Migrant and Nesting Birds of the Southern Great Plains

                                                                       Green Heron

                                                                   American Robin

                                                                    Lincoln's Sparrow

                                                                 Great-tailed Grackle

                                                             Yellow-headed Blackbird

                                                                   Lincoln's Sparrow

                                                               Harris's Sparrow

                                                                 Western Kingbird

                                                                Mallards in Flight



04-15 through 04-19-2019

Migration is and has been very good this year due to plenty of natural resources for all animals.  The bottom photo of the Mallards included some very unusual activity with these migrant birds, who wheeled around the sky over a dozen times before they settled in a private spot just north of Heron Cove.  While the males exercised their breeding behavior and aggressive nature due to raging hormones, the female kept away from the pack.

This was one of the early Western Kingbirds, who normally grace a telephone pole across from Kicker.  There is what appears to be at least one pair in this vicinity.  As we recall last year, most of this species settled in my own residential area permitting me wonderful viewing of the young birds as they made their way around the local skies.

The youthful Harris's Sparrow is receiving its basic adult plumage.  The senior adults have more black upon their heads than the subadults.

Several Lincoln's Sparrows have been located around the area, usually around riparian and quiet areas.

Two male Yellow-headed Blackbirds were a real treat, usually remaining upon the ground seeking insects.  The two later took to the trees to survey the area and call while they preyed upon the delicacies on the cottonwoods.  They will gather in reeds and around cattails in more suitable habitat unless they are around dairies to take advantage of the insects that cattle stir up for them.

Many individuals consider the Great-tailed Grackle a pest, but they also travel in icteric packs, so it is best not to judge all "black birds" as one.  Many times the Brewer's and Rusty Blackbird will be mixed in, so scan those flocks.

The American Robin is usually in the area during the spring raising young.  Not all of them are created equally, especially those that are nesting for the first time.  An experienced robin will build a weak nest that might fall apart while it is being observed.

Green Heron came to Heron Cove, but as we recall, last year they vacated the area six weeks early.  Perhaps the best way to handle this is to nest early before the oppressive heat arrives like it did last year when young perished in the nest.  Hopefully, the colony will not leave the area.