Brown-headed Cowbird, Baltimore Oriole, House Sparrow

Quick Walk at the End of March

I took a quick walk in the woods on Monday. I didn't have a lot of time to spend birding. Fortunately it's still early in the spring, so I'm not missing a whole lot yet! The Barred Owl was in the same place he always is along the trail. It is fun to see him when I go down there. There are still quite a few winter residents around - Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-rumped Warbler, House Wren, American Goldfinch and White-throated Sparrow. The White-throated Sparrows are eating something in the trees. I regularly see them several feet up in the trees. As far as the spring migrants, I saw several Chimney Swifts flying over. I need to get on the roof and take the cover off my chimney. Purple Martins and Barn Swallows flew overhead feeding on flying insects. In the woods there were several Northern Parulas. I saw three at a time just west of the new pond. I heard a Hooded Warbler singing and finally found him in some of the thick understory. The warbler numbers should begin increasing significantly over the next couple of weeks. Indigo Buntings have begun to come into the area, so I should start seeing them at the feeders in the woods soon.

We have Eastern Bluebirds nesting again. The pair that had nested in my aunt's box were killed by a House Sparrow a month ago. Another pair has five eggs in the box in my yard now. I killed a wasp out of the box at Mom's, so I need to go over and check to see if that box is being utilized.

Birds Seen 3/28/11 (24 species):
Turkey Vulture, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Chimney Swift, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Purple Martin, Barn Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carlina Wren, House Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Eastern Bluebird, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Hooded Warbler, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow

Spring!

Leaves are coming in on the trees. Warmer temperatures are here. My yard needs to be mowed. Birds are singing. All signs that spring is here! I have been walking in the woods as often as possible. On March 7 I saw the first Northern Parula of the season. They are typically the first of the wood warblers to migrate into the area. They nest in a tree right on the property line. It has a lot of Spanish moss. They build their nests in the tufts of moss. I have seen Purple Martins, Northern Rough-winged Swallows and Tree Swallows so far. Hooded Warblers, Black-and-white Warblers, Yellow-throated Warblers and Louisiana Waterthrushes should be showing up anytime now. A pair of Eastern Bluebirds has taken up residence in the nest box in our yard. Their nest was completed on Monday. I keep checking for an egg, but none so far. I've got my sparrow spooker ready to put on as soon as I see an egg in the nest. The Purple Martins that nested in my gourds last year haven't returned yet. I'm anxious for them to be back! I'm going to take the cover off my chimney this year and allow Chimney Swifts to nest in it. As new houses are constructed, metal flues instead of clay have been used leading to a loss of "habitat" for Chimney Swifts and their population has dwindled. So, I'm going to do my part to help out. I wish I could build a Chimney Swift tower, but it is cost-prohibitive.

I have checked my BirdCam at the feeders in the woods regularly, but only have Red-winged Blackbirds, Northern Cardinals, Carolina Chickadees, Tufted Titmice and Carolina Wrens. Indigo Buntings should start showing up next week and Painted Buntings should show up a week after that. They really show up in good numbers the second week of April along with Blue Grosbeaks and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks. I should get all of them at my feeders. I've been researching what I can feed to attract orioles and tanagers. I've read sunflower hearts for tanagers and suet or fruit for orioles. I'll have all that down there to see what shows up. I hope that some of the warblers find the Bark Butter and get their picture taken by the BirdCam.

I watched a couple of Red-shouldered Hawks flying around along the gully and found their nest. I hope I can get close enough with my camera to get some shots when they're feeding the chicks. That will be fun!

Several winter birds are still around. When I was walking yesterday, I saw Hermit Thrush, Orange-crowned Warbler, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglets and American Goldfinches. It's a fun time of year to go birding!

Birds Seen 3/15 & 3/17 (38 species):
Great Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Mourning Dove, Barred Owl, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Downy Woodpecker, Pileated Woodpecker, Eastern Phoebe, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Eastern Bluebird, Hermit Thrush, Gray Catbird, Northern Mockingbird, Orange-crowned Warbler, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Chipping Sparrow, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle, Great-tailed Grackle, American Goldfinch, House Sparrow