Bird Blog

A Starling Story

2012-01-26T09:49:00.004-05:00

Last week a large flock of starlings visited my yard but their numbers were meager compared to the thousands caught by video over the River Shannon (Ireland) in a wondrous display of coordinated motion. Follow the link below to see this incredible video and be sure to read the article.

http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2011/11/starling-flock/

Till next time . . . keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Through My Kitchen Window

2012-01-09T19:18:00.005-05:00

Here are some images of a Black-capped Chickadee, a Northern Cardinal, and a White-throated Sparrow taken on January 3 through my kitchen window. That day here in Gettysburg was brisk with a brief snow shower.

Chickadee Cheer to Welcome the New Year!

2012-01-01T10:36:00.005-05:00

Red-tailed Inspiration

2011-12-22T16:50:00.002-05:00

Whenever I see a Red-tailed Hawk, I'm reminded of my developing trilogy Of the Wing. You see, the stories of my trilogy (am now writing book 3) were inspired by red-tails, hawks that I often saw soaring over the pastures and woodlands of my property in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania.

At that time I took daily walks through the woods with my dogs (among them, Sammy, a large and shaggy sheepdog who features largely in book 1, The Legend Awakes). So frequently did I see these hawks, red tails ablaze in the sun, that eventually I took a message from the sightings--that I should write a book about a girl and a Red-tailed Hawk.

Now, years later and living in Gettysburg, I still see meaning in sightings of red-tails. To me, they carry a message of encouragement to keep on writing. Just yesterday I saw two: one flew onto a tree branch where another waited, apparently a mated pair. I conceived of a comparable scene between hawks in the opening chapter of book 2, The Ivory-billed Obsession. How coincidental that I should live a scene once created in my fiction. And if you wonder why two red-tails open a book about a fabled woodpecker ... well, you'll have to read it to find out.

I posted this YouTube video because it contains lots of interesting information about the raptor that rules supreme throughout the books of my trilogy: The Red-tailed Hawk.

You can learn more at the trilogy web site: http://www.ofthewing.com

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

White-throated Sparrow

2011-12-12T09:40:00.005-05:00

Just posted on the White-throated Sparrow not too long ago and here I go again. Can't help it--so many of them around and this time I caught an almost "good" photo. Too bad I clipped his bill in the shot.

I also wanted to share a great birding web site (Audubon, Seattle) . . .

http://www.birdweb.org/birdweb/bird/white-throated_sparrow#

- - - which provides a perfect image of his crisp white throat and white striped head. But as the description points out, there are two color morphs for this sparrow--a white and tan morph. Thus you're as likely to see one as the other. Looks like a caught the image of a white morph, though I've seen the tan morph in my yard.

I also like Audubon's range map. It's more visible than Cornell's (All About Birds), though neither provide a blow-up large enough for my eyes, except for the state map of Washington. Must check to see if Audubon has a comparable site for Pennsylvania.

Till next time . . . Keep bird in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Killdeer and Kestrels

2011-11-23T16:45:00.003-05:00

Down the road (a busy one) from where I live are huge pastures and farm fields. In fact they're everywhere around here but not on my small patch of property or even adjacent to it. Thus each day I put a leash on my black lab Bridget and we head out to one for some free roaming and running time.

Our favorite pasture (look for an upcoming post about it on my other blog, 26 Years to Live) has a pond, formed to collect run-off from the fields. The shallow pond and surrounding mud flats attract local killdeer (pictured here), and spanning telephone lines collect all manner of bird, of late most notably--American Kestrels. (Sorry; no photo this time but maybe next.)

Seems like each time we visit, I see a kestrel perched on the telephone line. But not for long as our approach always prompts a departure. Recently however I did get to see one hovering above the pasture before diving straight into the high green grass. Whether this colorful bird of prey caught something, I couldn't see (too far off).

About a week ago I was especially surprised to find not one kestrel but six, all perched side by side along the telephone wire. At the time I thought this odd because I didn't know what another birder later explained to me: "In the winter it's not unusual to see numerous kestrels in the same area if the area is prime hunting grounds. They're more communal on the wintering grounds as opposed to breeding territory."

So another lesson learned (and thanks for the tip, Deuane!)

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

A Moment in the Life . . . Red-bellied Woodpecker

2011-11-12T08:38:00.009-05:00

Here's a sequence of shots I took of a female red-belly who momentarily graced a backyard tree.

Greeting Gettysburg Birds: White-throated Sparrow

2011-11-02T18:17:00.004-04:00

As I mentioned earlier today, I took a couple photos outside my kitchen door of a White-throated Sparrow. I've profiled this bird twice since the start of my Bird Blog (back in November of 2008), but in those earlier posts I used public domain photos taken by professional photographers. Here now are two of my own non-professional images, though for a clearer image, I encourage you to take a quick peek at my post of November 8, 2009.

The White-throated Sparrow is easy to identify with his yellow lores (area between the eye and upper bill) and striped head, and his white throat contrasts sharply with his gray chest and belly. But when physical characteristics are not easily discerned (as in these photos), you can always identify the White-throat by his distinctive, lovely song. Some characterize his plaintive song with the words Old Sam Peabody while others prefer My Sweet Canada . . . given that this sparrow migrates north to breed in Canada.

Why not decide for yourself what this sparrow's song sounds like? Watch and listen to a YouTube video by Lang Elliot and Bob McGuire. You'll be glad you did!

http://youtu.be/sL_YJC1SjHE

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

Coming up next: White-throated Sparrow

2011-11-02T10:48:00.002-04:00

Sorry for my long absence . . . but I've been moving and am, in fact, now settled in Gettysburg. Am posting this brief note just so you won't think I've disappeared.

Yesterday I took a couple photos of a White-throated Sparrow outside my kitchen door. And the white-throat's song, which I'm presently listening to, has prompted this promise of an upcoming post. So check back soon (this evening).

Until then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Northern Shoveler in Eclipse Plumage

2011-10-13T09:38:00.005-04:00

About a week ago I spotted this lone duck on my pond. From his large spatula-like bill, I knew the duck to be a Northern Shoveler, but that's where my expertise stopped. Was this a male or female? I didn't know.

At once I sought my well-worn Peterson's guide to decide the issue, only to find this venerable source silent on the physical characteristic presented me. For instance, based on Peterson's descriptions, this duck looked neither like a male nor a female.

If you're a serious birder then you're probably a few steps ahead of me. And members of a Facebook birding group pointed the way. The answer is evident: this is a duck in "eclipse" plumage, that which follows the spring and summer breeding plumage. Thus, in the fall, the male's distinctive breeding plumage--including his iridescent dark green head, black and white body with chestnut (or rufous) belly and flanks--molts away to a more muted appearance overall, as suggested in this blurry, distant shot.

Pleased with the solution to my mystery, I sought images online of Northern Shovelers--males, females, males in eclipse plumage--and found more distinctive physical traits to confirm the identification, as with this (from Wikipedia): "In early fall the male will have a white crescent on each side of the face."

Also from All About Birds (Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site), I read that the male has yellow eyes and the female brown. Once again a clear match. But only one detail yet confuses me. The male, in whatever plumage, is said to have a gray bill, while this duck's bill is obviously orange--a trait of the female. However . . . on reading posts to various birding sites, I've found instances where bill coloration (gray male; orange-tipped, female) does not hold.

So in the final analysis--yes, there's a lot of analysis in birding--I pronounce this duck a male Northern Shoveler in eclipse plumage.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Remembering Ireland

2011-10-01T16:46:00.005-04:00

At this time last year I was packing for my return trip to home, after a two-week stay in Ireland. I went to the Emerald Isle to seek ancestral roots (in County Limerick) and a setting for the third book in my trilogy Of the Wing. Happily I found both.

During my wonderful but brief tour of County Kerry (in the southwest), I visited the incredibly beautiful Lakes of Killarney and took a tour of Castle Ross. And directly after the tour, on the shore of the largest of the three lakes, Lough Leane, I had the good fortune to witness this perfect tableau: a Hooded Crow with his companions, a few Mallards.

Something about this image delights me, though I can't say exactly what. Perhaps it's that the crow is keeping company with ducks, or maybe it's their shared interest, looking out over the water. Whether their camaraderie is real or imagined, it makes me smile.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Eastern Pheobe

2011-09-24T18:15:00.005-04:00

My black lab Bridget and I went up to the pasture this late afternoon in search of a bird to photograph. And on this first sunny day, ending a string of soggy ones, there were plenty of birds to see--but not to photograph. For example, a pair of juvenile Eastern Bluebirds would have made a pretty picture, but though in range of my binoculars, they were too far off for the camera. An Eastern Phoebe toyed with me, landing time and again in perfect view at the end of some branch, only to fly off with each aim of the camera. Then there was the sparrow, who wouldn't sit still long enough to be identified.

Chasing after photos can sometimes make you forget the joy of seeing and hearing birds. For instance, when your aim is to "get the shot," it can't also be to enjoy the bird. This revelation visited me an instant before seeing a flycatcher fly onto a branch with a large, winged insect in his bill. Preoccupied with his unwieldy meal, the bird didn't attend to me watching greedily through binoculars to identify him: Eastern Phoebe. Was this the same fellow who had been teasing me? If so, then I won this game of "tag."

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

Song Sparrow

2011-09-15T11:25:00.004-04:00

Yesterday I went out with the specific purpose of catching some bird's image--any bird--as my next Bird Blog post was due. Birds, however, are not typically agreeable about posing for images, especially once they spot you staring. And if such rude behavior doesn't trigger their flight, then your act of raising a camera surely does. But yesterday I was lucky.

I found this Song Sparrow (read interesting facts about the Song Sparrow in my March 25, 2011 post) preening himself, head twisted over a shoulder, billing digging into his feathers. So I sneaked up, every so quietly (as quietly as you can with a black lab at your feet) and clicked this image just in time for a frontal view. Of course, this was pure luck and the sparrow would have no more of it, flying up and away into a young walnut tree.

I did get what I need; so thanks for the pose, Song Sparrow. I appreciate it.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Goodbye to the Rubythroats

2011-09-08T09:21:00.004-04:00

Caught this image a week or so ago and posted it to my Facebook page (search Of the Wing). At the time, I noticed only the iridescent green back of one hummer--not the female facing me. Isn't it amazing how the mind can sometimes block what is plainly in view? You see what you expect to see, I suppose.

These Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are still here but not for long. Any day they will begin their migration south, most to Central America but the old and young, who can't manage the trans-gulf crossing will stay on the coast. I just learned this fact and a few others from an informative site, which also stresses that hummingbirds are carnivores who depend on insects to survive. Nectar (which I had always presumed to be their main food source) is "just the fuel to power their flycatching activity." Read this and more fascinating information at hummingbirds.net (specific page link below):

http://www.hummingbirds.net/migration.html

Though the fall season is my favorite (after spring), I'm always saddened to see these marvels of flight go. They seem to me too precious for the "real" world, as if somehow they escaped from some fairy realm, where only beautiful creatures exist. Oh well . . . they'll be back soon enough.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart . . . and sugar water in your feeder, while the hummers are still here.

Georgia Anne Butler

The Ovenbird

2011-08-30T11:59:00.004-04:00

Over the years, while walking my dogs through the woods, I've often heard the emphatic song of the Ovenbird, a warbler that looks something like his woodland neighbors the thrushes (Hermit, Wood, Veery, etc).

The Ovenbird seems to screech, in rising volume, TEACHER, TEACHER, TEACHER! Though as often as I heard him, I seldom caught sight of this small olive brown bird who spends much of his time searching for insects on the woodland floor. And never have I seen him or her on my property, though its western boundary is bordered by woodland.

So you can imagine my surprise when I not only saw but also had the opportunity to photograph an Ovenbird on two consecutive days--from with my own backyard! In the top photo, you can clearly see his/her pink legs and even the black stripes that line either side of an orange patch on his head.

Just goes to show--if you're patient, there's no telling what bird you might see, or hear, on any given day.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Crue of Field Sparrows

2011-08-20T18:12:00.004-04:00

I took this image of two Field Sparrows at the end of June. I'm writing about them now because these sparrows seem to be "popping up" everywhere I go. Okay, I may be exaggerating . . . "everywhere" is actually just along the fence where Bridget (my black lab) and I walk to head out the back gate for a romp up on the pasture.

Every morning now for a week, a collection of Field Sparrows (3, 4, 5 or more) fly up from the high grasses and goldenrod to perch momentarily on the fence rail. (Did you know that a group of Field Sparrows is called "crue"? I didn't until just a moment ago.) As Bridget and I approach, they fly up and away to land just a bit farther along the fence. Then as we get closer, they again flit up and away but not too far. I was beginning to think we were getting some kind of royal treatment, preceded on our walks by a festive retinue of attentive sparrows.

Turns out, according to Whatbird.com, this behavior is typical of Field Sparrows. More specifically, the site says:

"The Field Sparrow when frightened does not retreat to the cover of foliage, as does the Song Sparrow, but flies to an exposed position on top of bush or low tree, where it can watch and await developments."

Find out more about the Field Sparrow at the Whatbird.com site below. (It provides both a color illustration and a beautiful photo). When you take an interest in birds, there's always something new to learn.

http://identify.whatbird.com/obj/210/_/Field_Sparrow.aspx

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Female Yellow Warbler

2011-08-09T17:50:00.003-04:00

Wood Warblers belong to the family Parulidae, and as a group are described by Roger Tory Peterson as "Brightly colored active birdlets, usually smaller than sparrows with thin needled-pointed bills. The majority have some yellow." I include this excerpt from Peterson's field guide because the Yellow Warbler is the "buttercup" of all warblers, being extensively yellow.

The one pictured here is a female, who had the misfortune of slamming into a house window. I heard the hit and ran outside to find her on the ground, stunned. I scooped her up to inspect the damage, and finding none visible, placed her on this low tree branch to recuperate. My experience has been that birds who fly into windows either die instantly (from a broken neck) or recover after several moments to fly off. So I went about my business, checking periodically to see if she remained perched. (In my experience window "hits" are unusual for warblers, who don't "hang out" around houses as do seed-feeding birds who frequent backyard feeders. A simple way to avoid such unnecessary tragedy is to keep your bird feeders far from the house.)

After about 10 minutes, this pretty young female flew off and away, and I wish her well.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Scarlet Tanager

2011-07-30T18:26:00.005-04:00

In this image (shot through my living room window), the Scarlet Tanager looks more ethereal than flesh. Seconds earlier I had spotted him perched atop my empty seed tray (below).

The persistent visits by a Black Bear to my feeder necessitated that I stop feeding the birds, which disturbs me to no end. If you want to see photos of the bear, check out my other blog, 26 Years to Live the July 20th post.

But back to the tanager . . . Seeing this secretive, woodland bird visit my empty feeder was simply too much. Against all better judgment, I quickly filled the tray. And, of course, the black bear returned that night for another visit. Despite this slip, I am weaning myself of the compulsive habit to fill the tray when empty. I'm sure the birds aren't happy but then neither am I. Then again, I'll soon be moving from this home and property of 17 years, and who knows if the next owner will be a bird lover like me? If not. then I'm merely preparing them for a coming reality. But I take solace in the knowledge that the neighborhood birds of my next home will soon know the bounty of an endless supply of black oil sunflower seeds.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Butterfly Break for the Great Spangled Fritillary

2011-07-22T10:32:00.003-04:00

Last year, sometime during the summer, I took a break from profiling birds to highlight a butterfly. And since it's been boiling outside for a week (I've had little interest in bird watching), allow me to post an image--taken before the heat wave hit--of a butterfly, the Great Spangled Fritillary.

As I'm no authority on butterflies, I'll simply direct you to a link from which I learned to identify this pretty orange visitor to my butterfly garden:

http://www.simplybutterflies.com/Backyard_Butterflies.html#greatspangledfritillary

Keep cool and don't forget to keep birds--and butterflies--in your heart (and gardens)!

Georgia Anne

Uncommon Yellowthroat

2011-07-13T09:00:00.004-04:00

Let's set the record straight: there's nothing "common" about the Common Yellowthroat. While I know this adjective is meant to describe the masked warbler's population and distribution, I object, even so, to its association with such a delightful bird.

Not only is the male a striking study (the female is olive green on top with a yellow throat), but his song is also distinctive--one you can't fail to identify: "wich-i-ty, wich-i-ty, wich-i-ty" . . . is how it's typically described. Yet to my ears this fellow is saying, The witch is here! The witch is here! The witch is here! Granted, I don't think of myself as a witch, but I like the attention.

So until next time . . . keep birds in your heart. And see if you can't spot or hear an Uncommon Yellowthroat in your yard before they migrate south (to Central America) for the winter.

Northern Flicker

2011-07-04T19:16:00.003-04:00

In my last blog on the Eastern Kingbird, I stressed that I never truly recognize a bird's unique behavioral characteristics until experiencing them first hand. And that is the theme we'll explore today, again, in my comments on the Northern Flicker.

A couple days ago, Bridget (my black lab) and I went up on the pasture for an early evening stroll. Whenever I remember, I grab my camera because, let's face it, Facebook is always hungry for photos. (By the way, if you've never checked out my FB page, please do. Search under my trilogy title Of the Wing. Typically, I post bird images to Facebook before posting to my Bird Blog.) But back to the story . . . as usual, Bridget was exercising her right as a canine to irritate the pasture-loving fauna by prancing into the tall grasses and pouncing on whatever beckoned--by movement or smell. This day, it was the Northern Flicker.

I didn't immediately recognize the bird scuttling along the path, though I did instantly see the conspicuous white rump. I was more concerned that Bridget was about to grab it into her jaws.

"Bridget, N0!" I ordered, and being a wonderful and sensitive dog, she instantly desisted. (Talk about an evolved dog . . . I think Bridget understands she isn't to hurt birds, at least when I'm around). As I hurried past Bridget to see the quarry, I saw this large bird, as captured in my photo, which did not fly into the air but hurried over the ground. Since the bird did not take flight, I thought it was injured, and chased after to grab it--the very act I denied Bridget.

I held the bird gently while it tried to defend itself, pecking at my fingers to no avail. That's when I noticed the red patch on its nape and knew it to be a woodpecker. As I carried it to a tree branch, I marveled at the beauty of his wings, bordered in a golden yellow (as I recall). I reverently placed him on a low branch of a wild cherry, from which he immediately flew (wings seemingly working well) to a distant spot halfway down the hill.

Only later, when investigating information online about the Northern Flicker, did I discover that the flicker scuttles awkwardly over the ground feeding on ants. And apparently that's how Bridget and I stumbled upon him--quite innocently, of course.
Except for a good fright and unsolicited "lift," this flicker got away and "lived to tell the tale." And I hope he doesn't mind if I do, too.

Till next time . . . if you see a flicker scuttling over the ground, let him be. He's just looking for ants. And don't forget to forget to keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

Kingbird Combat

2011-06-26T10:57:00.003-04:00

You can’t truly appreciate a bird’s behavioral characteristics until you witness them personally. The Eastern Kingbird is known for its aggressive territorial behaviors, but I had never digested this fact before witnessing two males—on three separate occasions—slugging it out, always in close proximity to me.

The breeding season began serenely enough, with numerous sightings of a mated pair of kingbirds. Since the kingbird is not dimorphic (sexes different in appearance), I presumed these two to be a male and female. And every time I saw this handsome pair, I felt graced by their gentle presence. Then the mood changed.

About a week ago, I was out in the yard when I heard a ruckus of squawks and beating wings above me. One kingbird was attempting to “mount” the other in mid-air! I hasten to clarify that by “mount,” I don’t mean “mate”-- more like a fighter jumping on his opponent’s back. This wasn’t far from my side door and the two combatants flew into a nearby small grove of hemlock. Interesting, right?

Things got more interesting still, when moments later, these two were at it again--and again somewhat over my head, though I was now a couple hundred feet away, on the other side of the pond. Somehow I felt involved.

Fast forward to a couple days ago. I was enjoying a serene evening, sitting on a chaise lounge, watching the tree and barn swallows playing over the pond. Softly twittering, the swallows dove and glided, dragging their feet over its surface. Then an intrusive shrieking filled the air as I watched two kingbirds, descending from above, wrestle in the air before me, about twenty feet away. A duo of furious flapping wings, they spun, descending through the air like a tiny tornado until one dropped, falling six or seven feet into the tall, thick bank grasses. Mesmerized I watched as the fallen kingbird flopped and flapped within the grass while my black lab Bridget rushed to investigate. “No, Bridget!” I demanded, my tone giving her reason to pause as the kingbird found its bearings and lifted into the air, flying toward a towering Norway Spruce.

As I ponder these incidents, I can’t help but wonder why I was privileged to witness their territorial bouts, almost like I was the referee. And I wonder if the mated male was defending this territory from the same would-be intruder. Possibly because I appreciate the specialness of this piece of “real estate.” After all what more could a kingbird want than lots of pasture and a pond? Here’s hoping that both males find the space they need.

p.s. This season I've taken many photos of the mated kingbirds, but I'm posting a photo taken last year because I think it captures the heart of the warrior.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Eastern Meadowlark

2011-06-18T08:02:00.004-04:00

Last time I posted a blurry photo of the Bobolink, so let's continue this time with another pasture bird (and more blurry photos--sorry!) of the Eastern Meadowlark. To my ear's, the meadowlark's plaintive song holds an element of longing. (To hear his song and to see a crisp image, visit the link below to All About Birds:)

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Meadowlark/id

Whenever I hear the meadowlark singing on the pasture above my home, I think of his ever-shrinking habitat and ever-declining numbers. Like the Bobolink and other pasture birds, the Eastern Meadowlark's numbers have declined precipitously as country pastures fall victim to development. It's sad but true.

If you should be lucky enough to own a few acres, consider converting some to pasture. The Bobolinks, Eastern Meadowlarks, and Grasshopper Sparrows--to name just a few--will thank you. And your world will become more richly beautiful with the "bubbly" songs of Bobolinks, the plaintive songs of Meadowlarks, and the "buzzy" notes of the Grasshopper Sparrow.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart (and on your property)!

Georgia Anne

Bubbling Bobolinks Up on the Pasture

2011-06-09T11:12:00.007-04:00

Bobolinks, whose numbers are in rapid decline due to earlier mowing of fields (Bobolinks build ground nests), are a delight to hear. A common modifier for their singing is "bubbling," which works great for my title but doesn't do justice to this pasture bird's song. In book 2 of my trilogy Of the Wing, I include a scene with Bobolinks and describe their singing thus:

" . . . a meadow bird whose song was a contraption of whistles, brassy slides, jangles, bells, and chatter—cheerful music that seemed to percolate up through the grass itself."

(Please excuse my laziness in reusing a prior description but it's not easy trying to describe this bird's surprising sounds. You can hear at least one rendition (below) at the web site hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology): While there, you'll want to read all about this amazing bird. And if you happen to be a farmer, consider postponing the mowing of your hayfield until well into July. It may make the difference between this bird's continued existence or eventual extinction.

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Bobolink/id

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

A Killdeer looking out over . . . .

2011-05-30T11:32:00.006-04:00

. . . the water, you say? Given that the Killdeer is a plover, a wading shore bird, that would seem the sensible answer. And the grayish, undulating backdrop might also suggest the low waves of a sea shore. But guess again.

This Killdeer looks out from a small island of mulch (surrounding a hardy ornamental tree) on a parking lot. Not the best place to rear your young, and yet that's exactly what this plover is up to. (See the bottom photo below.)

The Killdeer is a shorebird that eats insects, worms, and other invertebrates and is as at home scouting for these in pastures and fields as on shorelines. But I'll never understand why a shorebird like this pretty plover would ever choose to abandon sea and field for macadam. It baffles me.

If anyone knows, I'd love an explanation!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart . . . and take care not to step on any Killdeer's eggs.

Georgia Anne

Rose-breasted Grosbeak Times Three

2011-05-22T09:32:00.005-04:00

I posted a couple weeks back on a Rose-breasted Grosbeak visiting my feeder. Well, apparently the chow is too good to abandon as this grosbeak seems to be "settling in." The other day I caught sight of him through my bathroom window playing "hide and seek" with me in a locust tree.

Hello again, Eastern Kingbird!

2011-05-15T10:38:00.004-04:00

Since beginning this blog well over two years ago, I've posted four times on the Eastern Kingbird (6/29/09; 5/13/10; 5/20/10; 7/25/10) and, as this is my public "birding journal," you can expect to see many more.

One of the joys of birding is getting to know, over the years, your avian neighbors. Each time I post on the Eastern Kingbird, I try to add some new fact or personal observation of his or her behavior. This time I'll add that the kingbird likes to return to his same perch atop tree or bush after flying out for an insect, a behavior I've observed.

Last week on the pasture above my house, I again saw my friend returned from his winter's stay along the Amazon to spend his spring and summer here in central Pennsylvania. It's incredible to think about.

This Eastern Kingbird, perched atop a pear tree, didn't exactly cooperate for his first photo shoot of the season, but maybe next time. Until then . . . keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Rose-breasted Grosbeak and Friends

2011-05-05T10:15:00.003-04:00

Look who came to visit my black-oil sunflower seed feeder? My first Rose-breasted Grosbeak of the season. In prior years, I've seen a good many grosbeaks but not of late, last four to five years. So you can imagine my delight on seeing this male. Will keep a look out for him today but thus far--no sign. I suspect he was just passing through unlike the large flock of American Goldfinch and smaller flock of House Finch that await my seed offerings every morning.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

My New Noisy Neighbor the Belted Kingifisher

2011-04-25T13:52:00.008-04:00

Last week I was outside one evening when I heard a bird's chatter. At first I thought it was a Carolina Wren scolding me. But then I really listened. No, this sound was much louder and more like a harsh rattle or an old tin noisemaker, the kind you spin while holding its crank. (Last time I posted on the Belted Kingfisher was on 11/03/2009.) Then it hit me--I was hearing a Belted Kingfisher. And sure enough as I looked out toward the pond, there was the big-headed fish catcher, circling low over my pond, making quite the racket.

He took exception at my being there and quickly flew high into the trees banking one side of the pond. He was, however, quite accommodating and let me take numerous photos, none however that were very good, given it was past 7:00 pm, the light quickly fading. Not until he flew over the pond into a naked walnut tree did I get a good photo, not one of color but a great silhouette shot. (See directly above. Don't you just love his punk look?)

Much to my delight and surprise, the kingfisher has been here for several days, getting quite active and noisy in the evenings, though I just heard him a moment ago, rattling away. Yesterday I caught another image, one that better displays his attractive slate blue coloring. The female can be distinguished from the male by a reddish brown (rufous) band that runs across her belly.

Maybe I'll go out for a moment and see what my visitor is up to. Here's hoping he's eating well!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Where's the Ring on the Ring-necked Duck?

2011-04-13T16:57:00.005-04:00

Early naturalists are known for naming many birds after features not the least noticeable (to you and me) while watching them on the wing, perched in a tree, or paddling in a pond. That's because people naming birds did so with the specimens, typically dead, right in their hands for close observation. This explains why few people seldom see the rosy blush for which the Red-bellied Woodpecker is named or, in this case, the purplish-brown ring of the male Ring-necked Duck. (I don't know whether the female sports this neck ring or not . . . but since it's impossible to see, doesn't it really matter?) Much more apparent, as is shown in my photos, is their ringed bills, plainly visible in both males and females.

A few days ago, my pond was visited by a pair of female Ring-necked Ducks, shown above separately. Unlike the more striking two-toned male, mostly iridescent black with light flanks, the female is a study in buff and browns, with a deeper toned crown. She has a light face patch, white eye-rings and a white ring on her bill. Pretty enough by my standards. How about yours?

According to one of my favorite online birding sites (All About Birds), the Ring-necked Duck is . . . "The most common diving duck to be found on small ponds in migration . . . " which I suppose explains their visit to my humble pond. So, here's hoping they come again next year!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Great Blue Heron

2011-04-04T18:07:00.004-04:00

For the last week or so I've unintentionally interrupted a Great Blue Heron attempting to fish in my pond. It's happened now three times. Well, just moments ago I caught sight of him stepping every so gingerly out around my pond. Herons are very wary and I'm certain he saw me peering out at him from behind a sheer curtain in my kitchen. Tiptoeing away so as not to startle him, I grabbed my camera and returned hopefully to click a shot through the gap in said curtain.

But my heron was already on the move, pacing away from the pond, suspicious and on alert. Even so I got this blurry shot and am happy for it!

The Great Blue is the largest North American Heron and can stand as tall as 54 inches. Many times through the years I've attempted to watch a Great Blue hunt at my pond, but his patience typically outlasts mine. These birds strike a pose and hold it so long that even cautious fish forget that someone is standing over them ready to strike!

It's been raining hard here for hours, but the heron doesn't seem to mind. Here's hoping, this time, he gets his fish.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Song Sparrows and Brush Piles

2011-03-25T17:24:00.004-04:00

According to an online birding resource I just discovered (see link farther below), "the Song Sparrow will sing as many as 20 different melodies with as many as 1,000 improvised variations on his basic theme." Which finally explains why I can't always recognize a Song Sparrow when I hear one--they're always changing the tune on me. Ha!

But I do get good practice listening since every year several Song Sparrows nest in the large brush piles I provide them for exactly that purpose. You see, Song Sparrows like to build their nests on the ground but also out of sight (predators) and out of the weather. A tangled mess of dead tree branches and long grasses provide just the right mix for my birds.

The other day I heard this male singing his spring song in preparation for mating. And where do you think he perched? On a sapling walnut tree beside this this lovely nesting location. You see, he wants to show a would-be mate what a good provider he'd make. After all, didn't he find this brush pile?

So if you'd like some Song Sparrows to sing in your back yard, don't keep it too tidy. Leave a brush pile and a water source. And who knows? A Song Sparrow soon might be singing for you.

http://www.wild-bird-watching.com/Song-Sparrow.html

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Canada geese drop by for a visit

2011-03-13T14:01:00.008-04:00

As typical, March has been full of weather surprises--warm one day and snowing the next. A six-inch snowfall during the night of March 6th created what to my eyes looked like a whipped-cream wonderland. Yet by the evening of the 7th much of the snow had already melted. And by the 9th, my emerald green pond was clear and open for business, just in time for a small group of Canada Geese.

These four flew in around noon and stayed until dusk. They were very cordial, permitting me a photo shoot. I invited them back next year. Here's hoping they'll come.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

My Season's First Robin

2011-03-01T22:05:00.002-05:00

This beautiful Robin brings to mind one word: spring!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Revisiting the Tree Sparrow

2011-02-21T18:08:00.006-05:00

On December 27, I shared an image of a Tree Sparrow whose face was hidden behind a twig. It was the only shot I could get. Since then I've had several visiting my feeder for the seeds that fall to the ground (the Tree Sparrow is a ground forager). Recently I had a more successful photo shot, so enjoy.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

I Owe You . . . One Cardinal in the Snow

2011-02-12T09:46:00.002-05:00

Back a few weeks (January 17) I posted a photo of a male Northern Cardinal, praising the beauty of his color against the white snow. Unfortunately my posing cardinal did not select a snowy backdrop for his portrait, though snow enough covered the landscape.

I promised then to remedy the situation with another portrait. And so here I deliver: a photo of a cardinal (named for the regal red robes worn by Catholic cardinals) taken through my living room window and screen. Doesn't he look like a puff ball?

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

2011-02-05T13:20:00.002-05:00

Took this photo of a black-capped last weekend by am sharing it now because I've just been listening to one giving a persistent 'gargle call'), described by Lang Elliot as "a rapid, gargling sputter of notes sounding like tseedleedeet or t'slink-rrrrr.

Elliot also tells us that 'gargle calls' are given during aggressive encounters or chases. You can hear this gargle call at the Wikipedia link below (scan far down the page).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Black-capped_Chickadee

This Wikipedia article also indicates that the gargle call in often given 'when feeding', which suits my situation here exactly. Since the sunflower seed tray needs refilling--the situation among the birds is tense!

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Flocks and flocks of Horned Larks . . . but none for me

2011-01-26T18:50:00.004-05:00

I belong to a local birding listserv and lately people have been posting on sightings of Horned Larks, flocks and flocks of them. But I have never seen even ONE.

Does it sound like I'm complaining? I am.

I've read the following on the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site All About Birds:

"The only true lark native to North America, the Horned Lark is a common, widespread bird of open country."

And that site's range map shows the Horned Lark as a year-round resident, not only in Pennsylvania (where I live) but also over most of the USA.

So what gives?

True, I haven't been looking my entire life for the Horned Lark. In fact, I only became conscious of this bird a few years back. (In this photo provided by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, you don't see the bird's "horns," feather tufts that the lark can raise and lower.) The Horned Lark is a grassland bird, one that likes to forage in short grass, even dry patches, better than tall. There's plenty of pastureland where I live.

I checked to see if altitude might play a role. For instance, I live atop the Allegheny Plateau, a higher elevation than those folks who have been posting on sightings of flocks in the valleys. But online I read that Horned Larks are no stranger to highlands.

Perhaps Horned Larks are around, but I'm not paying adequate attention. Next time I'm driving and see a flock of birds--that's it! I'm stopping the car and pulling out my binoculars. I'll catch one yet, and when I do, I'll let you know.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Male Northern Cardinal

2011-01-17T15:45:00.005-05:00

What's more striking (and sublime) than a male Northern Cardinal screaming its color against a backdrop of snow? Where's the snow you ask? Everywhere, actually, except within the frame of this portrait. Ha!

From a far distance I shot this image of a cardinal waiting his turn at my backyard feeder. The distance, in fact, exceeded the zoom capacity of my camera, resulting in an image that appears more like a painting than a photograph. Either way, this is one bird that always shines.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

p.s. I owe you one photo of a cardinal against a backdrop of snow.

Woodpeckers Aplenty!

2011-01-07T17:10:00.006-05:00

Seems I can't glance outside my window this winter without seeing a woodpecker or walk outside without hearing one. It might be the Red-bellied who has again taken residency nearby to treat himself to my feeder tray of black-oil sunflower seeds. (Here's an image of him taken from my kitchen window.) Or it might be the Downy Woodpeckers (male and female) who are almost always hanging from the block of suet that dangles near said seed tray. Sometimes I see a Hairy Woodpecker circling on the Walnut trees out back, but this ID is something of a question mark because, except for being a bit larger and having a longer bill, the Hairy looks almost identical to the Downy. Only when I see a Hairy up close (at my feeder) can I reliably make the call.

But to me the most striking of the local winter woodpeckers is the Pileated Woodpecker. One and a half feet long, this is a BIG woodpecker. And if sheer size doesn't give him away, a flaming red crest certainly will. Both males and females have this crest, though only the male has a red forehead and "whiskers." The other day I saw one flying high overhead making quite a racket. The Pileated has a distinctive call, descriptions of which never quite capture the reality. You need to hear an audio clips to appreciate it. (Audio clips are available at page below.)

If you want a one-stop "shopping" site to compare the woodpeckers of North America (those mentioned above and more), then check out this page hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/browse.aspx?shape=41,20

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

How could I forget the American Tree Sparrow?

2010-12-27T17:28:00.003-05:00

Identifying sparrows can be tricky, especially when you've an uncooperative subject, like this one hiding within a sapling white birch, face strategically hidden. I could easily see his red-brown cap, which significantly narrowed the possibilities. But being somewhat lazy that day, I couldn't be bothered to pick up my Peterson's field guide to make the necessary comparisons. Instead, I posted the image to Facebook and waited for someone else to do my work. (Yes, I am embarrassed about that.)

Soon enough a birding friend and naturalist posted the following response: "Rusty cap at this time of year narrows it down to tree sparrow, field sparrow, or swamp sparrow. Prominent white wing bar suggests tree sparrow. Two-toned beak (black upper mandible, yellow lower mandible) is indicative of tree sparrow."

Of course--the American Tree Sparrow! How could I have so easily forgotten this winter visitor? (I've even posted on the Tree Sparrow before: 2/05/08). Too, I had earlier been watching a pair of rusty-capped sparrows at my feeder, each with a dark central spot on his breast, another identifying mark of the Tree Sparrow.

There's a lesson to be taken from this tale of muddled thinking and laziness: Never take birds (or birding) for granted or you may forget the avian friends you once knew, and what a shame that would be!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

One, Two, Three Goldfinch: Project FeederWatch Pictorial Story

2010-12-18T09:41:00.005-05:00

A Cooper's Hawk Crashes the Party

2010-12-05T14:07:00.002-05:00

Wherever small birds congregate, their predators will likely follow. And so it was two days ago, when a Cooper's Hawk swooped into my yard in pursuit of a mid-day snack (public domain image courtesy of NBII).

Alerting all to the hawk's arrival were a group of blue jays, who called out in alarm--jay-jay-jay! Since jays (and crows) are always squawking for some reason or another, I didn't first attend to their distress. Only after a few dozen finches took collective flight from a locust tree (where they wait to take turns at the feeder) did I glance skyward. Swiftly gliding into sight was a sleek accipiter or "bird hawk," so called because these hawks prey upon other birds.

To catch another bird unaware, you must be crafty and quick, and so--meet the Cooper's Hawk. These long-tailed, round-winged hawks can maneuver around and through trees without an instance of hesitation. Unlike the larger, bulkier buteos (for example, the red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks) that soar over open pastures searching for small mammals, accipiters chase their prey in and around trees. And they're good at it.

From below, I could see the hawk's creamy under wings and the reddish bars of his belly and chest. But from my angle, I couldn't see his blue-gray back. I watched as he banked, circling the locust and then heading toward a tall spruce, from which a large flock of mourning doves suddenly flushed, totally surprising me with their numbers! By then the hawk was behind the massive spruce, so whether or not he caught a dove, I cannot say.

I can say that the following day I saw the Cooper's Hawk sailing overhead. I suspect he's around more often than I know.

Till next time ... Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Looking for a Curlew

2010-11-27T21:02:00.003-05:00

During my trip to Ireland (Sept 19 through Oct 3, 2010), I had hoped to see many new bird species, including those most associated with the Emerald Isle, as the Curlew. At the time of my trip, I didn't realize that there are eight species of curlews, with bills ranging in length from 3 to 8 inches. Nor did I realize, as reported by BirdWatch Ireland, ". . . that around 80% of the Curlew breeding population [in Ireland] has been lost since the 1970s alone, and perhaps only a few hundred pairs remain."

While you can still find migrant curlews from northern Europe wintering in Ireland, those indigenous to the country are becoming scarce as their habitats disappear. Again, as reported by BirdWatch Ireland " . . . destruction of peat bogs, afforestation, more intensive management of farmland . . . . drainage of wetlands and intensive management of grasslands have destroyed much of their habitat." Given these statistics, it's difficult to say if the curlew shown here (wading in an estuary of the Shannon River) is a resident or migrant.

Also, as it's not the best photo (an understatement), I'm not sure which species of curlew I was lucky enough to glimpse, though I'll take a gamble and bet on the Whimbrel, which is a grayish-brown bird with a dark crown (though the over exposure makes this difficult to see).

So, to answer the question I posed in my Nov 2 blog entry--Yes! I saw a Curlew while in Ireland, yet probably not a Irish Curlew, given their drastic decline.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Project FeederWatch

2010-11-18T18:26:00.003-05:00

Do you have a backyard bird feeder? Do you love to watch the winter birds that thrive on your seeds and suet? If so, you might want to join Cornell Lab of Ornithology's Project FeederWatch. It's a data collection program that enlists the help of people like you and me.

Read all about the program within Cornell's Web site:

http://www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw/

This year the program runs from November 13 to April 8, 2011, but it's not too late to join. I just did a few days ago and will definitely be sharing some of my experiences here on the Bird Blog. For example, here's a photo of a male Dark-eyed Junco, waiting his turn at the feeder with black-oil sunflower seeds.

Here's hoping you can help. But if you don't feel quite ready or if you need more experience identifying birds, maybe you can learn with me through my Bird Blog. Then next year, you'll be ready to go!

Till next time ... Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

The Usual Suspects

2010-11-10T18:20:00.007-05:00

Allow me to interrupt my review of Irish birds to bring you three of my backyard favorites. These three species are year-round residents and so will cheer me through the long, cold winter. To repay that favor, every day I'll feed them black-oil sunflower seeds. Here are photos taken at my feeder just a couple hours ago. In quick succession each came for a seed, beginning with the Tufted Titmouse (top), the White-breasted Nuthatch (middle), and my favorite, the Black-capped Chickadee.

Treat these birds to some black-oil sunflower seeds through the winter, and they'll treat you to their company. I can't think of a better trade.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

About that Oystercatcher . . .

2010-11-02T19:15:00.009-04:00

Before leaving for Ireland, I posted on my birding expectations for the trip:

"I'm eager to see such Irish birds as the Oystercatcher, the Lapwing, and, of course, the Curlew!" (September 18, 2010)

Home already a month, I've yet to report on whether I saw any or all of the three birds mentioned. So let's start now, beginning with the Oystercatcher.

In that prior post, I shared a US Fish and Wildlife image of an American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). See the beautifully crisp, up close image? Now see my distant, blurry photo of a black and white bird on a grassy mound in the Shannon River. And answer me this: Is it an Oystercatcher? (Haematopus ostralegus, a European cousin)

I don't know.

Both birds have a "tab" of white in the shoulder area. And the position of his head (turned left and downward) would explain why you can't see a long orange bill. Still . . . I don't know.

If you have a view and want to share it, please post away. Meanwhile I'll share my photo on an Irish listserv, though it's not a birding listserv. And I'll be sure to let you know what I find out.

Now, on to the Lapwing (Vanellus vanellus). Here's a bird I should most definitely have seen--but didn't. You might well ask, "Why not?" And I'd have to confess that pursuits other than birding (sightseeing, Castle-touring, visiting my ancestor's homestead, seeking my book's setting) competed for my attention. Still, there's always the next time, right? Besides, you can learn a bit about the Lapwing right here and right now:

http://www.birdwatchireland.ie/Default.aspx?tabid=319

Finally, what of the Curlew? Did I see or photograph this unusual bird? To find out, check back next week!

Till then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Mute Swans at Castle Ross

2010-10-25T07:34:00.004-04:00

These beautiful Mute Swans (mature and immature) might be from a Pennsylvania lake, but this photo was taken at a marshy inlet of Lough Leane, the largest of the three lakes in Killarney (Co. Kerry, Ireland). In fact, Mute Swans, natives of Europe and Asia, were introduced, in the 1800s, to this country for their beauty. And you can see why.

I saw this graceful pair near the shore when visiting Castle Ross, one of hundreds of stone "tower houses" built by the Normans during the middle ages. Often during my visit to Ireland I saw Mute Swans. These birds are highly territorial and so a small lake will support only one mated pair. The parents will raise their chicks, called cygnets, until young adults and then send them away to find their own territories. However, Mute Swans will colonize in larger lakes. Lough Leane, which is a huge lake (five miles long by two miles wide) supported many colonies.

Check back soon for more birds of Ireland!

Till then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Pied Wagtail

2010-10-18T20:57:00.005-04:00

Before traveling to Ireland, I read a book called Shore Birds of Ireland (text by Jim Wilson; images by Mark Carmody), which bestowed honorary shorebird status to this garden bird who "will sometimes feed on insects on seaweed." The authors conveyed the honor rightly so, I think, because wherever water met shoreline, I found this spunky white and black bird scouting. In fact, so often did I see (and photograph) the Pied Wagtail that I found a friend in him and felt less a stranger.

Of course, the Atlantic Ocean now separates us, so I must confine my encounters to online sources like British Garden Birds--

http://www.garden-birds.co.uk/birds/piedwagtail.htm

--which describes the differences in plumage between males and females and provides various photos. From the descriptions provided I think (but am far from sure) that the "seaweed" wagtail is a female and the "water" wagtail a male. But why not check out the resource for yourself and decide what you think?

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

The Jackdaw: First bird to greet me in Ireland

2010-10-11T15:20:00.002-04:00

Driving from the Shannon Airport (on the River Shannon), I noticed a range of shorebirds wading in that river's estuary. Trying to get a knack for driving on the "wrong" side of the road--not to mention the roundabouts--I didn't take the opportunity to see what waders dotted the not too distant landscape. Instead, I kept my hands gripped to the steering wheel and eyes glued to the road and its signs written in both English and Gaelic.

I didn't dare look anywhere else other than to dart appreciative glances at the lovely landscape through which I drove. Not until arriving at my first destination, the village of Kinvara in Co. Galway, did I take a deep breath and open my eyes to the surrounding sights.

Parked opposite Castle Dunguaire, a small castle known as a "tower house," I stopped to look up at the ruins of stone wall and there saw a shiny black bird with pale blue eyes looking back at me. Noting my interest, he withdrew his head farther into the hole but not so far that I couldn't catch a photo of his handsome face and pretty blue eyes.

Later in the week, when at an Irish pub, I asked a couple local men what bird in Ireland I should choose as my main bird character (for book 3) in the trilogy Of the Wing. One gentlemen was quite insistent that it be the jackdaw "because he's a good thief." I must say the quality of being a thief is an attractive one to me for my bird character. Too, I've read that jackdaws are good mimics, even of human speech, yet another intriguing characteristic.

Hmm . . . I think I'm convinced.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Back from Ireland: First up--the Black-headed Gull

2010-10-05T15:19:00.003-04:00

I've been away from this blog for well over two weeks--during my trip to Ireland--so it's high time I share my "catch" of birds (photographed or seen) from that Emerald Isle, beginning with the Black-headed Gull.

Despite evidence to the contrary, this is a photograph of a Black-headed Gull, though here he sports his winter plumage. Read more here:

http://www.birdguides.com/species/species.asp?sp=61039#

I took this image of said gull in Lough Leane, one of three beautiful adjoining lakes in Killarney, County Kerry. And throughout my trip (to several different counties), I saw him again and again.

Traveling to Ireland, I've added more birds to my "life list," that being a list of all the birds I've ever seen and identified. I'm also checking each "new" bird against those listed in my favorite bird web site All About Birds to learn if these are birds I might also see here in the USA. Thus, of the Black-headed Gull, I've learned the following: "A common gull of the Old World, Black-headed Gull is a rare, but regular visitor to eastern North America."

Check back soon for more photos of both birds and Ireland!

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Off to Ireland!

2010-09-18T11:38:00.002-04:00

(Last post until first week in October.)

I'm off to Ireland to investigate the setting for book 3 in my trilogy Of the Wing. I'm looking especially at enchanted lakes like Lough Gur. While away, I'll also be birding! I'm eager to see such Irish birds as the Oystercatcher, the Lapwing, and, of course, the Curlew!

Shown here is a Public Domain photo (courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service) of the American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus). But I'll be stalking his Irish counterpart (Haematopus ostralegus). Having never seen our American bird, looks like I must travel to Ireland to see my first-ever oystercatcher!

I'll be sure to take lots of photos to share on my return in two weeks.

Until then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Are you following me? asks the Eastern Phoebe

2010-09-15T16:53:00.006-04:00

I must share a couple photos of my summer resident, an Eastern Phoebe. My unsuspecting fly-catching friend had casually perched upon the top of a shed door, when he (or she) discovered my nosy intrusion. Thereafter he flies off to evade my scrutiny--alas, to no avail.

How could I resist invading his privacy? After all, too soon he or she will fly south for the winter. Most of Pennsylvania is just north of this gray and white bird's year round territory. Check the phoebe's entire range at All About Birds:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Eastern_Phoebe/id

My phoebe will soon be flying away, but I take great pleasure in knowing he'll be back again in the spring. Then I'll wait expectantly for that lovely two-note whistled song: phoe-bee, phoe-bee, phoe-bee.

Till next time . . . Keep bird's in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Songbird Sendoff

2010-09-07T11:30:00.004-04:00

Nearing summer's end, we must again say goodbye to those cheery songbirds who earlier in the year migrated north to spend the spring and summer with us. Those who migrated north to breed in our woodlands of Pennsylvania (and elsewhere) now return to their southern "wintering homes," whether these be in the southern states, Central America, or South America. (Public Domain photo of a Hermit Thrush, courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.)

Some of the birds gracing me this season with their songs included the...

Hermit Thrush
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Hermit_Thrush/id

Black-and-White Green-throated Warbler
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-throated_Green_Warbler/id

Black-and-White Warbler
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Black-and-white_Warbler/id

Red-eyed Vireo
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Red-eyed_Vireo/id

Ovenbird
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Ovenbird/id

While I often heard their songs, I did not post on this select group because I could not photograph them (this is a secretive bunch!), and because Public Domain photos were scant or non-existent. (Again, these birds like to hide from view.)

Still I couldn't let the season close without some tribute to their beauty (in form and song), strength, and stamina. And so I wish them well on their long journeys southward and am consoled in the knowledge I'll hear (if not see) them again in six months time.

Send your goodwill their way by investigating each bird at Cornell Lab of Ornithology's web site All About Birds. Be sure to listen to each bird's song. Read their descriptions and view the range maps that show where they spend their summers (breed), where they winter, and their migrating paths. Learn to love birds and then listen for them next spring.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

The Methuselah Generation

2010-08-31T18:29:00.004-04:00

Let's take a brief break from birds this week to focus on butterflies, specifically the beautiful Monarch Butterfly. Coming late in my life to an appreciation of birds, I come even later to an appreciation of butterflies. Oh, I've always thought them beautiful. Even put in a butterfly garden a couple years ago, but not until this year, when I began to photograph them, did I recognize the unique beauty of each of the many species visiting my property.

Most people recognize the Monarch not only for its beauty but also for its amazing migration south each fall to Mexico, where it winters. But what they may not know, and what I only just learned, is that the Monarchs who make this incredible 3100-mile journey are of a special, long-lived group known as the Methuselah Generation.

To learn more about Monarchs and their "Methuselah Generation" read this article at bestday.com--but just briefly here . . .

The typical Monarch lives only four to five weeks, including all its life stages, "starting as an egg, going through the larva period, morphing into a pupa or chrysalis until it reaches the adult stage when it reproduces, and finally, dying" (as cited in the article above). However, toward the end of summer, a special breed of Monarch is born with Herculean abilities for these must travel to Mexico and back again. Of course to complete the quest, these Monarchs must live much longer lives--up to eight months!

In the Hebrew Bible, Methuselah is mentioned as the oldest man ever to live (969 years). To the typical, short-lived Monarch, those of their brethren carried thousands of miles by the high winds so as to carry on the species are indeed of the Methuselah Generation.

Till next time . . . Keep birds and butterflies in your heart!

Georgia Anne

What's that clucking in my woods?

2010-08-23T18:57:00.003-04:00

For a few days I heard a soft clucking in the woods beside my property. At first I was baffled by the sound, not allowing the obvious interpretation to take hold: the mystery animal must be a fowl-like bird. (Photograph of Ruffed Grouse is a Public Domain image.)

Then the other day while walking by the woodland's edge, I flushed several Ruffed Grouse that flew up into the trees. Now the only sound I've ever associated with the Ruffed Grouse has been that of the male who drums his wings in spring for a mate. Until seeing the amazing YouTube video below, I had never seen a grouse drumming, only ever heard it--a sound like a lawn mower being started.

So I rushed inside the house, eager to discover what a female Ruffed Grouse sounds like. It took some hunting because all the sources I found spoke of the male's drumming. Then, finally, I found an online description of the female's vocalization: "a hen-like clucking."

Wish I could share her vocalizations with you here, but maybe another time. For now, enjoy this amazing video of a male (in spring time) drumming for his mate.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

2010-08-15T17:03:00.005-04:00

Last year about this time (Aug 7), I posted on the American Goldfinch, including a video I captured of one singing. So visit that earlier post if you want info on this sunflower-yellow celebrant of the summer season. (Only the male acquires this sunny plumage during the breeding season, that is, spring and summer.)

The male you see clinging above is visiting the feeder pictured below. A perk to feeding birds sunflower seeds (black-oil is their favorite) is that you'll get a crop of sunflowers growing below your feeder. Then visiting birds can chose to snack from the tray or, if willing to be more "au naturale," from the sunflower.

Goldfinch and sunflowers on a sunny day. What more could you ask for?

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Flash and Sparkle of the Ruby-Throat

2010-08-07T18:13:00.004-04:00

Remember Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz? Remember those dazzling ruby slippers that sparkled on her feet? Now imagine yourself so adorned--an unlikely prospect for most.

Lucky for us folks living in eastern North America that the Ruby-throated Hummingbird makes his home here during the spring and summer.
Because then we can see that ruby flash and sparkle each time a male turns his head to look our way.

In fact, here I sit (6:43 pm Eastern Standard Time) on my chaise lounge enjoying the evening. Only moments ago I caught this image of a male Ruby-throat. Even in the shadows of the fading day, you can see a hint of his bright, iridescent red throat. Now imagine that spot of red ringing his neck and full throat in the bright light of the sun? It's not a sight you forget.

I never will.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Thank You Turkey Vultures

2010-08-01T15:38:00.004-04:00

Turkey Vultures sometimes get a bad "rap" for being carrion eaters, as if that somehow makes them less noble than other raptors. And while it's true that dead animals comprise the main source of their diet, these large soaring birds also eat insects, invertebrates, and some fruits (All About Birds). Yet my profound respect for this species derives specifically from its diet of carrion--that and, of course, the serene beauty of its soaring flight. (Took this photo from my yard a couple days ago.)

Who hasn't seen one or more Turkey Vultures pecking at the innards of some hapless animal struck along the roadside? It's a common sight and happily so--not for the poor victim--but for the vulture, the environment, and thus for us.

Turkey Vultures provide a huge ecological service in being one of nature's "clean up" crews. Without them, dead animals large and small would litter not only our highways but our world, taking many months or more to decompose. But until last year I didn't understand just how proficient these birds are at their work.

I've a farm fence for my dogs that encloses a bit less than two acres. Last fall while walking its perimeter one morning, I was startled to find a dead deer, no doubt a victim of the hunting season, fallen on the other side of the high tensile wire. Seeing its huge body splayed before me, I fretted at the thought of each morning having to pass this sad (and smelly) spectacle. I even considered changing our morning routine.

However routines being what they are, the next morning found me and the dogs taking our morning circuit, apprehensive though I was at the prospect of encountering the deer. As we approached the carcass, a Turkey Vulture flushed from the scene, flying up and away. I saw then a channel of blood draining from the animal's backside.

All that day, Turkey Vultures swam in the sky above our yard. How can I describe the experience of sharing my property that day with dozens of vultures careening overhead whenever I approached? Vultures are BIG birds with wingspans of nearly six feet. A single bird flying up before you would be surprising, let alone six or more!

But to quickly end this overlong tale--the next morning when passing this spot I found not a carcass but rather a skeleton. Yes, within one day's time the flesh of this deer had been completely picked clean. All that remained was its bones, its hoofs, and its hide, sheered from the bones into a crumpled pile. That morning I sent a big Thank You to the Turkey Vultures who had already gone on to their next "clean up" job.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Eastern Kingbirds

2010-07-25T17:19:00.004-04:00

The Eastern Kingbird is a large, dark gray flycatcher with a white throat, chest, and belly. And let's not forget the trim of white on his noble tail. But for all his kingly appearance, the kingbird has a tiny voice. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology defines his song as a "series of high-pitched sputtering notes," which sounds something like "Ti-t-t-t-ti-zeer."

You can hear his song at Cornell's web site All About Birds

Enjoying the early evening the other day, I heard many kingbirds singing (a rolling boil of tittering sounds) as they flitted among the tree tops. With my camera I caught these birds perched momentarily atop a towering Norway Spruce growing behind the pond. A moment later, two birds dove down to skim their feet over the water. Now I wish I had gotten a photo of that!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Guys Hanging Out Together

2010-07-20T19:31:00.004-04:00

Feeders are a great place for the local birds to hang out together. Sometimes it's a coed affair but other times just the guys meet to swap stories and stuff down a few seeds.

Here are two photos I took, one just yesterday (of the male Northern Cardinal and male Purple Finch) and the other, which I took through my window a few weeks ago, of a Northern Cardinal, American Goldfinch, and Indigo Bunting.

What a delight it is welcome these bright, beautiful boys to my yard for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or anytime in between). Whenever looking out the window, I never know who I might find there.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart--and at your feeders!

Georgia Anne

Swallows Having a Swell Time

2010-07-12T17:29:00.006-04:00

My property is a hangout for both Tree and Barn Swallows. Earlier this spring, I caught this photo (on the right) of a Tree Swallow up on the pasture. Notice his white chest and shiny blue-green coat. Tree Swallows like pastures and ponds, of which I have both. And they particularly like swooping over the pond to skim their bellies against the water, maybe grabbing a quick drink.

Like neighborhood kids congregating to hit the local watering hole, Tree Swallows, and their kin the Barn Swallows (on the left), have been whooping it up over my pond for a couple weeks. Sometimes they come in the afternoon (around 4:00), sometimes in the evening (around 7:00 or 8:00), and at least once I saw Tree Swallows playing at the pond in the morning. They fly in making all kinds of racket, like mice squeaking in the clutches of a cat. For me, watching them is more entertaining then renting a video.

A few evenings ago, while waiting for this evening "show," I was delighted to see the local group of Little Brown Bats (only three) join the swallows in their aerial stunts over the pond. Though unlike the swallows, the bats kept to the work at hand, catching insects. And just when I thought things couldn't get better, the lone Night Hawk, who has been making semi-regulars appearances, sailed overhead. (I posted about the bats and this lone Night Hawk just a few weeks ago on June 25.)

What a spectacular way to enjoy the evening!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Hide and Seek with a Common Yellowthroat

2010-07-05T17:25:00.006-04:00

Yellowthroats are everywhere on my property: singing from the hemlock, locust, walnut, and oak trees...flitting about in the multi-rose bushes...darting in and out of the shrubby brush by the woodland's edge. So you'd think I could get a picture of one, right?

To begin with, only the males (those cheeky fellows with the black masks and bright yellow throats and chest) have been willing to play hide and seek with me. I've not seen a single female.
(See my post from last year, 7/9/2009.)

When I'm without camera, these masked males pose tauntingly, as if waiting for a picture. But let me be properly armed . . . well, you see the results.

The photos shared here were taken on different days. When viewing my "catches" on the computer, I laughed out loud to see that small masked face peering up at me from a well of deep blue sky. Of course, perseverance pays off and I did finally capture a proper portrait. Lucky me!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Double Downies

2010-06-29T19:17:00.003-04:00

At the time I took this quick (and somewhat blurry) shot of two male Downy Woodpeckers, I didn't understand the purpose it would be put to.

I took several clearer photos of one individual and then the other, but when they posed together, I knew this would be the winning photo.

There is something evocative about seeing two birds, almost mirror images, for an instant aligned--especially when this was not their intent. Targeting the seed tray, each took evasive action to avoid the other, only to land side by side on the post. I wonder at their surprise, looking into the others eyes.

So to what purpose do I put this photo? Obviously it is my featured bird image of the week . . . but something more. Today I use this 100th posting to my Bird Blog, as well as its photograph, to introduce my own "double," that is, another blog.

For some weeks I've entertained the notion of beginning another public forum, one wherein I can expand my commentary to almost anything. Of course, every blogger must follow a theme, else her postings may become mere ramblings.

My theme, also the title of my new blog, is . . .

26 Years to Live

Read the first posting at

http://26yearstolive.blogspot.com/

Till next time . . .

Georgia Anne Butler
p.s. Be sure to visit--and consider following--both my blogs!

Three Bats and a Lone Nighthawk

2010-06-25T17:24:00.003-04:00

Two consecutive evenings this week, I sat outside waiting for dusk to descend and Little Brown Bats to take to air. I'm sure most of you have heard of the horrendus fungus--White-nose Syndrome--which is decimating our bat population. The name derives from a white fungus that grows around a bat's nose and face during its winter hibernation in caves. The outbreak began in New York state (2007) and has since spread to nine others. In that time millions of hibernating bats have died.

Sadly, the evening sky over my home no longer holds dozens of bats foraging for insects. In fact, I take heart to see even a few . . . those individuals lucky enough to have survived--at least one more winter--without contamination.

While pondering this, I was surprised (and thoroughly pleased) to see a lone Common Nighthawk, diving and swooping with the bats to feed on moth, mosquito, or other flying insect. (Public Domain drawing by Federal Government.)

Late summer last year (9/14) I posted on an entire battalion of migrating Common Nighthawks, an experience I won't soon forget. So to see this lone individual, keeping company with a few bats, seemed somehow poignant, especially when I read of the nighthawks' population decline (as explained and experienced by the Urban Birder, David Lindo).

In these days it seems we can take nothing for granted. Certainly not Little Brown Bats or Common Nighthawks. To help them and all species under duress, we must first recognize the problem.

In just a bit I'll be heading outside to see if these unlikely companions make a third showing this week. Here's hoping!

Till next time . . . Keep birds--and bats--in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Teased by Two Rock Pigeons

2010-06-19T16:19:00.002-04:00

The teasing began about noon today and continues as I write this entry. It began as I sat outside reclining on a wooden lounge under a white birch tree reading a book. I saw two whitish, pigeon-sized birds descending toward the pond, their wings whistling. They looked and sounded like pigeons--yet what business did pigeons have landing in water? I bolted upright in my seat, straining to see behind the tall grasses rimming the pond, just as said pair lifted again to the air.

How odd, I thought, returning to my book.

Later, I strolled about the pond, enjoying the warm, summer-like day. That's when the two pigeons flushed from the opposite bank, deep and dense with vegetation. Still here, then? I asked aloud. The idea that they found my yard hospitable was pleasant.

Later still, after having been in for awhile, I went out yet again, now inspired to capture images of the inhabitant in and around the pond--blue gill and dragonflies, to be precise. I was busy with this task when I looked up to find a Rock Pigeon perched upon the top of a weathered, neglected picnic table.

I was surprised because he (or she) did not fly off but watched me. I risked lifting the camera to take a shot . . . and still he stayed. Then I took another and another. Still the bird watched me. I began to talk to my visitor, approaching slowly, becoming convinced this was not a wild bird. I wasn't wearing my reading glasses but noticed now what looked like bands on his legs. I took a close up shot of his legs--and, yes, both were banded.

Apparently I was playing host to a pair of homing and/or racing pigeons. I walked away to get some sunflower seeds and crusts of hard bread to offer this unexpected guest, but when I returned, he or she was gone.

Oh well. At least I got lots of photos, I thought.

A bit later, out again strolling with the dogs (did I mention this was a lazy Saturday for me?), I sat on the ground trying to photograph a cricket on a leaf and what do you think happened?

One of the Rock Pigeons flew from its perch in a tall white pine. Apparently, they're still visiting and I couldn't be more pleased.

Till next time . . . keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Baby Song Sparrow

2010-06-12T17:54:00.003-04:00

This isn't so much a new posting as an addendum to last week's on the Song Sparrows hanging around my front yard. I thought they were nesting in my rain gutter (which I thought odd). Well after a heavy deluge last week, I checked my roof's gutter for the nest but found none. Just a bit later, I accidentally discovered the nest in a cedar shrub when confronted by its recent occupant--a fledgling, whom I suspect abandoned "ship" with the rain (just a suspicion).

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Geogia Anne Butler

2010-06-04T15:16:00.004-04:00

For the beginning birder, sparrows are often hard to tell apart. In fact, even vetern birders use the phrase "little brown birds" or LBBs when faced with sparrows (or wrens or finches, etc) too distant to distinguish. But of course once you've studied sparrows for a few years, you'll begin to recognize their differences without too much trouble.

One way to begin is to organize sparrows into groups (as Tory Peterson did in his A Field Guide to the Birds), for instance, those with rusty "caps," those with streaked breasts, or those with clear breasts. There are still finer distinctions but you get the idea.

Among the streak-breasted sparrows, the Song Sparrow is more conspicuous than others because he and she bear a large, dark central spot on their breasts. (The Song Sparrow is a "monomorphic" species meaning the sexes are physically similar. See last week's post on the Purple Finch for an example of a "dimorphic" species, that is, birds dissimilar in appearance between the sexes).

Just to make things more interesting, the Song Sparrow isn't the only sparrow to bears a central spot. For instance, the American Tree Sparrow does as well. However, the Tree Sparrow falls into the "rusty-capped" and "clear-breasted" groups, so there's no worry about confusing him with the Song Sparrow.

Finally, another visual aid in determining whether the "little brown bird" in your yard is a Song Sparrow is this: Look for a thick, dark malar or moustache stripe. This stripe is not very pronounced in the image of this Song Sparrow taken from my upstairs window. Given his gentle markings overall, I suspect this bird maybe be a juvenile. To compare him (or her) against a more heavily marked Song Sparrow, check out the picture provided by another photographer and posted to my August 1, 2009 blog.

Next time you see a "little brown bird," check to see if it might be a Song Sparrow!

Till later . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Purple Finch: Male and Female

2010-05-27T15:48:00.005-04:00

In my last posting, I mentioned photographing a few Purple Finches. Of those photos, I've chosen to display this image of a male and female Purple Finch because it beautifully demonstrates what it means to say a bird species is "dimorphic" (meaning the sexes are different in appearance). Of course, many other bird species are "monomorphic" or similar in appearance, but today let's look at the example of the Purple Finch--a dimorphic species.

When learning to identify birds, I made the mistake that all new birders (and even seasoned birders) sometimes make--trying to identify the female of some dimorphic species as a different species all together. Looking at these two seed-loving finches, you can easily understand why. Having happily identified his/her first Purple Finch (who looks more cranberry-colored to me), the new birder might easily become mystified when a week later encountering a streaked brown and buff bird.

"Must be some kind of sparrow" was most likely my response when first spying the female Purple Finch. And why not?

I ask you this: Does the female have purple (or cranberry) plumage? No. And yet the species is named after the more colorful male. No wonder it's easy to get confused. Ha!

So whenever you see a brilliantly-colored male, look around for his less showy mate. The species you've identified just might be dimorphic.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Indigo Bunting & Chipping Sparrow

2010-05-24T18:55:00.004-04:00

Moments ago, I sat outside with my camera waiting to capture photos of birds visiting for the evening meal at the seed tray (black-oil sunflower). As always my presence was not welcomed, only tolerated. It didn't take long, however, for a few brave souls to risk the situation, in particular, a few Purple Finches. (I'll write about these for another post.)

I caught a few photos of the finches when I noticed the starkly blue Indigo Bunting fly in to the ornamental dogwood behind the feeder. As the Indigo is such a brilliant blue, I didn't look hard or long to snap a quick photo (see my earlier posts on the Indigo--June 9, 2009, and again, for an audio of his song, on July 3, 2009).

When viewing these images through my computer's browser window, imagine my surprise when I discovered not only had I an image of the visiting bunting but also that of a handsome Chipping Sparrow. (Did I mention I need glasses? Ha!)

Life is full of such pleasant surprises.

Till next time . . . keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Gray Catbird in the Bush

2010-05-21T10:05:00.002-04:00

Last evening I posted on a recent experience with a Northern Mockingbird and a Gray Catbird. At the time I tried to get a photo of the catbird but failed. Or so I thought. The image I captured was more bush than bird and so I missed this gray beauty hiding among the gray branches. This morning when I scanned recent photos, the catbird caught me by surprise! I cropped the original image for you . . .

By the way, today I woke to a catbird's patchwork quilt of songs. I wonder if those songs belonged to this guy?

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Members of the Mimidae Family Move In

2010-05-20T19:51:00.007-04:00

This spring my hillside grove of wild cherry trees (with hedgerows of multifloral rose) are hosting Gray Catbirds
and Northern Mockingbirds. (Public Domain photos.) Both catbird and mockingbird are members of the family Mimidae--birds with a talent for impersonating other birds.

Just yesterday morning I listened to a gregarious mockingbird, atop a walnut tree, singing an array of whistles, trills, warbles, and chipping sounds--bits and pieces from other birds' songs. In the rolling collection, I caught the complete phrase of the Eastern Towhee
Drink your tea, which the mockingbird repeated, true to form, at least three times before moving on.

Now imagine, if you can, both the mockingbird and catbird serving up their best impersonations--at the same time. How can I explain it? I guess I can't . . . though from the catbird's repertoire I did catch the chip-burr phrase of a Scarlet Tanager.

The catbird is known for its cat-like "mewing," a sound of its very own. But you might wonder how a person could ever distinguish these two mimics' apart since they're mostly imitating other birds. One way is this: the mockingbird repeats his stolen notes or phrases up to six times while the catbird typically sings each note or phrase once, twice, maybe three times. And, of course, there's the catbird's distinctive "mewing," which you'll hear when walking by dense thickets and shrubs.

Birding by ear can get pretty confusing with two members of the family Mimidae hanging around. All I need now is for the Brown Thrasher (another Mimidae family member) to visit. Ha!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Tyrannus tyrannus: Eastern Kingbird

2010-05-13T12:01:00.004-04:00

I seldom use a bird's Latin (or scientific) name when posting but I could hardly help myself with the Eastern Kingbird. Who, for instance, could forget Tyrannus tyrannus? Makes me think of Tyrannosaurus rex, which, when you recall that birds are descendants of dinosaurs, isn't such an odd association.

So why do I write about Tyrannus tyrannus (genus name first; species name second) a large, distinguished-looking gray and white flycatcher? Mainly because I've discovered a pair who appear to be nesting on my property.

For the last several mornings, the dogs, cat, and I have intercepted two of these handsome birds (notice the black trim on the tail (photo courtesy of Charles H. Warren) during our morning stroll around the fenced area of my property. Oddly enough, each morning, I've seen both birds in about the same location, which makes me suspect a nest somewhere on the tree-covered hillside leading up to a large pasture.

Though Eastern Flycatchers are common enough (population-wise . . . no bird is "common"), I haven't noticed them on my property before and so am feeling quite privileged for their company now.

As their name indicates, Eastern Flycatchers eat insects during the summer but while wintering in the Amazon prefer fruit. In a quick visit to the birding resource web site All About Birds, I also learned that the flycatchers are quite aggressive about defending their territory. Maybe they have more in common with Tyrannosaurus rex than I though? Ha!

Perhaps one morning I'll leave the dogs behind and try to sneak up on my visiting pair of kingbirds. We'll see.

Till then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Before there were chimneys . . .

2010-05-06T13:17:00.002-04:00

While canoeing Bayou DeView (in southeast Arkansas), our group was delighted with the music of songbirds and glimpses of brilliant birds darting through the understory or flying through the tree canopies (see my last post of April 28 on the Prothonotary Warble).

Of course, we saw a variety of birds, like beautiful Wood Ducks (who breed in this bayou), and I won't soon forget the image of a Great Blue Heron flying toward us from a spur off the bayou. Watching this majestic bird ply its way low over the water and through the sun-dappled trees was thrilling, so you can imagine our surprise when seeing another heron following in the wake of the first.

Of those birds we saw and heard, the most numerous were the Prothonotary Warblers, Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers, Wood Ducks, Red-winged Blackbirds, and Chimney Swifts. And of these the most visible were the swifts, a"blackish swallowlike bird with long, slightly curved, stiff wings and no apparent tail (unless spread)" (Tory Peterson).

When not nesting or roosting at night, Chimney Swifts spend their time flying. And my experience of them was more a sense of their numbers and movement through the sky as dark, gliding silhouettes, weaving intricate patterns high above tree canopies. Their darting, swift flight while catching small insects is sometimes described as "batlike." And unlike most birds that that sit on perches, Chimney Swifts cling with long claws (also batlike) to the side of chimneys or other vertical surfaces (read additional Cool Facts about the Chimney Swift at All About Birds, a web site hosted by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology).

When Europeans began to colonize America, Chimney Swifts discovered their chimneys. And gradually they adopted these brick or stone structures for their nesting sites. Personally, I'm not accustomed to seeing or hearing Chimney Swifts anywhere but in or nearby a town, so seeing so many in the wilderness took me by surprise. That's when one of our group told me that woodlands were the ancestral home of this swift--wherever there were hollow trees and/or caves. And there's no better place than a swamp with trees hundreds of years old (and thus many dying or dead from age) to find hollow treetops.

And one last note: each mating pair occupies one hollow tree. I suppose these birds are akin to people in that preference for their own "home."

Till next time . . . if you live in town or city, look up into the sky at dusk and see if you've Chimney Swifts keeping the insect population under control . . . and keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

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2010-04-28T21:04:00.007-04:00

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At Home in the Swamp: Prothonotary Warbler

2010-04-28T09:28:00.002-04:00

NOTICE: This blog will be moving as of May 1. Any delay in the next posting will be a consequent of this move. Hopefully, no such interruption will occur.

On my recent research trip (for book 2 in my trilogy Of the Wing), I was fortunate to accompany a small group of biologists and naturalists on a recreational two-day canoe trip of Bayou DeView—a location synonymous with the Ivory-billed Woodpecker. Because, here in a bottomland forest swamp of the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge (southeast Arkansas), in recent years the Ivory-billed Woodpecker has been sighted by several people.

But this posting isn’t about the Ivory-billed Woodpecker (which we didn’t see) but instead about a much smaller inhabitant of forested wetlands—the bright yellow Prothonotary Warbler. Its breeding range in North America consists mostly of the southeastern United States, though this bird’s range pushes farther north (see range map provided by Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s web site All About Birds).

I heard the Prothonotary Warbler for the first time last year during a research visit to the White River National Wildlife Refuge. This year I heard and saw this incredibly bright yellow warbler with gray wings, which unlike other warblers (except one) is a cavity nester. The male’s head is golden-orange.

Throughout our canoe trip on the Bayou DeView, we heard the Prothonotary’s song (tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet, tweet or sweet, sweet, sweet, sweet)--described by one online source as “clear, high [and] metallic”--ringing throughout the forest. This bird is an insect eater, gleaning insects from the bark of trees with its thin, pointed bill.

From our trip’s leader, Allan Mueller, I also learned something quite interesting—the Prothonotary likes to nest in cavities in the “knees” of the Bald Cypress (see my April 19, 2009 entry for more about the Bald Cypress). The “knees” of the cypress are woody projections that grow up from the tree’s roots a few feet above ground. It’s believed that the roots “breath” through these knees when the ground is flooded.

Pretty interesting, wouldn’t you say?

Imagine being in a hardwood forest of cypress and tupelo gliding on a lazy bayou through the trees, where cottonmouth snakes bask on logs and birds sweeten the air with song. I was lucky enough to live it and will carry that experience my entire life.

Till next time . . . keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Cat and Goose

2010-04-21T12:33:00.003-04:00

Sometimes we take for granted birds seen on a regular basis. For instance, if we drive by a pond or lake where Canada Geese frequent we might not give them a second look. But add an unexpected element to the scene and our eyes will once again open. That's what happened earlier today in my back yard.

I saw that a solitary Canada Geese had chosen the pond for a bit of rest and relaxation. I didn't give him (or her) much attention because Canada Geese sometimes descend in groups of two or three to spend a bit of time here. But when I happened outside and saw my cat Gwendolyn studying our visitor, I thought, "Hey, I want to look, too." And so sat a bit to appreciate my company and of course to capture this pretty scene. Hope you enjoy it.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

Celebrating Urban Birds in Little Rock

2010-04-14T18:58:00.002-04:00

Recently I attended the Arkansas Literary Festival as one of many invited authors. While in Little Rock, I was also privileged to visit a local elementary school, Rockefeller, where I met with fourth and fifth graders to talk about my book (Of the Wing: The Legend Awakes) and to urge them to celebrate urban birds.

For people who want to organize an event for the purpose of celebrating urban birds, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology provides free kits with posters and information on 16 species of birds common to towns and cities. Of course, there are many more than 16 species of birds making their homes among ours, but a manageable number was chosen for children and adults to begin learning about their feathered neighbors.

I spent a wonderful afternoon at the school with these students sharing my enthusiasm for the birds that each day grace the city sidewalks and streets. For instance, consider the chipper House Sparrow--that brave, bold little bird you so often see dodging cars in the parking lots of fast-food restaurants. Next time you find yourself heading into one of these restaurants, take the time to listen. Do you hear a cheerful cheeping? That would be the pretty House Sparrow. Or you might hear one cheeping down at you from his perch in a drain gutter, like the one I caught in the picture above.

Notice the difference in the coloring of these two males? The bird in the gutter in a non-breeding male, while the fellow on the ground, with his bold black mask, gray cap, and reddish-brown nape is a breeding male. House Sparrows almost seemed to follow me around that day!

Of course I saw many different birds while walking the River Market area of Little Rock, including Northern Mockingbirds, Northern Cardinals, American Robins, House Finches, Starlings, and Mourning Doves ... to name just a few.

Wherever you go, keep your eyes and ears open and suddenly you'll see and hear birds you never did before.

Until next time . . . keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Ann

Meadowlark, Field Sparrow, and Robin

2010-04-07T19:22:00.002-04:00

Spring is my favorite season of the year because in spring nature awakens from the slumber of winter. Beneath the last blanket of snow, the grass is already emerald and after a long winter of whites and grays, early blooming crocuses startle us with their showy shades of purple or yellow. And spring is also the season of homecomings. Birds who have flown south for the winter return again in spring to build nests and start families.

Birds are wonderful animals, especially in the spring, because even if you can't see them, you can always hear them. Thus, when out with the dogs the other morning, my ears were graced with the songs of three accomplished singers: the Easter Meadowlark, the Field Sparrow, and the American Robin. Listen to what I heard and enjoy the beautiful music of these three birds.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Starlings to Stay at the Purple Martin Hotel

2010-04-02T18:32:00.002-04:00

Sounds something like a celebrity tabloid title, doesn't it? Ha! The idea for this title grabbed me the moment I saw a half dozen shiny black Starlings, their primary feathers casting an iridescent green sheen, popping in and out of the several "rooms" of a lopsided Purple Martin Hotel. (See my earlier posting on the European Starling: Jan 10, 2009 & Dec 13, 2009.)

Yesterday I was visiting a friend and neighbor (about two miles away) and from her side porch we watched these birds investigate the accommodations. I said "You've got birds in the Purple Martin house," and she said, "I've got birds in that house all year round." Ironically, the birds flocking to this motel are not Purple Martins.

At the time, I thought the scene would make for a great picture but, of course, didn't have my camera. (Did I mention I'm trying to learn photography?) So just an hour ago, I rushed over to my friend Christine's, with camera ready, hoping to catch these birds at home. And you can probably guess . . . the starlings didn't wish to cooperate. Most were watching me from somewhat distant trees, but I did catch one fellow off guard, long enough to catch this overly dark image.

I did manage a better shot of a Red-winged Blackbird; they were everywhere singing "Conk-la-ree, Conk-la-ree!" But more on them another day.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Pair of Eastern Bluebirds

2010-03-26T19:26:00.006-04:00

Yesterday I saw a pair of Eastern Bluebirds perched on a phone line spanning an edge of the pasture above my house. This season I've caught several glimpses of bluebirds in flight, but this was my first sustained view. And while I shamelessly ogled the pretty, poised couple, they watched from above as I progressed along a path below. (Photo courtesy of Ken Thomas.)

Their steady watchfulness as I approached seemed to me odd since birds typically take flight from encroaching humans. Pondering their unusual bravery, I suddenly remembered something I had forgotten to do--clean out the bluebirds' nesting boxes! (A line of four nesting boxes, each separated from the next by a couple hundred feet, face a grove of wild cherry trees on the hillside by my home.) My memory now jolted, the birds flew off. Apparently I had gotten their message.

See my post from last year (June 2, 2009) on the battle between Tree Swallows and Eastern Bluebirds for these same nesting boxes.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Thousands of Snow Geese

2010-03-19T19:58:00.003-04:00

On Saturday I went with two friends to Middle Creek Management Area (in southeastern Pennsylvania) to watch thousands of Snow Geese take a break from their migration north on the area’s large lake and surrounding fields. I learned of Middle Creek a couple years ago and was determined to finally visit this year. Those who had seen the spectacle in prior years spoke of thousands of geese covering the lake and filling the air like snow (Public Domain photo courtesy of NBII).

In late February people on the birding listserv I subscribe to began posting of their experiences at Middle Creek. Each day in early March the geese count grew until finally it crested at 120,000! My outing with friends, scheduled a bit earlier in March, was rained out and by the time we arrived most of the geese had already taken to the sky on route to their breeding grounds—the artic tundra. Even so, we were witness to about 12,000 of these “vegetarian” geese, mostly on the water but many grazing grass on the surrounding fields. These are white, medium-sized geese with black primary feathers. Yet scanning their numbers, you could also find some individuals splattered or sprinkled with black, a dark “morph” of the snow goose.

Though highly vocal, the continuous blanket of snow geese created a serene experience for those of us (a few dozen) watching and listening by the shore. But the mood changed dramatically when thousands of birds lifted from the water, sweeping into the air to swirl and circle over the blue water. Then a thrill ran through my veins as the choreography of their collective movement lifted me upward in mind and spirit. How exhilerating!

Here's a video I found on YouTube that can help you imagine the experience.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Black-masked Magic

2010-03-07T19:07:00.031-05:00

Yesterday I hiked for a couple hours with a few friends on The Lower Trail (Blair County), starting at the Mt. Etna trailhead. The day was sunny and warm (40s) with lots of blue sky (Public Domain photo courtesy U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service).

To start, the woods seemed silent, not a bird to be seen or heard. Things quickly changed when one in our group pointed out a Great Blue Heron flying low over the sparkling river below (Frankstown Branch of the Juniata). Next an American Robin posed in the naked branches long enough for each of us to take a good look. And then a Black-capped Chickadee offered us his two-note song fee-bee, fee-bee, fee bee--Yes, things were definitely looking up! Yet something quite wonderful still awaited us.

That's when someone pointed out a Cedar Waxwing--a crested bird with sleek, colorful plumage and a black mask like that of an elegant outlaw (see my prior post of 8/26/09). No wait, not one Waxwing--make that two. Actually a small group snacking on the black berries of wild privet (a bush). But each Waxwing that flew from this bush drew our eyes to yet another cluster of birds and still another . . . on both sides of the trail, behind and ahead of us. We were surrounded by a large flock of beautiful Cedar Waxwings.

For 15 minutes we stood watching and listening to these birds with pale yellow bellies, light brown heads, a tail trimmed in bright yellow, and a "dollop" of bright red on the wings (a waxy secretion from which the bird gets its name). Our presence appeared not to bother them in the least. They ignored our gawking and tended to the task at hand--eating berries. Finally, cheered on by a Downy Woodpecker, we forced ourselves onward, leaving our magical moments behind.

Well, not quite. Did I mention the brash, rattling Belted Kingfisher?

What a lovely day it was.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Black-capped Chickadees in the Snow

2010-02-28T16:33:00.002-05:00

Black-capped Chickadees are my favorite year-round bird. These plump little beauties are especially endearing because to me they seem the most "tame" of the wild backyard birds. Thus, they're a bit more trusting and a bit more inquisitive than other birds of their type (Passerine or "perching" birds). (Photo courtesy of Charles H. Warren.)

Yesterday a small group of chickadees gathered above me in the white birch tree when I went outside to scatter more black-oil sunflower seeds over the snow-covered ground. They hopped from branch to branch, impatiently awaiting the seed delivery and somewhat annoyed by my delay. I was too busy filming them. Hope you enjoy the brief video below.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne Butler

First Field Sparrow of the Season

2010-02-21T12:07:00.004-05:00

This morning I saw my first Field Sparrow of the season! I posted on this little sparrow last July (see 7/14). At that time I had no photo but instead provided a video (audio) of two exchanging territorial songs.

What a big contrast between the lush, summer scene (captured in that video) and the blanket of deep white winter snow, dazzling under a bright morning sun. Glancing outside from an upstairs window that looks down on my bird feeder, I spotted a small sparrow and ran for the binoculars. Here, finally, was a new visitor--a small sparrow with a clear breast (as opposed to streaked), softly shaded gray cheeks, a faded reddish cap, and dainty white eye-ring.

What is this sparrow? I said to myself. I should know it. Then I noted the pink bill (a telling characteristic that I completely failed to mention in my earlier post). And I knew--a Field Sparrow!

In my web search just now for a photo of this pretty sparrow, I reviewed various sites and photos (all copyrighted) but did learn that there is a seasonal distinction in the Field Sparrow's winter and breeding plumage. For instance, the winter plumage is less vibrant.

Well this time I did find a Public Domain image (happily) but the scarcity of such photos only emphasizes my need to learn birding photography. I'll be going again to Arkansas in early April. Perhaps this time I'll go armed with a camera.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne Butler

A Red-shouldered Hawk

2010-02-14T11:13:00.005-05:00

I wish the brief visit by a Red-shouldered Hawk to my white birch tree had happened a couple days later than it did. He arrived on Wednesday (Feb 10) but the Great Backyard Bird Count didn't begin until Friday. Thus I can't count him. But I can share the sighting here with you (Public Domain image of juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk courtesy of NBII).

It was the afternoon, when I typically read a bit by the window in my bedroom upstairs. Here I have a closeup view of my "regulars" arrayed throughout the branches of the white birch. Periodically I glance from my reading to see what if anything interesting is happening among the chickadees, juncos, titmice, blue jays, woodpeckers, and others perched or flitting through the branches of this major "hot spot" for the resident community. You see, it's one of a few trees that provide patient birds a perching place while awaiting their opportunity at the seed table or suet bar.

On this occasion, I noticed that with the swift arrival of a flock of starlings, my regulars had quickly vacated these branches. I watching these glossy black birds with iridescent colors (purple and green) and white spots for a short diversion and then continued with my book.

A few moments later I looked out again to find something truly interesting--a large, stocky hawk, most definitely a buteo (buzzard hawk). All the starlings had flown (most quietly because I hadn't noticed their departure).

I grabbed for my bedside binoculars (kept there for especially such occasions) and studied the hawk who sat quietly as if for my benefit. His tail was long and banded (black and white), his back was a mottled brown, and his chest was a bright burnish orange. First thought:
a Red-shouldered Hawk!

This hawk looked very much like a Red-tailed Hawk but didn't have a red tail but a black and white tail. The final evidence I needed for the identification came when said hawk flew out from the naked branches of the birch and toward the small stand of old hemlocks less than a hundred feet away. Then I saw the glow of red from his shoulders.

How exciting! I'd never seen a Red-shouldered Hawk on my property before let alone outside my bedroom window. What a wonderful treat. (I have seen and heard one flying over my property, however--see my post of 3/25/09.)

As to the Great Backyard Bird Count, you'd be surprised how similar my first day's count was to my "practice" count below (earlier post). Add a half dozen house finches and a couple downy woodpeckers and you've got my first day's count!

Here's hoping you're participating in the GBBC. If not there's still time. Follow the link in my last posting.

Till later . . . Keep Birds in Your Heart!

Georgia Ann

Great Backyard Bird Count

2010-02-07T15:20:00.004-05:00

Last year the Great Backyard Bird Count sneaked up on me and I didn't announce it to my readers until the evening of the first day (it's a four-day event). Not so this year. (Photo of Song Sparrow courtesy of Ken Thomas.)

This year I want to give everyone ample time to investigate this annual event sponsored by Audubon. It begins on February 12 so you have 5 days yet to prepare!

http://www.audubon.org/gbbc/index.shtml?gclid=CNyi6P7U258CFQhinAodc1_lIg

Briefly, Audubon encourages everyone to take at least 20 minutes on each or all of the four days of the event to note not only the bird species in their backyard but also the specific numbers. For instance, during that 20-minute "watch" do you see one or two Northern Cardinals? Is there a small flock of Black-capped Chickadees visiting your feeder? If so, how many are in the flock? That's the general idea. Find out more at the link provided above.

Right now I'm in "practice" mode and I'm happy to report that today (and everyday) I've quite an array of birds in my backyard. Not only am I lucky to live somewhere with a good habitat for many species, but I also daily put out black-oil sunflower seeds. This assures a large gathering of birds every single day.

So here's today's "practice" list (beginning on the 12th I'll have to take a new inventory):

--Dozens of Blue Jays--hard to count there are so many, but I'll place the number at about three dozen or 36 birds.

--2 Northern Cardinals (one male, one female)

--1 male Red-bellied Woodpecker. (I've seen the female on other days but not today so I can't count her.)

--Dozens of Black-capped Chickadees. Again, hard to get an exact count as they are flying in and out of the trees surrounding my feeders. But again I'll definitely commit to at minimum two dozen, and so 24.

--A flock of Starlings: 20 birds.

--Dark-eyed Juncos: 18 birds or so?

--Tufted-titmice: 9 individuals, that I can see.

--American Crows (saw three early this morning at my feeder but can't count them as I didn't begin my "watch" until this afternoon). Even so, I heard many crows calling during my bird watch and saw some flying overhead. I'll but my crow total at a dozen, though this is a fairly modest estimate.

--Quite surprisingly I saw a Song Sparrow: just one. Haven't seen a Song Sparrow for many weeks now.

--A few White-breasted Nuthatches: only 3.

--Can't forget the flock of wintering American Goldfinch. I'll put that number at a little more than a dozen, about 14.

And there you have it--a list and count of the birds I saw in my backyard in 20 minutes.

Of course you can watch longer than 20 minutes; however, you want to be careful not to count the same birds more than once. And you can watch anywhere--it doesn't need to be your backyard. Again, check the Audubon site for specific instructions and tips!

Why not start practicing now? Get out your bird guide and see what birds are visiting your yard.

Until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Tufted Titmouse Sings in January

2010-01-31T20:13:00.003-05:00

Songs so cheerily sung by songbirds during breeding season are typically suspended during the long, cold winter. That's when our year-round residents, like the Tufted Titmouse, become somewhat stingy with their vocalizations, offering our hungry ears only scratchy or nasal chatter. (Photo courtesy of Ken Thomas.)

Months have passed since last I heard the rapidly whistled peter-peter-peter of the titmouse, though many individuals daily perch in the naked limbs of my birch trees, waiting a turn at the black-oil sunflower seeds. So a week ago, I was not at all prepared to hear a lovely, yet less insistent, rendition of this bird's whistling song.

It was last Saturday, while hiking with others at Canoe Creek State Park. On that relatively warm day (temperatures in the high 30's), we stood in the parking lot of the education center before departing, and I heard the sweet clarity of a springtime song.

"What bird is singing?" I said to my neighbor, who responded politely, "Well, I guess a titmouse."

Of course it was--but why hadn't I "heard" it as such?

I think expectation can explain part of it. For instance, sometimes you hear only what you expect to hear. Something out of place, then, simply doesn't "register." At least this has been my experience. But there was something more this time.

When I came home I listened to audio tapes of the Tufted Titmouse's song (on the web site All About Birds) and discovered two distinctly separate tempos taken from two different birds. One was much slower than the other and much like the song I had heard but not recognized. A note associated with the audio states "Females occasionally sing a quieter version of the song."

I wonder. Was ours a songstress impatient for the spring?

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Northern Harrier: Third time's a charm

2010-01-24T15:37:00.002-05:00

If you've been following my posts of late, you know that twice recently (1/8 and 1/15) I've seen what I thought was a Northern Harrier but failing to observe the necessary field marks, I couldn't "claim" either sighting.

Well yesterday that all changed when en route to Canoe Creek to join others on a short hiking expedition organized by the Juniata Valley Audubon. I was no more than two miles from home when I saw a large bird in the sky above a large pasture. At an altitude of a country silo, this bird was flapping long wings, seeming to "hang" in the air. The flapping looked tedious, almost like the bird was in some kind of trouble. I stared and stared driving down the road, closer and closer to the spectacle off to my right. What is wrong with that bird, I thought.

I slowed my car and took a good long look at this bird--a female Northern Harrier. As if posing just for me, she hung there in the air for a couple more seconds then commenced a forward flight--one that amply displayed her white rump and black tipped wings!

Bingo!

My last two possible sightings were of male harriers because they were pale all over, making the white rump less noticeable. But here was a dark female, her white rump contrasting nicely with her dark brown plumage. The photograph above (copyrighted by Walter Siegmund (C) 2006 and used with permission*) beautifully captures this graceful raptor, who has a facial disk, much like that of an owl.

Seeing this raptor's odd "in air" behavior, I recalled reading that harriers will sometimes "hover" over a field when spying their prey, mostly small rodents. So this lucky day, not only did I see one of my local, elusive harriers but she performed for me as well! You can't beat that!

So till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

*Permission is granted to copy, distribute and/or modify this document under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License . . .

A Red-belly Bullies Blue Jays

2010-01-22T11:41:00.002-05:00

Can't seem to get away from writing about the Red-bellied Woodpecker that daily visits the white birch tree in my side yard. There, with dozens of Blue Jays, it vies for the black-oil sunflower seeds that I daily distribute at base of said tree and half a dozen or more other locations throughout the yard, including the feeders. (Image courtesy of Charles H. Warren.)

As you might recall from an earlier post (12/27), this season several dozen Blue Jays have designated my yard "Chow-down City" and each morning fly in groups from surrounding territories to spend the day gobbling up the seeds and bullying any bird in their way--except for one:

The Red-bellied Woodpecker

This lone male, with flaming red cap and nape and bold black striping on his back, is gorgeous to watch among the crowding jays. But more intriguing ... though somewhat smaller than the jay, this spunky fellow takes no nonsense from these aggressive, noisy birds. If anything, he intimidates them!

While other smaller and more timid birds scatter like leaves on the approach of even one jay, this woodpecker remains rooted while even a squadron lands about him. And beware the foolish jay who thinks to push aside his smaller neighbor. This flame-headed woodpecker pounces and the surprised "bully" jumps backward in surprise.

But I'm being too tough on my friends, the Blue Jays. After all I like them exactly as they are--showy, noisy, even bossy. And they, too, have their own troubles. On Christmas day, a birder and member/officer of the Juniata Valley Audubon, Stan Kotala, reported on the fate of one unfortunate jay. Seems a Cooper's Hawk swooped down through the branches of a massive red oak toward birds at a feeder and, as he posted it, "quickly sank its talons into the back of a blue jay that was frantically trying to escape."

Sigh.

So let's all live it up while we can! And till next time . . . keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

Teased again . . .

2010-01-15T20:52:00.002-05:00

Last week I wrote of a brief encounter with what most probably was a Northern Harrier. I couldn’t state so definitively, having failed to identify that bird’s distinctive characteristics. Thus, I was left with a hunch.

One of the characteristics that evaded my scrutiny last time was the harrier’s black-tipped wings. In fact, I closed last week’s post with a vow:

“If given another opportunity to see this bird, I’ll be sure to look for the white rump and black wingtips. A lesson I’ve learned from this failed effort!”

Can you guess where this is all leading? If you think to another possible harrier sighting, then you’re right! On Tuesday, driving along 53 North outside of Philipsburg, I was treated to two raptor sightings. The first, high in the blue sky, was a large, pale raptor with long white wings—heavily tipped in black. Not only that but this raptor was being escorted by three overly eager and noisy crows.

Then only moments later, still wearing a smile, I see yet another bird of prey sailing high across the afternoon sky—a Cooper’s Hawk, I suspect. I intended to post on the Cooper’s Hawk this evening but couldn’t access a Public Domain photo (my favorite site for these photos was “down). Well there’s always next week.

So until then, enjoy another photo of a male Northern Harrier. And remember to keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Northern Harrier . . . Maybe?

2010-01-08T16:42:00.002-05:00

The thing about birding is that often you must guess at what you’re seeing or hearing. Hopefully, it’s an educated guess, but even if something less, “guessing” is a venerable part of bird identification. (Public Domain image of a male Northern Harrier.)

Take this example: on Sunday afternoon while driving home, I spotted in the distance a large, hawk-sized bird. My perspective allowed only a brief view of a creamy expanse of underwing and a russet “glow.” These wings were long and elegant. My immediate thought was Northern Harrier because of the wingspan and light plumage. Males have white underwings and bellies with gray backs. Females have dark brown backs and dark barred underwings. I thought male harrier because, though I didn’t see his back, my sense of the bird’s coloring overall was light.

The typical markings birders look for when identifying a harrier is a white rump (very pronounced against a female’s dark plumage, much less noticeable with a male) or the bird’s black wingtips. These are often described as “dipped in ink.” While my vantage didn’t allow me a view of the bird’s rump, neither did I make a mental image of black-tipped wings—but that doesn’t mean they weren’t there. My focus could have been elsewhere.

So where does all this speculation leave me? To be quite honest—nowhere.

I simply didn’t get a good enough look. However, attempting to identify this bird did give me reason to dive into my Peterson and Sibley guides, where I scanned images of many different raptors, including owls, looking for other possible candidates. Likewise I investigated images online and even posed a question to my local birding listserv.

All this investigation brought the juvenile harrier to the foreground, described by the Cornell Lab as “similar to adult female, but with rusty wash across mostly unstreaked underparts.” And yet my bird’s stomach appeared white to me with a gentle russet “glow.” That’s the best I can explain it.

If given another opportunity to see this bird, I’ll be sure to look for the white rump and black wingtips. A lesson I’ve learned from this failed effort!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

A New Year and Old Friends

2010-01-01T17:20:00.005-05:00

Happy New Year 2010!

To begin this first day of 2010, I briefly considered revisiting one of my favorite posts (bird encounters) from last year. But of course I quickly realized there's no possible way to pick my favorite bird or encounter. Each bird is different and therefore special. Then I considered writing on a bird (or birds) I encountered this year but never posted on. Immediate candidates jumped to mind from my April trip to Arkansas--Great and Snowy Egrets. But that idea didn't set right with me either. This blog is meant to reflect my current encounters so that others (in my region of the country) can look for the same birds outside their windows or in their yards.

No. Rather than look behind, I decided to look at the present. And this day, like many before it, at my bird feeders, I've been watching juncos, blue jays, cardinals, titmice, black-capped chickadees, starlings, nuthatches, a few stray wintering goldfinch, house finches, downy and red-bellied woodpeckers, mourning doves, and crows (in the early morning). Some others as well but not with the daily attendance of those listed.

I did notice that my post for New Year's Day 2009 was of the Dark-eyed Junco. And that's only appropriate as the junco is a "snow bird." So, how much more appropriate this year to treat you to a short video of several juncos, being very vocal, during a brief snow shower this afternoon. You'll also see a few of my other friends, including a goldfinch, chickadee, and a blue jay.

Here's wishing your new year is filled with birds and birdsong!

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Red-belly and Friends

2009-12-27T19:22:00.003-05:00

On Thursday afternoon while reading, I happened to look outside my bedroom window and saw something bright red against the trunk of a white birch tree. Grabbing my bedside binoculars, I saw that the spot of color against the bark was the head of a Red-bellied Woodpecker. (Photo courtesy Ken Thomas. Though in this photo, the bird is not clinging to a white birch, this image depicts very well how I saw the woodpecker. See my earlier post on the Red-Bellied, October 4, 2009.)

The woodpecker stayed clinging to the trunk for many minutes while I admired how the late afternoon sun lit his head feathers into a flaming orange-red. As he turned his head this way and that I had an opportunity to appreciate the pale tawny blush to his cheeks.

Finally after what seemed a long time of inactivity, I watched as this Red-bellied Woodpecker began to descend the trunk, feet first. When finally reaching the ground, he grabbed up a black-oil sunflower seed (showered there by me for the birds) and climbed back up to the very same spot on the trunk. Not more than a half minute later, he flew to the ground, grabbed another seed, and flew up again.

After watching the Red-belly repeat this a few times, I got the inspired idea to catch him on video. I propped my small, hand-held recorder against the base of the tree, hoping to catch him in the act. But this woodpecker could not be fooled, though many other birds were (see the video below). On his next descent, on sensing the out-of-place object, he flew up again and thereafter choose a different landing spot altogether.

The Red-bellied Woodpecker has been back every day since, so there still is hope that I might yet catch him on video. We'll see.

Till then . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Raven on Wednesday

2009-12-20T16:40:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday afternoon I was out in the yard and saw a very large, hawk-sized bird high in the blue sky. It appeared black, but when viewed from the ground, many a raptor looks black in silhouette against the sky. Yet my eyes told me that this bird was actually black, and so I thought . . . Is it a raven? His wings were long and held level, not in the dihedral (slight shallow V-shape angle) of a turkey vulture. And this bird flew alone in a steady course across the sky, sometimes flapping, sometimes soaring.

When I was about to concede that I couldn’t identify the bird, he did me a favor and repeatedly called out in a voice that carried clearly through the distance . . .

Cr-r-ruck …Cr-r-ruck…Cr-r-ruck…Cr-r-ruck!

(Listen and read about the many different calls of the Common Raven on Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s web site All About Birds.)

And so it was a raven, member of the family Corvidae, which includes the raven’s smaller “cousin,” the crow. Though not a raptor, the raven demands comparable respect. As large as many raptors, the raven has a wingspan of nearly four feet. And while the bird’s beak is not hooked like the raptor’s, it is stout, curved, and likened by some to a “bowie” knife. (Public Domain photo by Dave Menke.)

While these attributes of the Common Raven are imposing, I’m mostly impressed by the raven’s intelligence. (Edgar Allen Poe certainly held the bird in awe.) In fact the entirely family of Corvidae (crows, ravens, magpies, jays . . . to name just a few) is an intellectual bunch. Of course, I needn’t be told this since I’m witness to it everyday. For instance, a large flock of Blue Jays have taken siege of my property. In the morning, I no sooner stroll out of doors than the watching scouts cry out their report, “Chow’s on!” and dozens of jays come sailing from adjacent properties toward my own. Not only that, they take note of each new location where I attempt to hide black-oil sunflower seeds for my other winter residents. You can’t pull anything over on them.

Oh, yes, these days I've many of the Corvidae family visiting, mostly American Crows and now the Blue Jays. But I seldom get to see or hear the Common Raven. So I was quite tickled by his visit, even if only a flyover.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart.

Georgia Anne

Starlings Eating Berries

2009-12-13T16:57:00.003-05:00

Yesterday afternoon, outside my living room window, I watched a few European Starlings gobble down the orange-red berries of a Burning Bush (Euonymus alata). The day was bitter cold, so I was repeatedly outside filling the seed feeders in my yard. But seeing these starlings eating berries reminded me that, while feeders are nice, birds depend on the foods of their habitat--fruits, berries, seeds, grains, and insects--to survive.

Most of the shrubs and trees on my property are those planted by former owners, a couple who lived here for 50 years. And I have them to thank for this beautiful Burning Bush (though I read that it's considered an "invasive"). Still, I'm sure that the starlings (also an invasive species) don't mind. (For more info on starlings see my post from earlier this year, 1/10/09).

Some years ago I added a few Holly Bushes, and this spring plan on including some Mulberry Trees, a real favorite of birds I'm told. While my property provides some fruit-bearing bushes (elderberry, blueberry, raspberry), these are summer treats for the birds--and me. But what I need to plant are shrubs and trees that provide food for birds during the winter months.

I'm glad it's never too late to learn.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Day of Birds

2009-12-06T19:44:00.003-05:00

Rather than profiling a particular bird for this week's post, I'll offer instead a glimpse of some of the birds I saw today, beginning with three Wild Turkeys. (Photo by Steve Maslowski for Public Domain.)

My early morning stroll with the dogs startled a doe, hiding within a cluster of young bushy pines. Seconds later three Wild Turkeys, glistening black against the snow-dusted ground, sprightly crossed the spring-fed creek. I might add they did so with decorum and in single file.

Writing throughout the morning, I kept tabs on an ongoing competition for a scattering of black-oil sunflower seeds between a rowdy gang of Blue Jays and a timid assembly of Juncos. Though the Blue Jays held sway, the Juncos did periodically sneak through their lines to score a few seeds.

I should also mention the silent vigil of House Finches not far away that watched the contest from the top of a walnut tree.

In the afternoon, when dropping off recyclables at a community collection site, I watched as a large flock of roosting starlings flew upward and through the slow-moving blades of a wind power generator! Luckily none were hit. (Coincidentally, I recently heard a lecture on this topic--the mortality rates of bats and birds colliding with wind power generators.)

Driving to and from the large metal recycle bins, I had to slow the car for a small band of crows insistent on claiming the asphalt. I assume they were pecking at gravel.

I guess I'll close this selective listing with the pair (or pairs) of Northern Cardinals that on any given day are typically last to leave the bird feeder. As the day fades fast away and all the other birds have gone, I'll see them taking advantage of a hassle-free, late-evening meal.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Ring-necked Duck

2009-11-29T18:55:00.002-05:00

I’m going to cheat this week and profile a bird I saw two weeks ago, during a hike around Canoe Lake. In fact my last posting, of the Ruddy Duck, was taken from that trip. So let’s look at yet another black and white diving duck. (See postings for November 16, Hooded Merganser, and 22, Ruddy Duck.)

Though called the “Ring-necked” Duck, this diver can be identified by the white ring near the end of a bluish bill. Apparently, if close enough, you can see a chestnut ring about the male’s neck, though I think such opportunities are rare. As seen in this U.S. Fish & Wildlife photo, the male Ring-necked Duck, when breeding, has a black head, back, and breast, with grayish sides. During non-breeding months, the male's gray sides are more buff and he has no white "spur" (the raised area between breast and sides). Also, the Ring-necked Duck has a peaked head. Wintering in the South and West, this duck prefers small wooded ponds, where it eats snails and aquatic plants.

I've seen a few Ring-necked Ducks on a pond by my friend's farm but have not enjoyed their company on my pond. I did, however, have a pair of Mallards visit briefly this morning. They glided across the misty surface as Sammy, my English Sheepdog mix, gulped water from the bank. It was quite a pretty scene . . .

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

Ruddy Ducks on Canoe Lake

2009-11-22T18:21:00.007-05:00

Last Saturday I joined a small group for a nice hike around the lake at Canoe Creek State Park in Blair County, Pennsylvania. The hike was organized by the Juniata Valley Audubon (http://www.jvas.org/ . . . also on Facebook) and headed by Stan Kotala.

It was a mild but overcast November day, good hiking weather for a leisurely several-mile trip around Canoe Lake. Our leader expertly directed our ears and eyes to a variety of birds, both waterfowl and woodland. Because our aim was to see what ducks we might discover on the lake, for this posting, I’ve chosen to spotlight the Ruddy Duck (Public Domain photo of a summer male by John J. Mosesso).

Not sure why I chose to profile the Ruddy Duck (maybe the blue bill?) over the other worthies—American Coots, Canada Geese, Ring-necked Ducks, or Pied-billed Grebes—but I’m sure they’ll find their way into later posts. Checking my birding log, I see I’ve not listed a sighting of this blue-billed beauty since January 28, 2008! Almost two years . . . don’t fret . . . that’s not because they haven’t been around, more like I haven’t been diligent in my birding trips to open water.

Seeing a bird and identifying it—here I recognize others in the group for having done so—is only half the task. If you’re not already quite familiar with the bird spotted, you’ll need to do a bit of research once home. Of course, the guide you carry will provide immediate input, but I’m typically too distracted with other possible sightings to invest much time in studying the small printed pages. Ha!

So for homework, I investigated the Ruddy Duck at a few of my favorite online sites to see that, like the Hooded Merganser (of my last posting), the Ruddy Duck is a diver (as opposed to a “dabbler” . . . see above post). And like the merganser mentioned, he too winters in the southern states (as well as in parts of the West Coast and in Central America). Thus we probably caught this small group of Ruddy Ducks (males and females) on a lake-hopping trip south.

What I’m sure I’ve read before but didn’t retain, the male in only “ruddy” (brownish red) with a blue bill in spring and summer. In the winter, his sides become gray and his bill dull blue or grayish. Of course, there’s no mistaking that full white cheek and dark head. As to the female, she looks like the winter male but has a dark line through her white cheek.

So much to learn--but isn’t it fun? So until next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!

Georgia Anne

A Hooded Merganser Stays the Day

2009-11-16T18:30:00.003-05:00

Last Tuesday I awoke to the happy surprise of a Hooded Merganser enjoying a rest stop on my pond. As the photo clearly shows, this is one beautiful duck! (Public Domain photo by Tim McCabe.)

A member of the family Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans), the Hooded Merganser is a “diving” duck as opposed to a “dabbler.” For example, divers may disappear under water for many seconds seeking a fish, only to pop up again some distance away. Dabblers, on the other hand, are surface feeders who tip forward or “upend” to feed on aquatic plants, animals, and insects. (See my 10/28/09 post.)

Typically I see mergansers in the spring when they’re migrating north from their wintering grounds in the southern states. And usually I see them as mere specks from some far distant lakeshore. But not last Tuesday.For the entire day, I needed only glance out a window or stroll out my back door to see this most beautiful male preening, diving, or sleeping on the pond. Though tolerating my presence, he kept against the opposite bank whenever I casually strolled by. Even my sheepdog Sammy, who periodically went on a barking binge, did not rattle him. And once when looking out an upstairs window, I saw my calico cat, Gwendolyn, stalking the proud merganser.

No fear! Cats don’t like water and that duck kept a good distance from the bank. Seeing them together, as if posed for my benefit, I couldn’t help but note that they both possessed the same beautiful coloration—white, black, and a rusty brown.

Well the Hooded Merganser stayed the long day, until dark at least.When the dogs and cat and I were tucked inside for the evening, perhaps the solitary bird took flight to continue his trip south. Or maybe he spent the night. I don’t know but in the morning he was gone. Still I won't soon forget him or his visit.

Till next time . . . Keep birds in your heart!
Georgia Anne