Showing posts with label neotropical migrants. Show all posts
Showing posts with label neotropical migrants. Show all posts
Sunday, March 21, 2021
Saturday, September 29, 2018
Sustainable Coffee Now
Do it for the birds, our environment, and your health. Buy organic GMO free, sustainable bird-friendly coffee. Ask your grocery stores to carry healthy coffee that is not bitter, which is grown in the sun. Help me help THEM.
Sunday, September 2, 2018
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Northern Rough-winged Swallow
These uncommon brown swallows nest in sandbanks, road cuts, soft cliffs, or in crevices of manmade structures where they can gain purchase. The young birds in the video were waiting to be fed, and it gave a nice view of them gaping. Juveniles also have cinnamon-colored wingbars. They are solitary nesters, and sometimes several pairs will nest somewhat near one another, which is not as close as Barn Swallows. They prefer open areas with open substrate, but don't always nest in commercially made structures.
Nesting from April through July, they are single brooded, and it tends to be rarest in the southwest part of Oklahoma, but likely nests in the open woodlands with nearby water. Sometimes they use old kingfisher, squirrel, or Bank Swallow holes that are still useable. They have a twig nest at the end of a burrow, which the female incubates for about two weeks. Both parents feed the young, who leave the nest in about three weeks.
Northern Rough-winged Swallows
Boomer Lake Park, 2017
Summer residents in nearly the entire country, the white undertail coverts are seen while they are in flight, and their shorter, square tails are also noted during that time. The leading edges of the outer primaries lack the barbules that most birds have, hence the name "rough-winged."
They feed over water more often than not, and are excellent for low level flight over varied terrain. They are found from sea level to six thousand feet, often snatching insects from the top of the water.
Northern rough-winged Swallow
Patagonia Lake SP, AZ 2018
The species has declined over the past four decades, likely caused by pesticides, pollutants, climate change, and insecticides. All of these factors have also been affecting other birds like other swallows, swifts, nightjars, and flycatchers. In view of this, there are many questions affecting the health of the air, or aeroecology, another ecological system.
Northern Rough-winged Swallow and the Birds of Southeast Arizona:
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2018/05/birding-on-shoestring-american.html
Northern Rough-winged Swallow and the Birds of Boomer Lake:
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2017/04/springs-migrants-have-been-dropping-in.html
Monday, August 6, 2018
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Snowy Egret
A common heron of Oklahoma, the Snowy Egret was once a victim of human selfishness. During the early 1900s, its feathers were taken for the millinery (hat) trade. Through the Migratory Treaty Bird Act of 1918, taking any birds or bird parts, which included feathers, saved the life of this bird, as well as the remainder of the herons and egrets.
This beautiful heron is utterly spectacular in adult breeding plumage. It has an air of mystery about it, and it is truly a graceful animal, appearing delicate and similar to royalty . The species nests in island trees, as well as single trees growing in water. Some will forage for food in open water where there is plenty of room, while others prefer solitary foraging. The species breeds on the coast or inland where there are lakes, estuaries and other appropriate bodies of water.
Snowy Egret
High Breeding Plumage
High Island, Texas
The medium sized adult birds have bright yellow feet, which will become orange or red-orange during times of high breeding plumage, its plumes or aegretta, will stand up and they will run from the head, the breast, down the back, and curve upward at the tail.
Enemies are snakes, raccoons, the Fish Crow, and sometimes even the older nestmates. The youngest usually does not survive due to the aggressiveness of its siblings. They are incubated as the eggs are laid, so the youngest could be a week junior to the eldest.
One of the classics that this bird is known for, is its feeding technique. It was born with its own personal fishing lures, which are the yellow feet. When the snowy is foraging it will use its feet in a rakelike manner or move them upward and in a circular motion to drawn food skyward. It will then easily take its prey from the top of the water.
Snowy Egret
nonbreeding Plumage
Known as the Bird With the Golden Slippers, the Snowy Egret gives the impression of an ethereal nature, especially in breeding plumage. To make them even more interesting, they have a "wah-wah-wah" call which almost sounds like a gurgling, and that clearly designates a Snowy Egret colony.
Many of these wading birds will overwinter on the Gulf coast, but good numbers will also go as far as central Brazil. It all depends upon where they settle pre-breeding that determines post-breeding locale.
Oddly enough, in the 1830s, this bird was nesting as far north as New Jersey, and by the mid-1800's, it was at the Great Salt lake. As time progresses in the global warming situation, they could well become northbound once again. It will all depend on the survival of their preferred food sources.
Snowy Egret
Texas
January 2017
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