Take a Walk (or Paddle) on the Wild Side

Loon Family on Sea Lion Lake


Backyard birding can be very rewarding, but sometimes it pays to go beyond the lot line and seek out other locations. I have recently found that paddling my kayak in local waters allows me a unique opportunity to view species (especially water fowl) that would never find their way into my backyard.

This past weekend, I loaded the kayak into the back of my car and headed to our cabin in Florence County.  This is a pretty remote area, and the only remaining county in Wisconsin without a traffic light.  I was able to paddle three different lakes in and around the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, as well as the Pine River (which has been designated as a "wild river").  The birding was exceptional, having observed king fishers, mergansers, bald eagles, ospreys and a family of loons. I got some incredible photos, but the biggest thrill was the unexpected visit by a young bear.  As I quietly floated down the Pine River, I heard a disturbance in the woods. The black form quickly made its way down the slope and proceeded to enter the water as I passed by.  I could not believe my good fortune and even managed to snap some pictures as well.

My advice is to take some time before the cold weather returns to venture out to some of the beautiful "natural" areas available here in Wisconsin and in other states. Remember to always have your camera ready...you just never know what may cross your path!



Black bear on Pine River Oxbow



Belinda's Website

Don't Mess With The Babies!

This past week has been very entertaining, as one red-headed woodpecker fledgling has emerged from the birch tree nest. While the little one has been flexing his wings, Mom and Dad have kept close vigil over our yard.  I have been impressed with their tenacity, as no other birds have been allowed to come anywhere near "junior".  Even the usually aggressive Blue Jays have been looking over their shoulders as they approach the feeder.  If they do stop for something to eat, it isn't long before they are violently attacked by the woodpecker parents. Fortunately, we have been spared from this overly aggressive behavior.  It appears that they are only attacking other birds.  Even the dogs have been left alone.

Today, however, I inadvertently became the target of a totally different bird parent. I decided to launch my kayak and take a spin around Tichigan Lake, Tichigan Marsh and the Fox River.  The weather was perfect, and I was doing well cruising toward the bridge where the marsh meets the river.  Unfortunately, what I believe was a Forster's Tern had other plans for me.   As I slowly paddled near, it quickly took off from its post atop a striped buoy.  In what I can only describe as something out of the movie "Birds", it flew straight toward me, calling out and narrowly missing my head.  It proceeded to circle around several more times in attack mode, while I defended myself with the kayak paddle.

As this was happening, I thought to myself, "Hey...I'm the bird lover here.  I feed you guys all the time and even write a blog...you don't have to fear me."  It didn't take long before I heard the chirping of two chicks on a nearby nest of vegetation. Just like with momma bears, I realized that I did not want to get between this bird and it's babies.  I immediately spun the kayak around and headed back toward the lake, while the tern returned to its post.  Despite the change in my plans, it was a thrill to see this display, and it actually made my day.  Venturing up the Fox River would simply have to wait.

Note:  I like to use my own photos in my blog, but in this case, I had to settle for a web image of a Forster's Tern.  Even if I had taken my camera with me, I never would have been allowed to snap a shot!


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A Great Dad!

As we get ready to honor our dads on Father's Day, I thought it appropriate to give a "shout out" to one of my favorite feathered fathers...the cardinal.

I had an opportunity the other day to watch a male cardinal take his fledglings out for flight lessons and lunch.  It has always fascinated me to watch as the male cardinal feeds his mate.  It was a real treat to watch the cardinal "kids" sit and flutter their feathers on the fence post as dad took turns feeding each of them from the sunflower hearts in our feeder.

Not all male birds are this attentive to their young and participate in the nesting duties.  In fact, the beloved ruby-throated hummingbird has nothing to do with his family following mating.  The tiny male hummingbird will mate with several different females during the breeding season, but does not participate in nest building or the care of the young.  The cardinal male, however, remains monogamous and chooses just one female.  He may select a new mate the following Spring, but remains dedicated to his family each season.

The cardinal is one of the easiest birds to attract to a feeder.  They prefer a sturdy hopper or fly thru style feeder, as opposed to a hanging feeder.  They love black oil and striped sunflower, as well as safflower seed. Northern cardinals do not migrate like many other species, so those you attract will most likely hang around through the winter months.

Once again, nature puts on a great show for us if we just take the time to watch.

Happy Father's Day!

Belinda's Website

Bird Babies Abound

It is that time of Spring when the first brood of baby birds starts to leave the nest. It is also a good time to remember that not all babies found on the ground are in need of our care and attention.  

Knowing the difference between "fledglings" (with feathers) and "nestlings" (without feathers) can help you assist in their survival.  Despite the old wives' tales, the mother bird will not abandon her baby if they smell human scent.  If you find nestling babies and/or their nest on the ground, attempt to put them back in place.  If the nest is not available, you can try wiring a small basket lined with grass to a nearby tree branch.

If the baby is covered with feathers, it is most likely in the process of receiving a mandatory flight lesson from mom.  They are often "bumped" from the nest or nesting box in order to initiate the process of leaving home.  Following the initial fall, their chances of avoiding injury are much less likely if they begin take offs and landings from the ground.  That is why it is important to resist the urge to be a "Good Samaritan" and take them in.  It is better to leave them alone, while keeping an eye out for the risk of attack by predators.  If you see predators in the area, try moving the baby to a safer spot among protective shrubs.  Also try to keep dogs and cats inside until the bird is safely out of reach.

If following the above suggestions still result in a baby bird needing care due to lack of parental response or injury, please contact a qualified Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in your area.  

Belinda's Website

"Snag" a Red-Headed Woodpecker

While uncommon and declining in numbers overall, we have been fortunate to enjoy the company of Red-Headed woodpeckers in our neighborhood for years. These striking birds are black and white, with a full crimson-colored head.  Unlike many other birds, the male and female of this species are identical in coloring. The juveniles are the same vivid black and white, but with a brownish head.

Having watched them from a distance, I was able to lure them to my yard by putting out peanut pieces in my fly-thru feeder.  It has been entertaining to watch these magnificent birds "cache" their peanuts in nearby trees and telephone poles.  They also enjoy open areas where they can catch insects in mid air.

Two years ago we discovered that our beautiful clump white birch had finally succumbed to the birch borer.  Rather than bring it down immediately, we chose to leave the dead "snag" standing in our yard.  After all, we had numerous tall trees standing around it, so it was not immediately evident that the tree was dead. Imagine my delight last Spring when I discovered that not only were the red heads coming to my feeder, but were also excavating a hole in our birch snag.  While extremely noisy during nesting, we enjoyed having them share our yard.

I can't recall an early May which included so many wonderful bird sightings.  In addition to the hummingbirds, orioles, grosbeaks and buntings, we have been treated to scarlet tanagers and numerous uncommon warblers.  The return engagement of the red heads to our birch snag makes this the best Spring migration ever!

Belinda's Website

Orange Crush

The Baltimore orioles have arrived in droves!  If you don't already have your sliced oranges out, it is definitely worth a trip to the grocery store.  You can place them in a specially made oriole feeder, or skewer them on a nail pounded into an existing fly-thru feeder or fence post.

As if their magnificent color was not enough, their beautiful song makes these birds one of my seasonal favorites.  As with most species of birds, the males are more vivid orange than the female.  But what she lacks in appearance, she more than makes up with her construction skills.  The female oriole builds what is arguably one of the most interesting of nests.  Created from plant fibers, the "hanging" nest is built in deciduous trees in woodland areas and is often high up in the branches.

The oriole's diet consists of insects, fruit and flower nectar.  In addition to sliced oranges, they can also be lured in by nectar feeders, as well as feeders with small dishes of grape jelly.   As with hummingbird feeders, make sure that you keep them clean and fresh, especially if you are offering grape jelly.  Stale, liquefied jelly can quickly ferment, and you don't want "drunk" birds flying around your yard. Be aware that once the baby orioles are born, they will switch their diet to insects. If you want to continue to bring them in, you can swap mealworms for the grape jelly.

Orioles will return to the same nesting grounds, but will build a new nest each year.

Belinda's Website

They're Here!

Every year I eagerly anticipate the arrival of that first Ruby-throated hummingbird to my feeder.  Their annual return has always been on or around Mother's Day in Southeastern WI.  This year they did not disappoint, as my first visitor arrived this morning.  If you don't have your feeder up, I would suggest doing so as soon as possible.  If you want to increase your chances of bringing them to your yard, plant up some of their favorite flowering annuals, including fuchsia, petunia and salvia.  Perennials such as columbine, bleeding heart, bee balm and penstemon will also get their attention.

If you are not immediately successful, make sure that you are refreshing your feeder every 3-5 days.  Just as we find a flat soft drink distasteful, hummingbirds will be turned off by a feeder with "spoiled" nectar.   You will also have better results if you select a feeder with feeding ports on the top, as opposed to a drip tube.  The tube feeders are prone to leaking, and this will eventually lead to ants and other insects.

The male hummingbird can be very territorial and will fiercely defend food sources.  If you are lucky enough to get one or more males to your yard, you may want to place several feeders at different locations to avoid any battles!

These tiny jewels have an unbelievable 40-80 wing beats per second and are breathtaking to behold.  With proper feeder selection and placement, combined with continued maintenance, you should be able to enjoy these wonders of nature throughout the summer.

Belinda's Website

Suet Surprise!

If you have noticed a few new "songs" in your neighborhood lately, it could be migrating wood warblers.  These tiny crooners have been making their way northward the last few weeks.  While they are mainly solitary birds, they are often seen in loose flocks during migration.  I have had several flocks of Yellow-rumped warblers and chickadees visiting my yard and stopping for a drink at the bird bath. However, I had a special surprise when a Pine Warbler decided to visit my suet feeder for a few days (picture below).

Warblers can be overlooked during the Spring migration because they don't often visit traditional seed feeders.  Their diet consists mainly of insects and spiders, but many of them will visit a suet feeder.  Having a clean bird bath and a fresh cake of suet may be all it takes to lure one to your backyard.  

Because they move about so quickly, warblers are often difficult to photograph and identify.  It is a good idea to have a good field guide and a pair of binoculars within easy access.  Make sure that your field guide is geared specifically for "Eastern North America".   It will help you to identify those species of warblers that nest in your area, as opposed to those that are simply "passing through".

So keep your ear to the woods and your field guide at the ready!

Belinda's Website

A New Spring Wardrobe

As the temperatures continue to rise, we start to pack away those wool sweaters and dig out our shorts, t-shirts and flip flops.  The American Goldfinch is no exception, as these birds are currently in the process of changing their Spring wardrobe.

Many people mistakenly believe that these golden beauties migrate to warmer climates during the cold winter months.  While a few birds may fly a bit further south in harsh winters, the vast majority of finches are year-round residents. Looking more like tiny sparrows, the goldfinches shed their yellow feathers each fall. They simply aren't as recognizable in their "drab" winter jackets.

Goldfinches love "Nyjer" seed or thistle, as it is commonly called.  Nyjer seed is actually grown in Africa and Asia from a relative of the sunflower family.  While the seed is not cultivated from our native thistle plant, the goldfinch does utilize native "thistle down" for the building of their nests.  Because they have to wait for the thistle to flower and mature in order to harvest the down, the goldfinch is one of the last species to nest.

Below is a male and two females on my feeder in the process of changing their attire.  If you don't currently have a finch feeder hanging with fresh seed, get one out now.

Spring Cleaning

Finally, the crocus are blooming and the tulips and daffodils are pushing up through the soil.  Spring is truly just around the bend, and it is time for a good cleaning!  Don't forget to turn over or bring out your birdbath for our feathered friends.  My robins have been here for a few weeks, and I made sure to clean out their favorite birdbath.  It didn't take long before they indulged!

While most birds enjoy a refreshing bath from time to time, robins seem the most enthusiastic!  They may not come to a bird feeder, but they are drawn to a birdbath like no other species.  Enjoy their antics!

The Greatest Show On Earth - The Spring Migration!

I woke this morning to the haunting sound of migrating common loons. Despite the fact that there was snow falling, the timely return of the loons is always a spiritual experience for me and an assurance of the promise of Spring.  While they are only here for a brief layover before continuing northward to their breeding lakes, their presence this year is especially joyful.
  

With wintering grounds in the "oil laden" Gulf of Mexico, I was concerned about the numbers that might be returning this season.  As I drove around the lake this week, I was delighted to note higher numbers than last year, with a large grouping of 20+ birds near the eastern shore. 

While my children have since "left the nest", I have fond memories of the many years that our family has anticipated and counted the number of returning loons.  While Tichigan Lake in Southeastern Wisconsin is but a stop on their journey, I feel privileged to play a small part in this annual ritual.

In addition to the loons, hundreds of other species of birds will be making their trek northward in the coming weeks.  I encourage everyone to take time from their busy days and electronic devices to stop for a moment and bear witness to this spectacular show!  You won't be disappointed!