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georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:04:00 +0000

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This blog has moved

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:04:00 +0000

This blog has moved

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:04:00 +0000

This blog has moved

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 01:04:00 +0000

At Home in the Swamp: Prothonotary Warbler

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:28:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:33:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 22:58:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 23:22:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:32:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 23:26:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 23:58:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:07:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 21:33:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 17:07:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:13:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 20:20:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 01:13:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:37:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 16:41:00 +0000

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 . . .

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sat, 16 Jan 2010 01:52:00 +0000

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?

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 21:42:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 22:20:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 00:22:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 21:40:00 +0000

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

georgia@ofthewing.com (Georgia Anne Butler) — Sun, 13 Dec 2009 21:57:00 +0000

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