February 2023 by Michael Creedon
Great Blue Heron
Most of you, particularly those who live on a body of water, either a river, creek, stream, lake, or pond will have seen this bird stalking the edges of the water. Those poor souls who thought it a great idea to install a beautiful Koi pond on their property are particularly familiar with this species heron.
The Great Blue Heron, more often referred to as a GBH, is primarily a new world bird. It is replaced in the “Old World” by the Gray Heron. It is the largest heron native to North America, surpassed only in size by the Goliath Heron of Africa. Males are slightly larger than females, but otherwise indistinguishable. It stands between just under 4’ to 4 1/2’ tall, with a wingspan of 5’ to over 6’.
These birds are generally slaty gray, with a paler head and a nearly white face, with a wide black stripe over the eye. The bill is a dull yellowish, becoming orangey at the start of breeding season. The legs turn from gray to orangey as well at this time. The feathers on the lower neck are long and plume-like; it also has plumes on the lower back at the start of the breeding season.
The GBH is found throughout most of North America, from Alaska to the Caribbean. The northern birds migrate in winter to coastal areas of the south. Around here they are residents year-round. They are quite adaptable and may be seen in heavily developed areas if they hold bodies of fish-bearing water. With those large wings, they are graceful flyers, easily soaring to heights, before gracefully gliding down to land exactly where they wish. They are opportunistic feeders, generally consuming small fish. However, they will eat just about anything, including shrimp, crayfish, crabs, grasshoppers, frogs, lizards, snakes, even ducklings. Herons locate their food by sight and usually swallow it whole.
Look for Great Blue Herons in saltwater and freshwater habitats, from open coasts, marshes, sloughs, riverbanks, and lakes to backyard goldfish ponds. They also forage in grasslands and agricultural fields. Breeding birds gather in colonies or “heronries” to build stick nests high off the ground. These colonies range from 5 to 500 nests each, usually hard to reach on foot, such as islands, swamps and very tall trees. They are monogamous for one breeding season, choosing new mates next year.
The female lays 3 to 6 eggs, taking one month to hatch. They share incubation duties and feeding. At 45 days the chicks are 86% of adult size. At 60 days they take their first flight, returning to the nest for another 3 weeks. Nest predators are Vultures, Ravens and Crows. Adults have few predators, with the Golden Eagle and Great Horned Owls the only species known to attack GBH’s at every life stage.
So when you witness a GBH stalking the water’s edge in your neck of the woods, take a few minutes and enjoy the show.
Atlantic Puffin
by Michael Creedon
A cuter birdthan the Atlantic Puffinwould be hard to find. They are widely distributed across the vast North Atlantic, and as a pelagic species, spend most of their lives at sea.
This little bird is sturdily built, standing about 8 inches tall. Males and females are colored alike, glossy black backs, white bellies, and one of the most colorful heads in the aviary world. Their eyes look almost triangular, with irises of dark brown or blue, with a red orbital ring. These bright colors are those of a breeding bird, the only ones we see when they return to land in the spring to breed. After breeding, they become a much duller colored bird when they return to the sea.
In the spring, adult birds return usually to the place where they were hatched. They prefer islands to avoid terrestrial predators, still being vulnerable to attacks from the air by gulls and skuas. When they return, they tend to congregate offshore before returning to their clifftop nesting sites. Early arrivals take the best locations, on grassy slopes at the tops of cliffs, where take offs are more easily accomplished. This bird was built for diving, not flying. They will run down a slope to gain momentum before spreading their wings to take off. Underwater is another thing. They use their wings for propulsion, their feet for rudders. They swim very fast, and dive very deep, eating on average 40 small 3 inch fish such as sand eels, herring and capelin every day. And while flying is not their forté, landing is worse. Every landing is a controlled crash, and very entertaining to observers.
They are masterful tunnel builders and repairers, repairing and improving last years burrow their first task of breeding. Sexually mature at 4 to 5 years of age, they breed for life. After the burrow is ready, they lay one egg. If it is lost early, they may lay another. They share incubation, taking about 6 weeks to hatch. Parents bring whole fish to feed the chick, with the availability of food being the prime reason for success or failure of the chick to fledge. After about another 6 weeks, when the chick is ready to leave the nest, it does so at night to avoid predators, walking to the cliff edge and flopping down to the water, sometimes hundreds of feet, then swims alone out to sea. This chick will not return to land for 2 to 3 years.
They are solitary birds at sea, and while the population is in excess of 12 million, their range is so vast, each individual has a minimum of a square kilometer. Finding an Atlantic Puffin at sea is almost impossible, a tiny brown bird bobbing on the North Atlantic, all alone.
Their range is the entire North Atlantic from Labrador to Russia. More than 90% of the population is in Europe, with Iceland alone accounting for 60%. Their lifespan is about 20 years. Historically, they have been hunted for food, and their eggs eaten. It is now illegal in most places to hunt this bird, although it is still practiced to some degree in Iceland and the Faroes.
However, should you be interested, there is a small colony of breeding puffins found in the USA. They arrive in April and May on Machias Seal Island off the coast of Maine. They were reintroduced here in 1973 after people killed the entire colony for their feathers. While the island is a National Wildlife Refuge, there is one boat trip per day from the US, during breeding season, departing Cutler Maine. The tours last from late May until August 12th, with reservations accepted sometime in January. The entire season sells out in a week, so if you would like to see this adorable bird up very close, set yourself a reminder to contact Bold Coast Charter in January. We did, where many of these photos were taken. We have also seen them in Iceland, Scotland and the Faroes. On our visit to Alaska 2 years ago, we did complete the Puffin species, adding the Tufted and Horned Puffins, both found in the North Pacific.
Barn Swallow
By Michael Creedon
The barn swallow is the most widespread species of swallow in the world. In fact, it appears to have the largest natural distribution of any of the world’s passerines, ranging over 100 million square miles globally. It is a distinctive passerine bird with blue upper parts and a long, deeply forked tail. It is found in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. A passerine is a class of birds that perch, also known as “perching birds”. They are distinguished from other birds by the arrangement of toes, 3 forward and one back, facilitating perching.
They are birds of open country, that typically use man-made structures to build nests. As man has spread, so have the Barn Swallows. The male usually arrives first, selecting a nest site, which is advertised to the females with a circling flight and song.
Males with long streamer tails are more attractive to females, as this is usually an indicator of disease resistance and generally longer life. Once paired, they stay together to breed for life.
Both sexes build the nest, which are cups of mud pellets, lined with grasses and feathers. They will normally have 2 broods, each with 4 to 5 eggs. The female does most of the incubating, the male taking his turn up to 1/4 of the time.
Feeding is accomplished by catching aerial insects, drinking by skimming over lakes or rivers. Bathing is similar, dipping into water while flying. While egg laying, they hunt in pairs, but otherwise often will form large flocks.
They have few predators, although a few are lost to falcons and owls. The record is 11 years, average life span is 4 years.
Locally these beautiful swift birds can be found in the eaves of any open structure near water, such as a gazebo in your backyard, or under the eaves of any building, or overhang on a vessel that doesn’t move. If you have a suitable outbuilding, leaving a door or window open along with a source for mud, you can encourage nesting on your property.
Although they are now wintering in Central and South America, look for this beautiful bird to return in the spring.
November 2022
Coopers Hawk
By Michael Creadon
This month we take a look at the Cooper’s Hawk. This raptor is a medium sized hawk native to the North American continent. They belong to the genus Accipiter, which refers to true hawks. These birds are famously agile, relatively small hawks. They were named in 1828 after the ornithologist William Cooper.
They have been known by many other names, I.e., big blue darter, chicken hawk, flying cross, hen hawk, quail hawk, striker, and swift hawk. All these names refer to their ability to hunt large and evasive prey using extremely well-developed agility. This species primarily hunts small-to-medium-sized birds but will also commonly take small mammals and sometimes reptiles.
They nest in tall trees, usually producing 2 to 4 fledglings. They have hooked bills well adapted for tearing flesh. As adults, they have a blue-gray color above, with a crown of blackish-brown feathers with streaked rufous cheeks. Juveniles are dark brown above, with a brown crown instead of the blackish as adults. Adults eyes are light orange to red. Juveniles can be light orange or yellow. Identifying Accipiter species can be very vexing with so many variables.
The preferred habitat is temperate deciduous forest; however, Cooper’s hawks can usually be found on the edge, with easy access to edges, clearings, roads and waterways. Cooper’s hawks are known as bold and aggressive predators. Given their dietary habits, these hawks bore a poor reputation well into the 20th century, with one account describing the species as “noxious”, an “avian outlaw” and “a relentless tyrant and murderer of small birds”. Another describes the species as “bloodthirsty” and a “villain”. However, these olden reports do not line up with the facts research has shown. For the most part, they rarely hunt beyond a range of about 2 square miles from their roost. They will hunt flying birds more than ground attacks. When hunting bats, they can follow all the twists and turns, being successful up to 90% of attempts. However, they are opportunistic, hunting just about anything that crosses their path. One of their favorites are the Mourning Dove.
One of their primary natural predators are the Great Horned Owl. These raptors will raid a nest of chicks, fledglings and adults, sometimes appropriating the nest as their own.
Birds in this region are non-migratory and are considered monogamous. They are highly solitary, except pairing with a mate to hunt. They average a life span of up to 8 years, with 75% of juveniles reaching their first birthday.
These photos of both juveniles and adults were taken in my backyard in River Bend. The juvenile with the chipmunk in its talons was taken in the mountains of NC.
An extremely interesting bird to watch, so keep a sharp eye out on perches overlooking your feeders
Bird of the Month
October 2022
Black-bellied Whistling Duck
By Michael Creedon
October is always time to look at ducks. This month we examine the Black-bellied Whistler. While not common in Eastern N.C., they are around if you look. Last year we looked at the Wood Duck, a tree nester. Not that common in ducks, however the Whistler was formerly known as the Black-bellied Tree Duck. It is primarily found along the coast from Texas to Florida, however, it is a rare breeder all the way up to here.
Mostly terrestrial, spending more time than most ducks walking on ground, they are usually found in large flocks, highly gregarious, nesting in hollow trees. Being a “dipper”, not a diver, favored habitat is shallow freshwater lakes, ponds and marshes. It feeds on seeds and other plant food, usually at night. Although a wild species, they are quite tame, even in the wild. You can usually walk right up to a flock standing on the ground. Sexually monomorphic, both sexes look similar.
They have both a long neck and long legs. Unmistakable chestnut and black body with electric pink legs and bill, and a white eye ring. The juveniles are duller brownish with gray bill and legs.
Unusual among ducks, they form strong monogamous pair-bonds, staying together for years. Both parents share tasks of incubation and raising the young. When a tree is not available, they nest in nest boxes, abandoned buildings and chimneys. The young will leap from the nest cavity two days after hatching and can feed themselves immediately. They stay with their parents for up to 8 weeks. They lay an average of 13 eggs, with several females sometimes using the same nest. They will raise from 1 to 2 broods a year.
They are not a threatened species, with a population ranging from 1 to 2 million. Predators include raccoons, rat snakes, with Great-horned owls sometimes taking adults. Juveniles can be killed by fire ants, bass, catfish and gar. The oldest recorded specimen was almost 11 years old.
A very attractive bird, when near a body of fresh water, keep a sharp eye.
WilletsHere we are in September, the best time to get down to the shore. This month we will look at one of the more common shore birds along our coast, the Willet. They are easily found foraging along the wet sands of our beaches, looking for crustaceans, marine worms, clams and insects. They will also hunt small fish, wading up to their belly in pursuit. Their sensitive bill allows them to also hunt at night.They are a fairly plain looking bird, however when they are flushed and fly, they show the brilliant white and black stripes along their wings. Belonging to the Sandpiper family, they have long legs, with a thick straight bill, considerably longer than their head. They are generally solitary, although can be found in small groups. Our Eastern Willets are migratory, spending the breeding season on our beaches and wetlands, wintering in Central and South America. There is a population of Western Willets that can occasionally be found on our beaches in winter.They nest in sand dunes and salt marsh grasses, sometimes lining the nest with small pebbles and grasses. They are long term monogamous, returning to the same nesting area every year. Incubation is 3 to 4 weeks, although the female leaves about 2 weeks before they fledge.There are approximately 250,000 in the USA, of which only 90,000 are Eastern. We are very lucky to have this bird be common in our area, as most of the USA will never see it.
Bird of the Month June 2022
By Michael Creedon
European Starling
Many of you will wonder, if this common bird is a European Starling, where is the American or common starling. It is an interesting story. The Starling family of birds are strictly Old World, that is, on the other side of the Atlantic. There are no native starlings in the New World. On the other side, there are at least 114 different species of starlings.
A wealthy German immigrant industrialist, Eugene Schieffelin, according to legend, wished to introduce to the New World all of the birds mentioned in Shakespeare’s writings. So in 1890 on a cold winter day, he released 60 starlings from England, where they are known as the Common Starling, into Central Park, hoping they would breed. He did the same with 40 more in 1891. Unfortunately, they did. He had done the same with the House Sparrow thirty years earlier. He was unsuccessful with bullfinches, chaffinches, nightingales and skylarks. Today there are in excess of 200 million European Starlings calling the USA home. They are considered an invasive species.
Thickset and pugnacious, Starlings are the bruisers of the avian world. They are such a nuisance that they are one of the few bird species unprotected by law. They are lean and mean, and in bird circles are called feathered bullets. They are a particular problem at airports. Their bodies are very dense, and they congregate in huge flocks. In 1960 they caused the downing of an airplane at Bostons Logan airport. Six seconds after takeoff, a flock of 20,000 birds flew into the path of the flight resulting in the crash into the harbor and the loss of 62 lives.
They are the cause of an estimated 1 billion dollars per year to US agriculture in damage to crops, particularly fruit trees. They even cause milk production to fall by eating the grain being fed to cows, picking out the finest quality kernels, leaving the rest to the cows.
What is particularly irksome is Shakespeare only mentions the starling once, in all of his writings.
Starlings nest in holes, one of the safest environments to lay eggs as they are generally inaccessible to predators. But there aren’t that many holes out there so competition is intense. Their muscle and attitude result in them out-competing others, such as the Red-headed woodpecker, Purple Martins and Blue Birds. In 2014, the latest record, the USDA killed over 1 million starlings, with zero effect on their numbers.
Perhaps you have heard of Murmurations. This mesmerizing phenomenon which occurs almost exclusively with Starlings, is when a flock of many thousands take flight and for no reason change directions over and over. They are one of the most dazzling displays in the natural world. This is a link to one video of one, hope it works. If not, do yourself a favor and google the word, there are hundreds to chose from.
Starlings are great mimics, learning the calls of over 20 other species. They turn from white and spotted to all dark and glossy without shedding their feathers. They are strong flyers, clocked at up to 48 mph. The oldest recorded bird was over 15 years old.
Now when you see one, or more likely 25 on your feeder, you know who to thank
Bird of the Month May 2022
Black and White Warbler
or The Striped Nuthatch-Creeper Warbler
As we all know by now, May is Warbler month. This month we look at the Black and White Warbler. He is a very handsome fellow, and we are lucky that he calls Eastern N.C. part of his breeding territory. He is a favorite warbler for beginning birders, as he is both easy to see and easy to recognize.
His appearance is one of the first arriving migrants, and is a sign that Spring is upon us. He is found in the woods creeping along tree trunks and branches like an upside-down Nuthatch, or Wood Creeper, searching for insects with his slightly down curved bill.
Warblers are usually noted for their bright colors, however this one is boldly striped with black and white feathers, typically only found in trees. However, he and she nest in the leaf litter of the forest floor, at the base of a tree, stump or rock. They are quite combative, attacking and fighting any other species entering their territory. They typically lay 4 – 6 eggs, Mom incubating for about 11 days. The featherless chicks will stay in the nest for up to 12 days before fledging. In a bountiful year for food, they will have 2 broods.
Like many warblers, they are nocturnal migrants, wintering from Florida to Columbia. There they are commonly found on lawns, gardens, fruit plantations, wetlands and forests. Their population is declining, primarily due to loss of habitat, although at 20 million, currently not threatened.
While you will not find this bird on your feeders, you may find him using your bird bath. You will most probably find him on a walk through the woods. So keep a sharp eye out and enjoy this striking little beauty.
Bird of the Month April 2022
Wood Ducks
by Michael Creedon
Imagine sitting on your back porch as the sun is just coming up, watching the birds awakening and flitting about. Then, to your amazement, you see a pair of large birds fly into and perch in the large cypress tree in your yard. As you evaluate, they weren’t crows, or hawks or ospreys, they looked like ducks. Ducks flying into and perching in trees, that’s a new one.
That is what happened to me last spring around this time. Those ducks were a pair of Wood Ducks, also known as Carolina Ducks. These ducks are year-round residents here, however usually found in forest ponds and swamps, away from back yards, unless you live on water. They are one of the few ducks in the world, and the only one in the USA having long toes with claws, allowing them to perch in trees.
The stunning multicolored iridescent plumage of the male is proof of Darwin’s theories. The female will seek out the most brilliantly colored male to mate with, in the expectation that her young will have that plumage and be successful in carrying on her genes. As a result, the males have become, over time, even more stunning examples of this hypothesis. This plumage is only seen during courting and mating seasons, the rest of the year they molt into gray feathers with some blue on their wings.
In late winter courting begins. The males are seriously monogamous, but only for one breeding season. In April, they nest in tree cavities near water, the female laying between 7 and 15 eggs. They incubate for 30 days, and the day after they hatch, the chicks climb up to the nest opening and jump. The mother calls them, leads them to water, but does not help in any way. They are immediately ready to swim and find their own food. They are dippers, not divers, and are omnivorous, eating marsh grass, seeds, acorns, berries, and insects. As dippers, their legs are centered under their body, making walking across the forest floor an equal option to feed.
At one time they were so abundant and widespread, they were in consideration as our National symbol. However, the population was in a sharp decline in the late 19th century, due to market hunting, primarily for their plumage for the European woman’s hat trade, as well as meat. Some compare the flavor to prime rib, a very tasty bird. By the early 20th century, they had all but disappeared. However, with the signing of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in 1918, their population began to slowly recover. The development of the nesting box in the early 30’s gave them a significant boost. Expanding beaver populations also helped by creating woodland ponds ideal for these birds.
During open waterfowl season, hunters are permitted two of these birds. It is the second most hunted duck in North America, after the mallard. The average life span is 3 to 4 years, the longest recorded was 15 years in the wild. Within 2 weeks, 85 to 90% of the chicks are dead, primarily through predation. Owls, foxes, raccoons, even snakes will take their share. Wood Ducks are diurnal, sleeping on the water, except the female while nesting. They are social animals, often congregating in the evenings.
So, it is that time of year. Keep a sharp eye for unusual birds flying into your trees, you may be pleasantly surprised.
Most of these photos were taken in my backyard. The chick was in last month’s Birds and Blooms and seemed very appropriate to this month’s bird.
Pelicans
By Michael Creedon
This month we will take a look at our Pelicans. They are very large water birds, identifiable at a great distance by their long beak and large throat pouch. Pelicans are among the heaviest birds that fly. They frequent inland and coastal waters and are easily seen anywhere near our shores. They have existed essentially unchanged for over 30 million years, revealed by fossils recovered in France.
In the USA, we have 2 of the 8 species, the Brown and the American White Pelican. The White Pelican breeds in interior N. America, wintering in the south along our coasts. We don’t get many, but we always get some, and I have found them in the late fall and winter at Pea Island NWR, on the Outer Banks. I find thousands in south Texas.
The Brown Pelican is found year-round from the coasts of New Jersey down to the Amazon. It is the official state bird of Louisiana, found on its flag and coat of arms. It is the smallest of the 8 species, although small is subjective. Its’ wingspan measures from 7’ to 8 1/2’. Its weight varies from 5 to 11 pounds, about half the weight of the White.
The Brown pelican is a marine species, inhabiting swamps and other coastal shallow waters. They are resident, i.e., non-migratory. They are very gregarious, living in flocks of both sexes throughout the year. They occasionally fly in a V formation, but usually in a line, or a couple of lines.
They nest in March and April, one brood per year. 2 to 4 eggs, 30 days of incubation. Fledging in about 60 days. Parents continue to care for them for up to 10 months. Juveniles reach adult plumage in 3 to 5 years. Oldest known bird was 31 years old.
The White Pelican rivals the Trumpeter Swan in size, with a wingspan of 8 to 10’. While the Brown Pelican is one of two species that dive for their food, the White catches its prey while swimming. They eat at least 4 pounds of fish a day. Breeding is similar to the Brown, except done in the northern interior of the USA. The Brown Pelican opens its mouth when it crash dives into a school of fish. The lower mandible has a large pouch that opens and fills. The Brown then brings its bill to the surface, the water drains from between the mandibles, and it swallows the fish that remain.
In the past, both species were affected by the use of DDT, and were close to extinction. However, since it was banned, both have flourished, with the White numbering around 100,000, and the Brown 650,000.
When you are down at the shore, enjoy the graceful flight of this very large, very old, magnificent flyer.
Red-winged Blackbird
By Michael Creedon
This is one of our backyard birds that is hard to ignore. Outside of breeding season, they will form flocks of 300 to 2,000. They swoop into your yard, perching in the tops of your tallest trees, and then the cacophony begins. Mixed in that huge flock are usually some Robins, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and a good smattering of Grackles. Sometimes a Waxwing or two will join the crowd. Claims have been made that this is the most abundant bird in North America, as bird counting censuses of wintering red-winged blackbirds sometimes show flocks in excess of 1,000,000. Population exceeds 250 million PAIRS!! It is also among the most studied bird in the world. Most authorities say the Dark-eyed Junco is the most populous, although it is tough to count millions of birds.
Among our most familiar birds, red wings seem to sing their nasal songs in every marsh and wet field from coast to coast. The population ranges from central Alaska to northern Costa Rica, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They are notably bold, and several will often attack a larger bird, such as a hawk or crow, that flies over their nesting area. The red shoulder patches of the male, hidden under body feathers much of the time, are brilliantly displayed when he is singing. Males are all black with a red shoulder and yellow wing bar, while the females are a nondescript dark brown and heavily streaked overall, with a yellow wash around the bill.
They are year- round residents in our area, and when it is time to go a courting, the male will perch high on a stalk, feathers all fluffed out, with that red and yellow wing patch in clear view to all the females,and sings a loud song. Nests vary from marsh growth to dense growth in fields, with wetlands the preferred habitat. 3 – 4 eggs, hatch in 10 – 12 days, fledging 2 weeks later. Perhaps a reason they are so prolific is they will raise 2 to 3 clutches per season from April to the end of July.
Red wings are omnivorous, dining on everything from seeds of weeds to insects, frogs, worms, spiders, mollusks, even carrion. In my yard they feast on dogwood berries in the fall and early winter. The sheer numbers of these birds effect the environment noticeably. As one example: The approximately 8 million red-wings nesting in Ohio consume more than 12 million pounds of insects, many such as weevils, corn worms and beetles that are highly damaging to crops. Unfortunately, their sheer numbers can also be devastating to crops. As early as 1667 laws have been passed, hunting parties formed, and currently the use of traps, poison and surfactants in attempts to control their numbers. All have failed. Harassment has worked, although it has simply moved the problem from one area to another. So when you hear that sound of a thousand birds singing from your tree tops, go out and have a look at this most abundant North American bird.
Snow Geese
by Michael Creedon
Some of you may remember last January we visited Pungo Lake, part of the Pocosin Lakes NWR to see the Tundra Swans. This January we revisit Pungo Lake, this time to see the 100,000 +/- Snow Geese that spend their winters here. You will note I say Snow Geese, not Snow Goose, as you will never see just one. Snow Geese are very gregarious, flocking together in the many thousands.
Pungo Lake itself does not support aquatic growth, and is used by the Swans and Geese as a safe overnight roost. At sun up they fly out together, all 100,000 + to forage in the fields surrounding the lake. As you stop to watch, the flock drop from the sky like snow flakes, until they are all peacefully feeding on the mowed crops provided by the wildlife folks. Then, 10, 15 or 20 minutes later, for no discernible reason, en mass, the entire flock of 100,000+ birds take to the sky. It really is something to see, and hear. They are not quiet birds as they ascend into the skies.
Snow Geese breed on the Arctic tundra, thus their name. They are slightly larger than your average duck, weighing in at between 5 and 9 pounds. They spend half the year migrating between nesting and wintering sites. They are all white with black wing tips, and a black line along their bills, called a “Grin Patch”. There is also a dark morph called a Blue.
Long term bonds are formed in their second year, but not breeding til their third. Females have a strong tendency to breed where they were hatched. Nests are built in the tundra, 3 to 5 eggs, hatching in 3 weeks. The chicks leave the nest within hours of hatching. 6 to 7 weeks later they are flying, joining their parents and friends on their southerly migration.
The population of this North American bird is over 5 million, and growing. The growth of the flock has presented problems for many tundra areas where they nest, and hunting seasons, methods, bag limits have all been increased, but have yet to control their growth.
If you look at a map of where these birds winter, you will see that we are very lucky to have this winter population within an easy reach of home. Not many in the USA can say that. Another reason to take a nice winter drive up to Pungo Lake. You will be amazed.
by Michael Creedon
My True Love gave to me…. 2 Turtle Doves…. Okay, the Mourning Dove is not technically a Turtle Dove. The true Turtle Dove is found throughout most of Europe, but not for long. It’s numbers have declined precipitously in recent decades.
Not our Mourning Dove. Every year 20 million (and up to 40 to 70 million) are harvested by hunters, leaving a balance of over 475 million. The Mourning Dove is also known as the American Mourning Dove, the Rain Dove, Carolina Pigeon, and lastly as the Carolina Turtle Dove, the first name given this bird by English naturalists in 1731. It appears as the Carolina Turtle-dove on plate 286 of Audubon’s Birds of America. There are over 300 species of doves in the world, 12 of which live in the US.
Found throughout North America, Each of us have witnessed this graceful small-headed dove foraging in their backyard. They are actually collecting seeds, storing them in their esophagus until full, then fly to a safe perch to digest them.
The mournful cooing of the Mourning Dove is one of our most familiar bird sounds. Some folks confuse their sound with an owl, but owls for the most part are silent in the daytime. The origin of the name is derived from the sound the native Americans attributed to the bird, “howe, howe.” This is also the sound they used when chanting over their dead at funeral events.
Their numbers are increasing as they adapt effortlessly to human settlement. They also help themselves by raising up to 6 broods per year.
Most nests are in trees, clutch size is always 2 eggs. Both parents incubate, the male from morning to afternoon, the female the rest of the day and at night. Devoted parents, the nest is never left unattended. Incubation lasts 2 weeks, the chicks called squabs. Both parents feed the squabs doves milk for the first 3 to 4 days, then seeds with milk. Fledging occurs at about 14 days, staying nearby to be fed by their parents. They are monogamous, only finding new partners when necessary.
While they appear quite clumsy strutting across your yard, when startled they will make an astoundingly fast ascent, dodging left and right, flying very fast on powerful wingbeats, clocked as fast as 55 mph.
The oldest known Mourning Dove was over 30 years old when it was shot in Florida. So on Christmas morning look out in your backyard and enjoy the scene of our “Turtle Doves” foraging for their holiday meal. These photos were all taken in my backyard.
Northern Pintail
By Mike Creedon
Here it is November again, time to take a look at one of our beautiful ducks, this time the Northern Pintail. A stunning bird in anybody’s book. This bird is a long-distance migrant, breeding in the far north of our continent, wintering in the southern half, including right here in Eastern N.C. Widespread across North America, Europe, and Asia, the Northern Pintail is probably one of the most numerous duck species in the world, although eclipsed in numbers by our omnipresent Mallard. Slim and long necked, it has an elegant appearance both on the water and in flight. Pintails are wary at all seasons and become very secretive during the flightless stage of their molt in late summer.
As we discussed one year ago, all ducks are divided into two camps, Dippers and Divers. The Northern Pintail is in the Dipping camp, some say Dabbling, eating seeds from aquatic plants, worms, snails, crustaceans, aquatic insects, and grains such as rice, wheat, corn, and barley. They pick at seeds and grains while walking or scoop up aquatic insects and seeds with their bills. Another feature of these two camps, Divers legs are located on the rear of their body, better to propel them underwater. This location does impede their ability to walk. Dippers legs are set in the middle of their body, allowing them to walk on Terra Firma with ease.
They can be found on flooded or dry agricultural fields, lakes, reservoirs, estuaries, salt marshes, and both fresh and saltwater wetlands and bays. They nest on the ground in croplands, grasslands, wet meadows, seasonal wetlands, and shortgrass prairies, often much farther from water than other ducks.
Pairs form on the breeding grounds, with males often mating with more than one female. They have one brood, from 3 to 12 eggs. The eggs hatch in about 23 days, with the fledglings able to leave the nest immediately. Within hours of hatching, the female will lead the brood to water, where they are able to feed themselves. While females are still incubating, males leave their mates and begin forming flocks in preparation for migration. The couple only stays together for one breeding season. The young are capable of flight in about 45 days. In the far north where they breed, long, sometimes continuous daylight allows for feeding at all hours, leading to faster development.
While not a threatened species, the numbers have been in a slow decline, again loss of habitat the primary cause. An average of over 500,000 are harvested by hunters annually.
The Northern Pintail is one of, and the most numerous, four Pintail species. The other three are primarily South American birds. The White-cheeked Pintail is also called the Bahama Pintail. I got a few photos in the Galapagos. The photos here were all taken in Eastern NC, except the nesting birds, which were photographed in Alaska, above the Arctic Circle in June of this year.
So if you are out and about this winter, near any large body of inland waters, have a good look, you will probably spot this lovely bird.
By Michael Creedon
The Log Cock
This month we will visit the ABA Bird of the Year, the Pileated
Woodpecker. The history of this magnificent bird pre-dates
European arrival. Native peoples since they began sitting
around a campfire have venerated this creature. It’s superior
size, blood-red feathers, and menacing bill have made it
associated with wars. However, it has also been heavily
associated with peace, its head and or bill decorating
ceremonial peace pipes.
It has been hunted for food by both Native Americans and
early settlers. The settlers also used its parts, the red crest
used as a bookmark, the bill perfectly sized as a stopper on a
powder horn.
The history of this largest of woodpeckers in North America
could go on for many chapters, suffice it to note it is a storied
bird.
So how do YOU pronounce Pileated?? PIE-lee-ay-tid or
PILL-ee-ay-tid? Actually, there is no recognized correct
pronunciation, either is correct, with various regional accents
adding a few more. The term pileated refers to having a crest
covering the pileum (top of the head). First Nations peoples
called it the May-May. The early settlers called it a Log Cock,
or Log Guard, as recently as the late 1930’s, Pileated being a
book word.
This woodpecker uses its powerful beak to tear into decayed
wood in search of beetle grubs and carpenter ants. It then
uses its sticky tongue to catch and eat them. Most anyone
here with large trees in their yard has seen, or had the
opportunity to see this bird. It is quite common here in
Eastern N.C. and is non-migratory.
It is not uncommon to see one at a feeder in winter, particularly suet feeders.
When foraging, the holes it digs are rectangular.
When excavating a nest, the holes are circular. Both sexes
participate in this nesting activity, usually in a dead tree from
15 to 80 feet above ground. These nests are never re-used by
the builders, but provide crucial shelter for many species,
including owls, swifts, ducks, bats, pine martins and others.
Usually, 3 to 5 eggs are laid, both parents incubating. 18 days
to hatch, both parents feeding, fledging in 28 days. They will
usually stay with their parents for 2 to 3 months.
Both sexes are very similar, the female lacking the distinctive
red cheek stripe. The oldest known specimen was just under
13 years old. When you hear that distinctive drumming
coming from your backyard, go take a peek to admire this
beautiful bird, and, the ABA Bird of the Year.
Bird of the Month
Tufted Titmouse
by Michael Creedon
It’s been a quiet summer here in Eastern N.C., at least as finding unusual backyard visitors goes. So we have been enjoying our regular backyard denizens.
One of the most regular visitors is the Tufted Titmouse. Anyone with a backyard feeder has watched this active and agile flyer come take a seed or a nut, fly to a nearby branch and hammer it while it is held in place with its feet. The large black eyes, small round bill and brushy crest give these birds a quiet but eager expression
The name derives from the Old English, Tit and Mase, basically meaning small bird. The word Mase eventually became obsolete, and it morphed into mouse, as the quick moving bird reminded them a small rodent.
Found only in North America, they are sedentary, ie, non migratory. They mate for life, and remain in their territory throughout the year. A very vocal bird, calling to keep in touch, warn of predators and to defend its territory.
In addition to your feeders, they will forage for insects, spiders, seeds, fruits and suet. They nest in cavities created by woodpeckers, natural cavities, knotholes and the like. The nest is built of twigs and grasses, lined with feathers and hair. The hair is sometimes plucked right off its owner, be it a raccoon, squirrel, rabbit, dog, or even a human. The young often spend their first winter with their parents, sometimes remaining next year to help with the next brood.
In the off season, they will forage with mixed flocks, such as chickadees, nuthatches, kinglets and the like. With their inquisitive noisy nature, they often act as the “ Sentry”, alerting other species of danger. In fall and winter they will hoard their food, storing it in sites not more than 150’ from the source. For a small bird, they are quite long lived, the oldest at least 13 years old.
The Black-crested Titmouse was originally considered a sub species; and are found only in central and southern Texas.
Black Skimmer
Back down to the seashore this month, we look at one of the more unique species. The Black Skimmer is the largest of the three Skimmer species, averaging a four-foot wingspan. A more precision low-level flyer you will never find. Also, a unique bill, with the lower mandible much elongated. A group of Black Skimmers in flight resembles an aerial ballet, circling, banking and either alighting or dropping to the water to feed, as one.
They fly low over the smooth shallow coastal waters of lagoons and estuaries, with the lower mandible furrowing the water, snapping shut when contact is made with a fish. This is accomplished by relaxing the neck when contact is made, the head dropping down vertically, and then even bent under the body. They will often fly in flocks, side by side, or behind. As they do not rely on eyesight to find food, they often will forage at night. The Black Skimmer is a social bird. When not foraging, they will lounge in flocks on sandbars and beaches. Another unique feature of this bird is the eyes, which have large pupils that narrow to vertical slits like a cat, to compensate for glare off the water.
Their nests are like terns, shallow scrapes in the sand of a beach, sandbar, shell bank, sometimes on a gravel roof. They will have a clutch of 4 to 5, incubated by both parents. Hatching after 3 weeks, the young are fed by both parents. The mandibles of hatchlings are of equal length, allowing them to easily pick up food brought by parents. The lower mandible grows quickly, and they are flying after 3 weeks.
Consider yourself lucky, as this bird is only found along coastlines. Next time you’re ‘Down the shore’, enjoy the show.
Summer Tanager
Here we are in the beginnings of our annual Summer Doldrums, time to look at one of our most colorful Summer visitors, the Summer Tanager.
Going back to the early 1700’s, naturalists had originally called this bird the Summer Red-bird. Later ornithologists put it in the Tanager species in the early 1800’s. Today, as is the bane of every birder in the world, scientists are studying the DNA of this and almost every other bird, and reclassifying them. They now tell us that the Summer Tanager belongs in the Cardinal family. Most of us ignore these prognostications, and they will always be a Summer Tanager to us.
Our Summer Tanagers spend their winters in the region from Mexico to Northern South America, migrating to the Southeastern USA to breed. Ours arrived in mid April. They are the size of Cardinals, with a song much like the Robin. The males are a brilliant red, females varying in shades of dull yellow to a brighter orange. The male is the only completely red bird in North America.
The Summer Tanager is an insect eater, particularly liking bees and wasps, spending their days in the tree tops flying out to catch a wasp. They then beat them against a branch to kill them, then rub it against a branch to remove the stinger. They will also invade wasp nests to eat the larvae. One of the old Folklore names given this bird is “The Bee-eater”. Summer berries are also on their menu. You will not find them on your sunflower feeder, however, if you have a nice bird bath out, they will be regular visitors. Our couple bathed almost daily, coming around 4 PM.
They build nests in both pine and deciduous trees, having 3 to 4 eggs per brood. Incubation is 11 – 12 days, fledging by 9 to 11 days after hatching. They are fed by both parents for another 2 – 3 weeks.
They will stay in our area until early to mid October, so keep your bird bath full and clean, and enjoy the show of this most colorful couple.
Bird of the Month
May 2021
Do Birds Kiss??? by Michael Creedon
Here we are in June, the month of “Love”. So I thought it might be appropriate to discuss the avian version.
Birds are not only notorious for their singing; they’re also known for kissing! Or at least, a gesture similar to kissing. Although it sounds strange, seeing birds kiss is more common than you would expect. However, it is not as straight forward as it may seem. When birds appear to be sharing a kiss, it is usually a sign of courtship. Birds often touch beaks and exchange food before breeding season in the Spring. The beak touches can also appear as though the birds are kissing. Humans often make the mistake of putting human-like traits in animals, which is why we often mistake them for kissing. By feeding one seed at a time to their potential mate – a continuous act and one of reliability and dependability – the male signals to the female they would be a great provider, or “father figure,” if you will.
Often during courtship, birds will touch beaks in a similar appearance of kissing. When you get a closer look, you can see that they have their beaks slightly open to share food. This is called courtship feeding. Males will find seeds and feed them to the female mate. This is not a sign of affection, but to provide the female with nutrition in preparation for reproduction. It is a common step during courtship or while the female is on the nest. This can be seen as similar to a bird feeding their young while they are still unable to do so themselves.
The bird that is known most for giving away kisses is the parrot. A parrot will often imitate a smooch sound made by humans when showing us affection. This “Kissing” is only one of many methods birds use to attract mates. Others include singing, displays, dancing, building, and preening. While we may not see many parrots in our backyards kissing, we can all easily see our favorite backyard bird, the Cardinal, doing so.
Preening each other is a common sign of affection, even outside courtship. This shows a bond and sign of trust between birds.
While this note is too late for the first brood of the season, there will be second, and sometimes a third brood, and each will be preceded by several “Kissing” sessions.
Enjoy the show.
Bird of the Month
By Michael Creedon
Northern Parula
Well, It is May again, and as we all know, May is warbler time. This time we will look at the Northern Parula. This little critter, not much bigger than a golf ball, is one of the smallest North American migratory warblers, often the smallest bird in a mixed feeding flock.
This species has mainly blue-gray upper parts, with a greenish back patch and two white wing bars. The breast is yellowish shading into the white belly. They winter in southern Florida and Central America, and are primarily a forest-dwelling species, with their abundance or lack thereof found to be positively correlated with increased tree species diversity, canopy height and percent canopy cover.
Like most warblers, they are a monogamous species, with our southern variety nesting in clumps of Spanish moss. The female hollows out a clump of vegetation in the moss, and proceeds to fill it with vegetation fibers, animal hair, pine needles or grass. This nest is less than 3 inches in diameter on the outside, and she will lay 3 to 7 eggs that hatch in 2 weeks and fledge 10 days later. Our southern birds will usually have two broods per season.
The Northern Parula forages entirely on invertebrates, spiders, damselflies, locusts, bugs, grasshoppers, beetles, aphids, caterpillars and the like. They are usually found foraging in the mid to upper tier canopies. You get the idea, this bird will not be perched on your feeder. However, it is quite abundant in our area, and a walk in any of our woods is likely to produce a few. They will on occasion visit your birdbath, looking for a drink. That is how I got my best pics of this very busy bird.
The current lifespan record is of a 7 year old recaptured specimen. Red squirrels, Blue Jays and snakes are the most likely predators of this species, mostly of eggs and young.
So you ask, If this is a Northern Parula, is there a Southern Parula? Actually yes, but it is called a Tropical Parula. It inhabits the region stretching from south Texas to northern Argentina. Not likely to see one around here.
So, our Parula’s have arrived, take a walk and go find one, you’ll be glad you did.
Bird of the Month
April 2021
BOLO by Michael Creedon
Be On the Look Out!!! Bands of Masked Marauders are on their way. Your Mahonias, Cedars, Junipers, Hollies, Pyrocanthias and Yaupons are about to be stripped of every berry from every branch by flocks of “Lone Rangers”
Cedar Waxwings are social birds that you will likely see in flocks. They sit in fruiting trees swallowing berries whole or pluck them in mid-air with a brief fluttering hover. Cedar Waxwings are wanderers, and they may show up anywhere in southern Canada or the lower 48 States. While it is possible to see one or two in this area in winter, however they usually winter south of North Carolina.
In April, just as our berries are beginning to ripen, they will descend and spend as much time in your yard as it takes to eat every berry from every fruiting tree or shrub. Famously gregarious, Cedar Waxwings are all about community. They share berries, they congregate at fruiting trees, they even occasionally over-imbibe. Then they are gone, on to the next victims yard.
The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized, sleek bird with a large head, short neck, and short, wide bill. Waxwings have a crest that often lies flat and droops over the back of the head. The wings are broad and pointed, like a starling’s. The tail is fairly short and square-tipped.
They are pale brown on the head and chest fading to soft gray on the wings. The belly is pale yellow, and the tail is gray with a bright yellow tip. The face has a narrow black mask neatly outlined in white. The red waxy tips which look as if they were dipped in sealing wax, that was used from the 16th century to seal envelopes and documents, and often embedded within a royal of family crest, are not always easy to see. The first half of their name comes from their fondness for Cedar (or Juniper) berries.
Those tips are actually small appendages on the bird’s secondaries, and they’re composed of a red waxy secretion called astaxanthin- a carotenoid pigment. For years it was thought their purpose was to protect the feathers from wear and tear, but there is no evidence to support that. Instead, the current thought is they function as status symbols in mate selection.
Those appendages increase in both number and size as a bird ages. Individuals with fewer, (0-5), are younger, and those with more, (up to 9), are older. Those with more tips tend to choose others with more tips, and those birds nest earlier and raise more young than those with fewer tips. So it seems that those waxy red tips are important signals in choice of mates, and social organization – plumage enhancements that signal age, maturity and social status to other waxwings, especially during courtship.
Unlike most songbirds, they do not sing. Their voice is a high, thin short whistle and coming from a flock of birds, is unmistakable. Their digestive system is especially adapted to rapidly digest berries. They can ingest, process, and defecate the wastes of a berry in 16 minutes! In 1908 the Vermont Assembly passed a bill to allow farmers to shoot waxwings as they were considered crop pests. Opponents of the bill brought birds to the senate chamber and the bill was defeated as the birds were considered too pretty to kill.
So enjoy the brief visit to your yard of one of our most beautiful, communal and hungry Avians.
Bird of the Month
March 2021
Bird Irruptions by Michael Creedon
This month we will visit one of many birding phenomenon’s, Bird Irruptions. This particular phenomenon occurs following a boom or bust cycle of food supplies. The most common cause is a phenomenon called masting, which occurs when a single tree species produces a large number of seeds across thousands of miles of forest in the same year. The true cause of masting is unknown, but it typically occurs one to two years after a warm, dry spring. Often a masting year is followed by a poor seed production year.
When the conifers in the boreal forests of Canada and the northern United States experience a masting year, the abundance of seeds gives some species of boreal songbirds a boost. The birds can begin breeding and produce more offspring, resulting in a bird population boom. When fall arrives, the bird population has doubled or even tripled, but the available habitat hasn’t. Many birds move south, and young birds, in particular, may be pushed farther and farther, so people outside the boreal forests may start seeing unusual winter visitors at their feeders. Each year ornithologists make predictions about which species may wander south during the upcoming winter.
Last fall, people who study the forests and predict irruptions, predicted this winter would see an explosive irruption of Purple Finches. Folks who feed the birds and know who’s who, including me, have rarely if ever seen a Purple Finch in their backyard in Eastern NC. Not in the 20 years we have lived here. Since mid October we and anyone around who has a bird feeder out has witnessed flocks of Purple Finches daily. The males look like they are fresh from a dipping at a raspberry factory. We have as many as several hundred on any given day. They will empty a bird feeder as quick as you can refill it.
While the experts were very confident in their Finch prediction, they hedged their bets on a few other species, suggesting a good possibility of irruptions. One of these probable irruptive species was the Evening Grosbeak.
If you look at their migratory range, the closest we are is 400+ miles south of that range. On February first, 2 males and 6 female Evening Grosbeaks arrived at my feeders. I was flabbergasted. I posted it to my bird club, and uniformly heard how no one had seen an Evening Grosbeak in Eastern NC in at least 50 years. Over the next week or so they all came to actually see this bird, which for nearly all was a “Lifer”. As the week progressed, and word got out, we began to see dozens every morning.
It is a beautiful bird, a member of the Finch family. They are bulky, heavily built finches with large bills and short tails. The adult has a short black tail, black wings and a large pale bill. The adult male has a bright yellow forehead and body; its head is brown and there is a large white patch in the wing. The adult female is mainly olive-brown, greyer on the underparts and with white patches in the wings. The breeding habitat is coniferous and mixed forest across Canada and the western mountainous areas of the United States.The Finch “Irruptions” of this pandemic winter have been a welcome sight.
February 2021 Bird of the Month
Baltimore Oriole by Michael Creedon
Choosing this months bird was not difficult, as I have been observing a family of Baltimore Orioles in my backyard. These are striking birds, being the only orange bird you will see in your backyard at this time of year. One of the most brilliantly colored songbirds in the east, flaming orange and black. And no, they are not from Baltimore. They share the heraldic colors of the coat of arms of 17th-century Lord Baltimore, from where their name originates. Adult males are flame-orange and black, with a solid-black head and one white bar on their black wings. Females and immature males are yellow-orange on the breast, grayish on the head and back, with two bold white wing bars. Look for their long, thick-based, pointed bills, a hallmark of the blackbird family they belong to.
Baltimore Orioles eat insects, fruit, and nectar. The proportion of each food varies by season: in summer, while breeding and feeding their young, much of the diet consists of insects, which are rich in the proteins needed for growth. In spring and fall, nectar and ripe fruits compose more of the diet; these sugary foods are readily converted into fat, which supplies energy for migration.
While they are quite common in much of the USA, around here they are only seen during migration. However, a few do choose to winter in these parts, as New Bern is at the northern edge of their winter migration territory. We know of several that have wintered in friends yards, but this family is our first. We have seen them many years as they pass through, for a day or two at most. So look for that brilliant orange, and if you spy it, get your jelly feeder out. You may be rewarded!
Bird of the Month
January 2021
Tundra Swans by Michael Creedon
Even as you lay in your warm beds tonight, approximately 50 miles north in the Pungo Lake, 30,000+ Tundra Swans mill about, waiting for the sunrise. Most locals are unaware of the great wildlife spectacle that unfolds every morning throughout the winter. As the sun begins to break above the eastern woodlands, a magical experience begins to unfold. Wave after wave of many hundreds of swans begin their take offs into the breeze, flying out to the fields surrounding this lake. Watching these ivory birds “walk” across the water, then with powerful wing beats soar into the Carolina Blue skies is an amazing sight.
Lewis and Clark provided the first written description of the Tundra Swan during their expedition to the West, where the birds’ whistle-like calls prompted Meriwether Lewis to dub them “Whistling Swans.” The Tundra Swan, as its name implies, nest and breed in the remote Arctic tundra of North America, flying south to winter. Pungo Lake is just about the furthest point south in their migration.
Pungo Lake is in and an integral part of the Pocosin Lakes NWR. It is 110,000 acres of pristine wilderness, established in the early 60’s to provide wintering habitat for waterfowl and other migratory birds. They lease out thousands of acres to local farmers who grow corn and other grains. At harvest, the farmers leave 50% of the crop standing, which refuge staff cut down to provide supplemental feed to the birds. Week by week, they cut down a few rows in one field, next week a different field.
Adult birds have entirely white plumage, black feet, and a black bill with a thin salmon pink streak running along the mouthline, and a yellow spot near the eye. Pens (females) are slightly smaller than the cobs (males). Males average 16 pounds, females 14. On wingspans greater than 5’, they depart the coastal plains of Canada in October, arriving at their winter quarters in November to December. When migrating, these majestic birds fly as high as 5 miles. They are “dippers” in the summer, feeding on aquatic vegetation. In winters, they feed on leftover grains and other crops, ie, potatoes, picked up in fields after harvest.
They have few predators, even standing up to Arctic foxes. Brown bears are another story, and do regularly cause nest failure. Golden Eagles occasionally are successful at capturing and killing an adult. Average life span is 10 years, the oldest recorded at 24 years old.They are monogamous until one partner dies. The surviving partner will wait years, sometimes its entire life before mating again. Nests built on the ground hold 3 – 5 eggs, taking 30 days to hatch, and 60 – 75 days to fledge. Whistling Swans are the most abundant swan of North America, estimated at over 170,000 individuals. The primary cause of adult mortality is hunting, with about 4,000 official kills, and another 10,000 lost to poaching.
If you are Pandemic bored, a visit to Pungo Lake will brighten your day. Maybe your whole week
Bird of the Month December 2020
Brown Thrasher by Michael Creedon
The Brown Thrasher gets no respect. Birders in the field, spotting some activity on the forest floor, eyes glued to binoculars focused on the tangled mess, finally spot their prey, only to say “ It’s just a Thrasher”. In my eyes, the Brown Thrasher is a beautiful bird. Both long billed and long tailed, these shy birds are quite hardy.
Quite common in backyards, particularly those friendly to birds, with feeders, baths and lots of trees and shrubbery for nests. When you notice leaves being tossed around on the ground, and take a good look, you will probably spot a Thrasher. Boldly and beautifully patterned, predominantly a lovely red-brown, staring yellow eyes, with a severe expression due to their down curved bill. They are in the family of the Mockingbird and Catbirds. They are not sexually dimorphic, both sexes appearing identical.
Thrashers as a rule don’t visit feeders, however, absent any other birds there, and no visible threats, ie, us, they will occasionally visit to eye the offerings. They are omnivores, preferring to forage on the ground for fallen seed and berries, using their bill to dig in the soil for insects. They will also use their bill to crack open acorns. I have watched one many times using its bill to break a kernel of corn into tiny bites, until the entire kernel is gone.
They are accomplished vocalists, with a repertoire of over 1,000 different songs, the largest of any bird, imitating many other bird songs. Of eight thrasher species in the USA, they are the only Thrasher east of Texas. Generally monogamous, both mom and dad incubate the eggs, usually 4, and feed the young, and are very aggressive defenders of the nest, having been known to strike both people and dogs hard enough to draw blood. Chicks can leave the nest in as little as 9 days, fully feathered. Usually nesting in shrubby habitat, a popular hideout for nest predators. Predominant nest predators include snakes, birds of prey and cats. They are the largest common host of the parasitic Brown-headed Cowbird, many times rejecting the cowbird eggs laid in their nest. They, like many birds, will have at least two broods per season, sometimes three. The oldest recorded individual was 12 years.
In our area, they are year round neighbors, with berries, nuts and small fruits an important component of their winter diet.
These Brown Thrasher photos were taken in my back yard in River Bend. I have included photos of the Long Billed Thrasher, photo from Texas, and the Curve-billed Thrasher, photo from New Mexico
Hooded Merganser by Michael Creedon
In North Carolina, we are blessed to have a minimum of 35 different species of ducks either residing or wintering here. Each has its own particular beauty, however one of the most striking species is the Hooded Merganser. It is one of 6 Merganser species, and the only one found only in North America.
All ducks are divided into 2 categories, Dippers or Divers. Dippers rotate 90 degrees, tails sticking skyward while they munch on bottom grasses. Divers do as the name implies, diving to various depths in search of food. The hooded Merganser is a small diving duck with a slender bill and a flamboyant head. “Hooded” is a bit of a misnomer, as both sexes have extravagant crests that can be raised or lowered, with the males black and white patterned crest in breeding plumage being unmistakable. The female displays her own elegant cinnamon crest.
This species is monogamous, and sexually dimorphic, each sporting differing plumage. They winter here, and should be arriving directly. They prefer small bodies of water, such as ponds, and small estuaries, however may be seen in larger rivers and impoundments. Preferring fresh water, they are also seen in brackish environments.
They nest in tree cavities, laying 7 to 15 eggs. Incubation begins after the last egg is laid, resulting in synchronous hatching. All hatchlings being the same size, they leave the nest after 24 hours, capable of diving and foraging on their own. They will stay with mom for a short while for warmth and protection. They will sometimes lay eggs in other hooded Merganser nests, with some nests having been found with up to 44 eggs in them. When ready, mom will check the ground, then call to the chicks. One by one they look out of the nest hole, and jump, sometimes up to 50’, fluttering to the ground. They then walk through the forest, up to miles before arriving at the nearest body of water.
Mergansers are our only duck that specializes in eating fish, giving their flesh a distinctive and generally accepted as “unpalatable” flavor. The result is that the greatest danger they face as a species is deforestation. No mature trees to nest in, no nests. The oldest recorded Hooded Merganser was 14 years old.
These photos were taken at the retention pond behind the mall.
October 2020
Red-tailed Hawk by Michael Creedon
The Red-tailed Hawk is a bird of prey that breeds throughout most of North America. Red-tails acclimate to almost any biome, excepting the Arctic. They can be tricky to identify, with 14 recognized subspecies, and are particularly polymorphic, ranging from almost white to nearly all black. Color variations are described as Morphs, such as a Dark Morph. While there are indeed many variations in colors, they are the only hawk with the distinctive rufous tail. Most morphs have a light-colored breast with a dark band across their bellies.
They are opportunist feeders, however, most often are predators of small rodents. Birds are also on the menu and can even be a primary food. Ever looked out in your back yard and could not find a single bird, not even a cardinal? Look up into the trees, and often you will see a hawk perched, looking hungry. They have even been known to attack small domestic animals, such as a small cat or dog. They always attack from behind, using the element of surprise, and usually around dawn or dusk. They are also known to hunt in pairs, each blocking escape paths from opposite sides. As a raptor, Red-tails are protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and cannot be hunted or harassed in any way without a permit.
The majority of hawks captured for falconry are Red-tails, because they are capable hunters, easily trained. The Red-tail is the most common hawk in North America. On a long car ride, if you are looking, you will probably see at least several, anywhere in the USA. The oldest known wild red-tail was over 30 years old. They are monogamous, only seeking a new partner when one dies.
All photos taken around River Bend
Bird of the Month September 2020
Cormorants by Michael Creedon
Cormorants are comprised of a group of aquatic birds numbering approximately 40 varieties around the world. In the UK, they are divided into Cormorants and Shags, but both are cormorants. The bill is long and hooked, as long as the head, mostly black to dark feathers, with webbing between all 4 toes.
All species are fish eaters, floating low in the water and diving as deep as 150′. They use their wings to assist their diving, and as a result have developed relatively short wings for their size. After feeding, they will be seen on the shore, perched on a rock or tree stump, wings fully extended. This behavior is to dry their feathers, to make flying, already a chore due to the short wings, easier.
They nest in colonies on trees, islets or cliffs, being primarily coastal birds as opposed to oceanic. Usually 3 – 4 eggs, incubating by both parents for 4 weeks. First flight after about 5 – 6 weeks, independent after 10 weeks.
The species most widespread in North America, and particularly in Eastern N.C. is the Double-crested Cormorant. They can easily be seen on the Trent River, the Neuse, and I have photographed one in the drainage pond behind the mall.
Interestingly, the Galapagos cormorant has evolved into a flightless bird, with small stubby remnants of wings. With no predators, they had no need to fly.
by Michael Creedon
Still down at the coast this August, today we will look at the Oystercatcher. Oystercatchers are stunning birds and unmistakable, waders that are large, obvious and noisy, with more than a dozen species found around the world. The name was coined in 1731 by a birder who observed them eating oysters.
Bill shapes vary with diet, with male and female plumage identical. Their diet consists largely of bivalves, gastropods (snails), fish and crabs. Nearly all species are monogamous, with nests scrapes in the beach or ground, usually in a spot with good visibility. They will defend the same site year after year, with one record of a pair defending a specific site for 20 years. One nest per breeding season, one to four eggs.
Coastal areas of Eastern N.C. have extensive breeding sites, with many marked off with fence posts and tape by our Wildlife department. The department is always looking for volunteers to put up the posts and tape, and if you are interested in spending a morning or two helping, you will be treated to a wonderful helping of observing breeding birds “Down the Shore”.
Plovers. Cute tiny shore birds with relatively short bills that work the tide line, hunting by sight rather than probing, looking for worms and insects. They are specialists in the Run and Pause technique. Plovers are found throughout the world with over 50 species. Here in Eastern NC we commonly see at least 4. With one imposter.
1. Semipalpmated Plover: The most common, running with mixed flocks of small shore birds. This is the most slender and darkest Plover.
2. Piping Plover: A stocky small plover, usually foraging on dry clean sand, and usually alone.
3. Wilson’s Plover: Larger than most Plovers, with a larger bill. Broad white forehead with large black bill.
4. Black-bellied Plover: Our largest Plover with a stout black bill. Breeding plumage has an all black belly.
5. The Imposter, Killdeer: This bird, also a Plover, is not found at the shore usually. He can be found on the open short grasses of parks and gravel parking lots. This is a tall slender Plover, with an unusually long tail. The red eye is a dead giveaway.
Nuthatches by Mike Creedon
Nuthatches are one of the smallest birds we see here in Eastern NC. They are sometimes called the “Upside down Bird”, as that is how they prefer to feed. They are also one of the few birds to use “tools”. They will often take a piece of bark and use it as a pry bar on another piece of bark, that is hiding an insect. They’re name is derived from the fact that they will take a nut, tuck it into a crevice on a tree, then hack (hatch) away at it to get to the tasty morsel inside.
Most species are non-migratory living in their habitat year round. The Red-breasted Nuthatch does migrate to warmer regions during the winter. They are omnivorous, eating mostly insects, nuts and seeds. They have long, sturdy, pointed bills and strong toes with long claws. They all nest in cavities, usually tree holes left by woodpeckers. They are monogamous, with both parents feeding the young for up to 4 weeks until they fledge. Lifespan is about 3 years in the wild.
North Carolina, including Eastern N.C is home to 3 species, out of approximately 30 throughout the world. The smallest is the Brown-headed Nuthatch. These birds are monomorphic, males and females looking alike.
(Picture) This busy bird is removing a poop sac from one of the chicks in this pine tree nest.
Next is the White-breasted Nuthatch. Slightly larger and very prolific in our area.
(Picture) A decidedly male White-breasted Nuthatch, with a dark black cap. Females cap is gray. Note his upside down position. This is how he is most often seen, with his head craned upward. They will often visit a feeder repeatedly, storing seeds in the bark of trees for winter.
Our last is the Red-breasted Nuthatch, they look very similar to a White-breasted Nuthatch but have a distinctive black eye stripe. He is a winter visitor in our area, heading to the north country in the spring to breed
If you ask a birder on the street what they like about warblers, you will not get answers about sweet songs or fantastic behaviors. What you will hear is an overwhelming response about diversity and color. Warblers are the birder’s version of a box of chocolates. Each one is different, about the same size, some you like more than others, but, really, would you refuse any of the chocolates in the box? Unlikely! A perfect spring morning and a tree lit up with 10 or so warbler species, some yellow, others orange or even black and gray or green and black is what we imagine when we contemplate warblers. May is the prime warbler month.
The most common warbler, seen in our area until spring, is the Yellow-rumped Warbler, commonly referred to as a “Butter Butt”. If you have suet feeders out, you will see this bird. There are 2 subspecies, the Myrtle seen in our area, and the Audubon seen elsewhere.
My favorite is the Prothonotary Warbler. The Prothonotary Warbler got its name from the bright yellow robes worn by papal clerks, known as prothonotaries, in the Roman Catholic church. Prothonotaries are one of the few warblers that nest in cavities instead of trees and bushes. They will even nest in bird houses properly placed near water. They feed on insects on the thickets that grow near water. When you hear one singing, it will get your attention. Listen in the next few weeks, and you may get lucky.
Bird of the Month April 2020
Osprey by Michael Creedon photos by Michael Creedon
Anyone who looked up in the skies last month couldn’t miss the return of our Ospreys. Mom and dad arrive independently, both arriving at
their nest from last year. They are monogamous, pairing for life. First is some modest rehabbing of the old nest, located on anything high and sturdy on the water. Around here, every dead cypress tree hosts an Osprey nest. Within 5 miles of Trent Woods there are a minimum of several hundred nests. Florence devastated not only our homes, but theirs as well. Most had to be rebuilt from scratch, always in the same place, if the tree was still standing. Both gather branches, mom does the arranging.
Ospreys live for 30 years in the wild, laying usually 3 eggs, staggered a few days apart. They are one of the most widely distributed hawks in the world, residing on every continent except Antarctica. Both mom and dad feed the hatchlings who arrive 40 days after being laid. Once the birds fledge, mom leaves, returning south, anywhere from Texas to Ecuador. Dad is left to teach the fledglings to fly and hunt. Ospreys are the only hawk that exclusively eats live fish. Unlike most birds, their eyes face forward, affording them excellent depth perception. Osprey’s get most of their water from this flesh. They cannot dive deep, usually snatching a fish near the surface. Once caught, the fish is positioned head forward in
line with the flight direction to minimize resistance. Once the talons are in a fish; it is almost impossible to remove them. Ospreys have been observed drowning by catching a fish that was to large to lift.
In the U.K., Ospreys went virtually extinct, with the country down to one nesting pair in Scotland. In 1996 they were reintroduced, and now
they have nearly 300 breeding pairs. Almost every nest is under watch from a live video cam, with the people of the U.K. watching their every move. It is the bird most birders and non birders in the U.K. wish to see.
Ospreys are strong flyers, a 3-month-old female was tracked from Martha’s Vineyard to French Guiana, a distance of 2,700 miles in 13 days.
We are very lucky to be able to watch these birds for almost 6 months every year.
Bird of the Month February 2020
Trent Woods Garden Club 