Monday, September 3, 2018
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: White-breasted Nuthatch
Yank-yank-yank!
Those are sounds directly attributed to the unusual White-breasted Nuthatch, a boisterous little songbird.
Common in mature deciduous forests, orchards, wood lots, and mixed woods of much of the continent, they are often in mixed flocks of other little songbirds feeding upon insects and seeds found within bark. They like stands with decaying trees for appropriate nest cavities and will even nest under bark. The species will climb up and down the trunk or main limbs backward, which is attributed to the nuthatch clan.
These personable birds use the tools that they are given to the best of their ability. They often wedge seeds in bark crevices to hold them steady, while that sharp little bill goes to work opening their treasure.
Eastern White-breasted Nuthatch
Boomer Lake Park, 2015
All three populations of the US--the Eastern, Pacific, and Interior West--have slightly different dialects, just like many of us do, depending upon what part of the country we hail from. The Eastern's call is low and a hoarse nasal variety, Pacific is highest pitched and thinly nasal, while the Interior West is also high, shorter and rapid. There is also a thinly veiled subspecies within the Interior West version, from the Sierra Nevada and Northern Rocky Mountain region. Its song and calls are the highest pitched with the rapid pattern.
Our birds in Oklahoma are the Eastern subspecies, and they are more often found in the eastern portion of the state. In the western half, they are restricted by necessity to riparian corridors, which is only in local areas.
Knotholes are often used as entrances to their cavities, while the nest is lined with hair, bark strips, and other softer materials. Most cavities are at least fifteen feet high, but I have seen a low, rotted stump used.
These single brooders incubate in the neighborhood of twelve days, and they begin nesting sometimes in February, through the month of March.
Though the pair winters apart, the male sings in winter to attract the female, and they keep in touch throughout the day. The female builds the nest, and both sexes raise the young.
What other birds were around on the same day I photographed the White-breasted Nuthatch?
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/06/pre-summer-fun-in-sun.html
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
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: American Crow
One of the most well known birds in the country, the American Crow or common crow, can be a good or bad bird to have in the area, depending upon one's preferences. Groups or singles can be a handful for any raptor to endure, either through the general din or simple harassment. This is known as mobbing behavior. Crows are well known for their intelligence and adaptability, and unless they can get something for their trouble, they are not going to work for it.
Known for their deep caws and croaks, this all black bird is found in all open habitats and will eat anything that isn't protected, which includes the eggs of other birds. They form large roosts during winter where thousands gather in trees. Many of these roosts have been in the same area for a century.
American Crow
Boomer Lake Park, 2015
Nests are stick platforms, preferentially in oaks or conifers, near the trunk, around two feet in diameter. Where there are no trees, telephone poles, shrubs, and the ground are used. Incubation is around eighteen days, and the young stay with their parents or a flock for an indeterminate period after fledging.
They usually avoid deserts and unbroken forest expanses, and are very social birds. They will also form strong relationships with other species, using their powers of flight and foraging and trade this for help with gaining access to a carcass especially during the winter. Even though they have large bills, their structure does not allow them to break through skin.
American Crow
Boomer Lake Park, 2014
The common crow has eaten from outdoor dog dishes, taken fruit from trees, and carried small cups of water to moisten hard food. They have eaten exhausted birds while resting from migration, and several together will provide distraction displays while others will take the food from mammals.
However, even the crow has empathy, and has provided moral support to sick and dying individuals. Either one loves them or despises them, but there is never an in-between. They are even aware that death means no longer existing, and hold funerals for their own species.
These passerines are susceptible to West Nile Virus and will usually pass within a week, even if cared for. Suspicious of humans because of their mistreatment over the centuries, it is unusual for a crow to trust any of them.
For more photos of the American Crow and other birds:
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/01/the-land-of-plenty.html
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2014/11/the-north-meets-south-long-may-they-fly.html
Saturday, September 1, 2018
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Great Crested Flycatcher
Queeep! Wheeeep! or Krreeep!
The Great Crested Flycatcher is common in mature deciduous forests, woodlots, shrubby habitat, old orchards, or parks usually found foraging for insects and berries from mid- or upper story branches. Rarely in the open, this is a large and secretive flycatcher who still takes pride in sallying for insects.
Seen before it is heard, this large flycatcher arrives in Oklahoma in early April. It is unmistakable with a bright sulphur belly and rufous wings and tail, located in eastern and central parts of our fine state.
Great Crested Flycatcher
Boomer Lake Park, 2016
This cavity nester will use snags, birdhouses, live trees, and many manmade structures for nesting purposes from May through June. Usually single brooded, the female will build the nest and incubate, yet both sexes will handle the care of the young. This insectivore is rarely located on the ground. These birds tend to weave unusual items into their nests like snakeskin or plastic, simply because they can do so and find them out of the ordinary. The former nest snag pictured above is no longer standing. It met its demise a couple of years ago in a storm.
In the east, where most of these birds breed, males tend to congregate for roosting, but will arrive at the nest cavity shortly after sunrise to handle feeding the young birds. Some of these roost sites in a large, old territory can have a couple of hundred unmated females and unsuccessful breeders. As soon as the young are old enough to do so, they will also join these groups.
Usually avoiding coniferous forests, like those found in the boreal forest, the great crested favors second growth forest with open canopy landscape. They enjoy many insects and spiders, and will consume fruit and berries to a smaller degree.
If you wish to attract a pair of these beautiful and unusual birds to your yard with the correct habitat, simply have a 1 3/4 inch hole in your bluebird nest box. You can easily obtain a proper sized spade bit or hole saw for the job.
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/fruits-of-their-labors.html
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/potpourri-for-birding-soul.html
The above links shows more photos of Great Crested Flycatchers with other birds seen that day!
Oklahoma Breeding Bird Species Profile: Baltimore Oriole
Here, here, come right here, dear
A common bird of open deciduous woods or tall trees, this solitary bird forages in mid- to upper level story trees for larvae and insects. It will also eat fruit unless it is during breeding season. Nectar is also a favorite from tubular flowers in any season.
This male icterid received its name from the colors on Lord Baltimore's coat of arms. It was also once named the Northern Oriole until the name split with the Bullock's Oriole. The two species will readily hybridize.
The passerine is located in the Nearctic during the summer, mostly in the eastern portion of the US. Some of these birds have been known to spend winters in the southern states, but they also do the same as far north as Maine, where one spent two out of three winters in Downeast Maine.
These blackbirds enjoy tall trees but will not resort to forest living,. Their adaptability can keep them happy in riparian areas, parks, orchards, forest edges, or stands of trees along rivers, as well as other similar and suitable habitat.
Male Baltimore Oriole
Boomer Lake Park, 2014
When paired, the female constructs the nest on the outer parts of limbs, an intricately woven basketlike pouched structure. It is on a horizontal limb at a fork, and has been known to withstand hurricanes. They prefer to nest in elm, oak, cottonwood, willow, maple, and apple trees, where the most insects congregate to feed on smaller bugs.
During migration, it is best to provide the darkest fruits possible, as well as an ample supply of water for drinking and bathing. They also enjoy dark jellies and hummingbird and oriole feeders.
Raptors, other icterids, squirrels, and domestic cats are normal predators of this species, as well as their young.
To see more photos of the Baltimore Oriole with other birds on those days:
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/06/pass-out-cigars-we-are-parents.html
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2016/05/the-charge-of-boomer-brigade.html
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/06/with-love-from-birdie.html
https://debhirt.blogspot.com/2015/06/birds-of-feather-photographed-together.html
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