Author Archives: Rosann Kovalcik

A Fall Bird Walk at Elmwood Cemetery

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Who would have imagined, a Bird Walk at Elmwood Cemetery on September 20th with 80 degree temperatures!? Despite the unusual warmth, our crowd of 15 had a delightful time walking around this historic cemetery – and Detroit’s only certified Arboretum.

We love our hostess, Joanie Capuano, who fills in the blank on the history of the “who’s who” in the cemetery and what certain headstones mean, and is as engaged in the birds as everyone else.

The flycatchers were high in the trees and, with the size of the trees here, that’s way up! Through the scope we were able to identify Great-crested Flycatcher – the rest we chalked up to “flycatcher species”, as they can all look extremely similar. American Robins were in abundance all over the cemetery. The fruit crops here are ideal for them and they were gorging themselves on this energy rich sustenance, perfect fuel for the migration ahead.

Our view of warblers and other small birds was in a backlit, dead tree. The scope came in handy again as we then had enough light to enable us to see the coloration on the Yellow-rumped Warblers, American Redstart and American Goldfinches that were preening in the late sun.

We expected Chimney Swifts and were not disappointed as they flew overhead in steady numbers. What we didn’t expect, and brought much excitement, was a Red-headed Woodpecker. The unmistakable black and white in flight had me calling out the birds’ name. It then very cooperatively hung out on a silver maple, perfectly poised for most to see through their binoculars and in the telescope as well. The stunning beauty of their crimson head colors never fails to delight me. We were all excited about this rare find.

As we were walking our final stretch, the antics of a Belted Kingfisher entertained us. He flew back and forth across the pond, rattling as he flew. Many times he perched long enough for us to view him through the telescope, commenting about his crazy head feathers.

We relaxed after the walk, tallying up our species and looking through the field guide to expand upon our experience. A lovely time was had by all!

Much thanks to Joanie Capuano for hosting us and to Jim Szelc for co-leading and carrying the scope, a worth-while effort and much appreciated.

Rosann Kovalcik, Owner
Wild Birds Unlimited, Grosse Pointe Woods

Species seen at Elmwood Cemetery on September 20, 2017 – 20 Species

Canada Goose
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Belted Kingfisher
Red-headed Woodpecker
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Great-crested Flycatcher
Blue Jay
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
European Starling
Yellow-rumped Warbler
American Redstart
Chipping Sparrow
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

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Maintaining a Clean Bird Feeding Station

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The onset of autumn is a great time to check your feeding stations for cleanliness and functionality. With feeding the birds comes the responsibility to reduce the risk of disease and illness and keeps pests away (this is good for your birds and for you)! The following tips should help you achieve these goals.

This time of year, I find the non-migrant birds such as Chickadees, Cardinals, House Finches, and Nuthatches come to the feeders less often, as they feast on the natural foods that are in abundance. Once those seeds and insects start to lessen, birds look to supplement their diet with feeder offerings. The most favored seed option to offer is black oil sunflower, preferred by more birds than any other seed. Using sunflower as the main seed in a blend and adding other favored seeds including white proso millet will satisfy the needs of the local bird population as well as the migrants. Birds that perch while they eat prefer the sunflower, whereas the ground feeding birds (like doves, juncos, and certain sparrows) prefer the millet that falls to the ground from the feeder.

Choosing high-quality seed is the most important factor in crafting your tidy feeding station. The birds toss aside seeds they do not prefer, which leaves a food source for rodents. Check the ingredients within your seed blends and do not buy any blends with wheat, red proso millet, canary seed or oats as these seeds are not high on the list of bird’s favorites. A No-Mess Blend can be the best option for a pest-free, clean feeding station. With no shells under the feeder, there is no place for insects that gather under the decomposing shells. If you live near large groups of House Sparrows, it is definitely a challenge to keep seed off of the ground. If this is your situation, consider feeding only thistle, suet or seed cakes, which leave less mess. Cylinder feeding is another option for reducing seed debris, as the seed stays tightly packed in is cylinder form as opposed to loosely falling to the ground.

Regular cleanup efforts can also make for a happier and healthier clean bird feeding station. One way to alleviate messes is to attach a tray to your feeder, which catches seeds scattered by the sparrows and other feeder birds (we’re convinced they are trying to share with their brethren below!). No matter what, there will always be a least a small amount of loose seed which falls to the ground. Try to clean up any seed which has been sitting on the ground for long periods of time, as this can collect droppings, mold, and other germs which can negatively affect the birds. A hardware cloth or screen placed on the ground below the feeders can allow for a much easier cleanup. Simply pull away the cloth or screen, dispose of the seed, rinse or replace, and repeat as needed. Mulch can also be used on top of landscape cloth. When seed collects, roll it up and place dirty mulch and cloth in composting pick-up.  Start fresh for the best health of your birds.

Cleaning and sterilizing feeders should be done when you notice the feeder is getting dirty, that is whenever feeders have an accumulation of bird droppings. A good soak in some warm water will loosen all of the dirt that builds up in most tube feeders. We carry an excellent soy-based cleaner that works very well to clean feeders of oil that builds up as a result of seed as well as removing the accumulation of dirt. We also carry cleaning brushes with soft bristles, allowing you to scrub without scratching the feeders. To sterilize, add one part of vinegar or chlorine free bleach to ten parts water.  Always rinse thoroughly and then let the feeder dry completely before filling. With a wooden feeder, follow the same steps without a prolonged soak. A good alternative to wood is the recycled plastic feeders that are now being made. The plastic does not allow organic material to grow as readily as wood does.

Store seeds in galvanized cans inside of the garage or a shed. Storing seed in the house can be a bad idea, as the higher temperatures of our homes can prompt cereal moths to hatch. These moths come from eggs laid in the seed shells of the sunflower plant as it grows in the field. We recommend galvanized cans, as rodents are able to chew through plastic. Whether the little teeth of mice or the larger teeth of squirrels, plastic is ineffective at keeping rodents out.

I hope that these tips help you to enjoy the influx of fall migrants as well as the continued visits of your local birds.

Enjoy your birds!

Rosann Kovalcik

Store Owner, Wild Birds Unlimited, GPW

Chimney Swifts – Aerial Artists

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Perhaps one of the happiest sounds in my yard during the warmer months is the chattering of Chimney Swifts as they race by in the sky. Looking like a cigar with sickle-shaped wings, they are usually seen flying in pairs or family groups. (Photo courtesy of Chuck Slusarczyk Jr.)

Their wings quiver in flight, swift and shallow, as they maneuver to catch insects. Feeding “on the wing,” they capture flies, bugs, wasps, and other insects.

Chimney Swifts spend more time flying than other species of birds. They copulate in flight, and drink and bathe in the rain while flying. They do stop flying to sit on eggs and to roost at night for sleep.

Chimney Swifts previously nested in caves and hollow trees. With the advent of chimneys on this continent, they acclimated to this new hollow for nesting purpose as well as using air vents, old wells, silos, barns, lighthouses, sheds and other similar structures.

The nest of a Chimney Swift is a work of art. Both parents contribute to the nest, breaking off small twigs with their feet while flying through branches, and returning to the nest site with the twigs in their bills.  The bird in the photo above is slowing down to be able to break off a twig with its’ beak while in flight.

The nest is a half-saucer of loosely woven twigs, measuring 2 to 3 inches from front to back, 4 inches wide and an inch deep. Remarkably, it is stuck together and cemented to the chimney wall with the bird’s glue-like saliva.  This female below faces the wall of the chimney – you can just see her eye at the far right.  Check out the very stiff tail feathers which are used to hold onto vertical surfaces when the birds are not incubating eggs.  (Photo courtesy of Bruce Dilabio)

Three to five white eggs are laid with a 16 – 21 day incubation period. The nestlings are born naked and helpless as shown in the photo below. (Photo courtesy of Bruce Dilabio)

 

 

The young outgrow the nest and cling vertically to the walls while the parents continue to feed them for another 14 – 19 days. At that point, they launch themselves out to flight and join their parents.  Shown below, these same nestlings are older but not yet ready to leave the nest.  Look at how they are crowded together and all facing the wall of the chimney.

 

 

Large numbers of Chimney Swifts roost together in a single chimney during the non-breeding season. During cool nights, the numbers of birds together may raise the temperature inside the roost to 70°F warmer than the outside air.
The largest known Chimney Swift roost in North America is on Grand River in Farmington Hills. There, up to 50,000 swifts can be seen dramatically diving down into the 150 foot chimney stack of the former LaSalle Winery at dusk. Mark your calendar and join Detroit Audubon for “Swifts Night Out” on September 23rd and 24th – See you there!

(Photo courtesy of Jerry Jourdan)

In the meantime, look to the sky and you will certainly be rewarded with the sight of these fascinating birds as they race their way across the sky.

Goldfinch Doing the Happy Dance

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This morning the goldfinch was doing performing his Happy Dance and I watched with delight.

It was 7:00 am and I heard short versions of his song being repeated. I looked up to see him making laps around the perimeter of my yard, singing only when his wings beat. With a gentle rolling flight, he finished five laps and then reversed, right over me, much to my delight. Five more laps around the yard in the opposite direction.

Per Cher Cher Cher Cher Cher – only on the wing beats, his golden body undulating upward in flight.

I am smitten. Does he love my yard for the food it brings to him and his perspective mate? Is he showing her that this is his prime territory?

 

He alights on the wires and sings a much longer version of his song. Looks down on me as if to ask me to leave so be can feed on the Rudbeckia, where I flushed him from a few days ago.  It pays to plant native plants as they are a natural way to feed these golden beauties.

He crosses from the wire to the from oak tree, still in plain view, and sings his long song again.

Go birding in your yard!

Cliff Swallows

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It was a happy day when David Oliver stopped in at Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods to show me the photos he had taken of the Cliff Swallows at local Parcells Middle School.

I hadn’t heard about these birds so I stopped at the school on my way home to see them for myself. What little beauties, flying about together for insects, their young waiting in the colonial nests these birds build.

Photo by Lisa Vreede

Cliff Swallows are one of the birds that have adapted to changes humans have made by building their mud nests on bridges, overpasses and many other brick surfaces. Cliff Swallows use their beaks to gather mud, using about 1,000 blobs to complete their nest. The reasons for nesting in colonies including more birds alert to potential dangers that can alert the group, and more scouts for food supplies. One such danger includes House Sparrows invading and taking over Cliff Swallow nests.

House Sparrow inspecting a Cliff Swallow nest, by Lisa Vreede

Colony members, by Lisa Vreede

Swallows always catch their insect prey while flying, which can be referred to as hunting “on the wing”. Cliff Swallows eat flying insects all year round, foraging above grassy pastures, plowed fields, and other open areas, but also over floodplain forests, canyons, and towns—often taking advantage of thermal air currents that bring together dense swarms of insects. I imagine the fields at Parcells and the Lochmoor Club offer a good habitat for the insects they seek including flies, bees, wasp, ants, beetles, lacewings, mayflies, butterflies, moths, grasshoppers, crickets, dragonflies, and damselflies. Cliff Swallows tend to forage higher in the air than Barn Swallows, which can be seen skimming just above the ground, especially behind the lawn equipment which causes insects to flush.

Photo by Lisa Vreede

Cliff Swallows preen their plumage, feed, drink, and bathe in groups, and they continue sticking together in large flocks during migration and on their wintering grounds. These beautiful swallows will be here only for the summer as they will migrate back to a place where they can find insects the rest of the year, in southern South America. Cliff Swallows migrate during the day at a low altitude and feed during migration.

Photo by Lisa Vreede

Click the link below to check out an AMAZING video by Cornell Lab of Ornithology, featuring Cliff Swallows building their mud nests… how cool is that!

Cliff Swallows Build Nests From Mud

Grosse Pointe Birding Challenge 2017

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The following includes a recap of this year’s Grosse Pointe Birding Challenge, a yearly tradition which was started back in 2005. During each challenge, individuals or small teams pair up to count birds within their assigned Grosse Pointe territories. This year’s competition included Bill Rapai in Grosse Pointe City, Mike Florian, Judy Florian and Tina Bresser in GP Park, Mark O’Keefe in the Farms, and Andrea Rose (first timer!) and myself in GP Woods.

Left to Right: Mike, Judy, Mark, Tina, Andrea, Rosann, Bill

This year’s event was held later in the month than usual, which accounted for a markedly lower total species count than in years past. However, with a total of 66 bird species seen by all of the teams, and perfect weather throughout, it was still a great day for some friendly competition and bird watching.

The Challenge started the same as all others – listening in my yard as the birds make themselves heard. First is always the Common Nighthawk, who begins to be heard at 5:15, such a welcome song returning to the neighborhood. I assume they nest on the elementary school rooftop as I often see them in display flight just above the school.

Then came the ubiquitous American Robins, singing from every area of the neighborhood. I am very fortunate to have nesting Northern Cardinal as a constant, such a beautiful song! The volume of the Tufted Titmouse seems abnormal for a small bird. It can be heard above all other bird songs. An American Goldfinch is  singing from its usual place in the neighbors birch while the Red-bellied Woodpecker called from my oak tree.

I observed a Black-capped Chickadee picking midges out of the air and landing back on the wire while a Blue Jay zipped through the yard. The House Wren had started what would eventually be a long day of perpetual singing. With the last bird sighted, a Common Grackle, I was off to the lakefront park. Not a bad start with ten species while I loaded the car.

The park delivered the usual species including Canada Goose, Barn Swallow and Eastern Kingbird as well as the Purple Martins nesting in the provided housing. Unfortunately, House Sparrows and European Starlings are also using some of the housing instead of the occupancy including only the intended birds.

The waterfront turned up Mute Swan, Tree Swallow, Mallard and Ring-billed Gull. It was notable that a Double-crested Cormorant was not seen.  Also absent were Chipping Sparrows, who usually nest in the spruce trees near the activity center.  Rough-winged Swallows entered the crevices between large sandstone rocks on a homeowner’s lakefront.

Along the fence line near the Ford House, Orioles were in abundance.  I had a quick glimpse of a small bird, so fast I could not get my binoculars up for a better look. I decided to pish, which consists of making a sound that tends to prompt investigation by nearby birds, ideally leading to an accurate ID. This time it worked! A Northern Waterthrush appeared, giving me great looks as it turned its body side to side rhythmically, like the pendulum of a clock, a tail flourish for emphasis with each turn.

After that magical moment, I was treated to another. There were two large birds on the ground, bouncing in synchronicity on the lawn, moving forward with each bounce. Thankful or my scope, I had great views of these male Northern Flickers. They flew to a nearby tree trunk, landing close to each other and low to the ground. The Flickers moved  sideways along the trunk in short little hops, first one way and then the other, their eyes never leaving each other. They looked stunning against the tree bark which had the greenish cast of some type of moss growth. After five solid minutes of posturing, they flew further up in the tree then away from the area.

The mature trees of the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House usually turn up a number of warblers and did not disappoint this year. I was treated to the song as well as good views of Black-and-white Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, and Blackpoll Warbler, which turned out to be our most common warbler of the morning.

 

Ruby-throated Hummingbird on a snag, Photo: Andrea Rose

Once I covered the park, it was time to head over to the good habitat that is found at Lochmoor Country Club. I was fortunate to meet up with Andrea Rose Meldrum and we indulged ourself in a birding morning together. Lochmoor has wonderful natural areas and this year there were many areas that were mini-wetlands. This is where we found a Canada Warbler singing from deep within the tangle, had the male Ruby-throated Hummingbird on his customary snag of bare branches, and four young Killdeer following their parent around. Brown Thrashers were in a few places at the edges of the woods, American Redstarts sang from a number of places in the woods, and a peek into a break in the foliage revealed three male Wood Ducks sitting on a fallen log.

Killdeer chick runs for cover, Photo: Andrea Rose

There has been a pair of Red-tailed Hawks nesting at the Club and we found one sitting on the tall pole that holds the netting in the driving range. Another one called and that brought our attention to look for the mate. We witnessed the bird fly over to a maple tree, break off a branch with leaves, and fly with it over to the nest tree. What a sight!

Red-tailed Hawk, Photo: Andrea Rose

…and the mate, nest building! Photo: Andrea Rose

Perhaps our rarest bird of the morning, an Olive-sided Flycatcher, was sitting on the top of a tree, a behavior that is common for them as they survey the sky for flying insects. We had the bird fly several times and we able to relocate it each time to get a little bit of a different view. It was especially gratifying for Andrea to have the back view of the bird, allowing us to see the white tufts on the sides of the rump, a classic field mark. It’s gratifying to be with someone when they see a bird for the first time, a “lifer” and it was obvious that Andrea was enjoying her views of the Flycatcher as well as the photos she was able to take.

 

Olive-sided Flycatcher, Photo: Andrea Rose

The tree canopy on Heather Lane is another good habitat for warblers and proved that point with a load of Blackpoll Warblers and an additional species – Yellow-rumpled Warbler.

Our next few stops were not as productive as usual, perhaps owing to the later timing of this Challenge. The Hunt Club did not turn up a Chipping Sparrow either, although it was the only place we had House Finch, singing his heart out from atop a weathervane. Ghesquire Park was unusually silent and we found ourselves walking away from a lack of White-breasted Nuthatch and Cooper’s Hawk, much to our disappointment. However, we did run into a Wild Birds Unlimited customer who exchanged memories of living near this park, and who was very helpful in showing us some possible Cooper’s Hawk locations as we scanned the trees above.

Besides, a morning birding is always a joy, and finding suitable bird habitats in our assigned city is continually hopeful. 

At 12pm sharp, we all met at the Panera in the Village, and compared our tallies. For a little more excitement, we added a “bonus bird” to the challenge, meaning anyone who found this bird would be awarded a few extra points. The bird in question was a Scarlet Tanager, and Mark O’Keefe was successful in finding one in the Farms. Mark called this his favorite moment of the challenge, saying, “I heard its up-and-down song that is so similar to a robin’s song. The burry quality made me think it was a tanager. I listened for the distinctive ‘chick-burr’ call notes, but did not hear them. Finally, I was able to locate the bird high in the trees, and got some good looks at this stunning bird.” Bill Rapai, member of the Grosse Pointe City team, was content to sit patiently in his yard, listening for birds. Some of the birds he heard at this location were House Wren, Carolina Wren, and American Goldfinch. Sometimes sitting quietly in one spot is the best way to observe the birds!

In the end, Andrea and I were able to retain the title on behalf of the City of Grosse Pointe Woods, with 56 species. The Farms had 54 (inluding their bonus bird), the Park had 43, and the City had 30. We tallied a cumulative number of species for the morning at 66, accompanied by a lot of smiles at our tally lunch.

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Elmwood Cemetery – Birding in the D

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Elmwood Cemetery Bird Walk – May 12, 2017

Nothing can make time stand still and yet move so quickly as a Bird Walk in May in the peaceful setting of Elmwood Cemetery in the heart of Detroit, Michigan.

The background traffic noise is negligible and the ability to stand and listen to the bird song around you is a tremendous elixir for the mind, body and soul. Our cozy group of ten added the dimension of sound to our morning as we stood and listened to a Rose-breasted Grosbeak behind us, an American Robin to our right, a Parula Warbler in front of us and a Blue Jay off to the left as well as hearing the mechanical trills of a few Chipping Sparrows further in the distance.

                               Rose-breasted Grosbeak – photo by Lisa Vreede

 

We also had lovely looks of those dainty Chipping Sparrows, appreciating their smart little chestnut colored cap, the snappy black eye stripe and white supercilium that adds a dashing look to their face. This pair was entertaining us as one kept a lookout from the top of a few monuments, while the other flew from place to place, picking up small, dead branches. Was it the female supervising the males choices or was it the male sitting and keeping a look out while the female chose the nesting material?

 

                                                    How is this piece honey?
                                                            Chipping Sparrow – photo by Lisa Vreede

                                         I’m not sure. What else can you find?
                                                               Chipping Sparrow – photo by Lisa Vreede                                                           

 

The Black and White Warblers started us off with an easy lesson in getting an active bird into our binoculars – at least they stay on the areas of a tree where their locations are relatively easy to describe and find. Looking like little wind up birds, they crept and turned up and down and over the branches in search of insects. While they may not have exotic color, the placement of their black and white makes for a wonderful pattern to appreciate.

Black and White Warbler – photo by Lisa Vreede

We found numerous Parula Warblers – all of them eating from the foliage on the far ends of branches, moving very slowly as they fed. If we weren’t watching them, we were hearing them. I estimate that we had at least 20 Parula Warblers for the morning. We had some excellent opportunities to see their brightly colored neckwear, the bright yellow of their throats accented by the dark and rufous breast band and the vibrant chartreuse on their back as they stretched to reach an insect morsel.

The Parulas were not the only Woodland Warblers to grace our morning. Black-throated Green Warblers were singing in many places and we had stunning views of them from lower branches including watching one grab a caterpillar that was the same glowing green as parts of the birds’ plumage. Chestnut-sided Warblers were also putting on a great show with easy visibility.

                                                             Find the Warbler
                                     Black-throated Green warbler by Lisa Vreede

Although we did not see more than one each of a Bay-breasted Warbler and a Blackburnian Warbler, they were both worth getting “warbler neck” over. Such stunning and tiny birds and have flown so far to breed and are not yet near their final destination. We marveled at their plumage and the story of their journey.

                              Bay-breasted Warbler – photo by Lisa Vreede

A Merlin streaked across the bright blue sky and I imagined that he would be the only bird that could catch one of the many aptly-named Swifts that were careening across the sky as well. I love that Falcon and am always joyful to be able to see one.

I was surprised by the presence of a Red-breasted Nuthatch. There was an excellent representation of species that were breeding including Northern Cardinal, Mourning Dove, Eastern Phoebe, and a very vocal Tufted Titmouse.

We were thrilled to discover the nest of a Cooper’s Hawk with one of the adults sitting tight on the nest. The other adult appeared and vocalized a few times before landing in a nearby tree where we had great views of this handsome raptor.

We ended back at the Gate House where we tallied up our morning’s species. The three hours went by so quickly. Weren’t we just here at the fence line admiring the White-crowned Sparrows? I’m so thankful for being able to share birds with the group this morning and to have the help of Jim Szelc as scope bearer and co-leader, and Lisa Vreede as my photographer. It was a delightful experience to Bring People & Nature Together at Historic Elmwood Cemetery.

                                White-crowned Sparrow – Photo by Lisa Vreede

 

Rosann Kovalcik, Owner
Wild Birds Unlimited
Grosse Pointe Woods

Species seen at Elmwood Cemetery on May 12, 2017

Canada Goose
Wood Duck
Mallard
Cooper’s Hawk
Merlin
Ring-necked Pheasant
Ring-billed Gull
Mourning Dove
Chimney Swift
Red-bellied Woodpecker
Downy Woodpecker
Northern Flicker
Eastern Phoebe
Blue Jay
American Crow
Tree Swallow
Barn Swallow
Black-capped Chickadee
Tufted Titmouse
Red-breasted Nuthatch
White-breasted Nuthatch
Ruby-crowned Kinglet
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Swainson’s Thrush
American Robin
European Starling
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Black and White Warbler
Ovenbird
Chipping Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Northern Cardinal
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Brown-headed Cowbird
Red-winged Blackbird
Common Grackle
Baltimore Oriole
House Finch
American Goldfinch
House Sparrow

45 species

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Bald Eagles Nesting at Country Club of Detroit

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A few years ago, one of my customers came in and asked, “You know about the Bald Eagles nesting at the Country Club, right?”

I was so glad she asked me that question as I did not know about them, and she had a superb story to tell. With a house that faces the private club, Ms. Saurbier was able to tell me the story of how she watched the Bald Eagles force the Red-tailed Hawks from their nest in a spruce tree. The hawks relocated and the eagles began to add to the nest in order to accommodate their size. How fortunate for my customer that the lot next to her had some large branches, as she was able to watch the eagles collect and add to the nest.

With nest building starting so late in the year, 2015 was not going to be the year eggs were laid. However, to the delight of the community, there were many sightings of the eagles in the neighborhood throughout the remainder of the year. We even spotted them during many of our bird walks at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House.

Nest building continued and in 2016, two eggs were laid. The DNR predicted that the choice of a spruce tree was not optimal, as this type of tree does not have the supportive branches needed for the weight of an eagle’s nest. True to that prediction, a severe wind storm in March claimed the nest and the eggs, which perished in the fall.

Photo Courtesy: Ms. Ventimiglia, another customer

Even though it was too late in the year for another attempt at eggs, the couple remained in the area. With two years and no success, the pair decided to relocate their nest site and began to build in a cottonwood, also at the Country Club of Detroit, close to the 18th hole.

This year, I nest building was once again progressing and many reports of the eagles continued to be recounted by our customers. My brother had a chance to witness one with a Mallard Duck in its talons and another time, a very large fish. The distance between Lake St. Clair and the nest is quite short for the powerful flight of an eagle. No doubt this is the pair that is frequently seen at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House as well. Another place where they commonly sit is in the trees at the foot of Harbor Hill.

On April 1st, I went to check the nest to confirm if our celebrity pair had produced eggs. My efforts were rewarded with the sight of one of the eagles on the nest, where they remained the entire time I watched, about half an hour.  The adult watched my every move as I tried for the best angle to get the closest photo.

We eagerly anticipate the arrival of the eaglets. I will keep you posted on my findings and here’s to a successful year. Keep your sighting reports coming in to the store so we can pass along information to other interested customers!

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More Cardinals and Cooper’s – Project Feederwatch Results

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This year marks the 30th Anniversary of Project Feeder Watch, a partnership between Cornell Lab of Ornithology and Bird Studies Canada, sponsored by Wild Birds Unlimited. Through the efforts of those citizen scientists who report the number of birds at their feeders, a comprehensive look at continental wintertime populations of feeder birds has been compiled.

There were two noteworthy conclusions that I felt people in this area might be interested to know more about.

The first is the data for Northern Cardinals, which shows their range has expanded since 1989. This has been supported by the number of Feeder Watchers who are reporting Cardinals in Minnesota, Michigan, Maine and southeastern Canada. The citizen Science Director of Cornell’s Lab stated that “Cardinals, like people, like a free lunch. The abundance of food provided by people has helped the species to colonize new areas.” It was also noted that the addition of shrubbery in landscaping, a somewhat new trend, provides food in the way of fruit, and shelter for nesting habitat as well as cover in winter.
It comes as no surprise to us, here at Wild Birds Unlimited in Grosse Pointe Woods, that the prevalence of Cooper’s Hawks is on the rise. We hear about this trend on a daily basis and have witnessed the number of verified nests for this raptor species.


As stated in the report, the Feeder Watch data shows a clear and consistent increase in the proportions of backyards hosting Cooper’s Hawks in the winter. The current hypothesis is that the wintering strategy has changed from migrating to Mexico to overwintering where there are large groups of prey species at bird feeders. The data does not suggest that prey species numbers are stable.
Through Project Feeder Watch, your data can be added to the growing base of important information. The fee to participate is $18.00 ($15.00 for Cornell members), and includes your count kit tally sheet and calendar, access to online data, and a Common Feeder Birds poster. Counting concludes on April 7, 2017. Visit feederwatch.org to learn more.

You may also consider signing up with eBird, a free online program which helps record bird populations on a daily basis, year-round. Click here to learn more about Cornell & Audubon’s Great Backyard Bird Count, a bird-based citizen science project which uses eBird data inputs.

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What does Bird Song Mean? Spring?

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Carolina Wren by Andrea Rose

For us humans, bird song is often associated with the coming of spring. With it being a mild winter so far, many are wondering if an increase in bird song is an indication that birds are confused about what season it is. As a matter of fact, this is not the case. In reality, birds are more in-tuned with the cycle of the seasons than many of us are. Their tendency to sing more frequently is a result of incrementally lengthening daylight hours. After December 21st (the winter solstice), the shortest day of the year, daylight begins to stretch out longer. The increased light affects the pineal gland of a bird’s brain.

Located in the center of the brain, the pineal gland produces melatonin, which helps maintain circadian rhythm and regulate reproductive hormones. Melatonin is a simple hormone which is special because its secretion is dictated by light. Its two primary functions are to help control circadian rhythm and regulate certain reproductive hormones. We too produce this hormone, but our modern-day lifestyles often interfere with our response to it. After all, many of us rise before the sun and fall asleep in the midst of the artificial glow of TVs and cell phones, long after the sun has set. Birds, on the other hand, are very much in-tuned with their natural rhythms, and their behaviors change accordingly and responsively.

Simply put, it is longer daylight, not increasing temperature, that prompts the reproductive hormones in your resident birds, causing them to sing.

My earliest record of a Northern Cardinal singing is January 19th. This year is no different, as witnessed by many customers who have reported hearing bird song already.

Northern Cardinal by Andrea Rose

 

Sending a message loud and clear to his mate from last year, the Cardinal is letting her know he is proclaiming a territory fit to breed in this year. He is also marking his territory with the boundary of song, letting other males in the area know where his space begins, and that they need to heed these markers.

Take a moment to listen to this harbinger of our lengthening days. Bird song is one of the best ways to keep our spirits lifted!

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