EASTERN BLUEBIRDS and HOUSE SPARROWS

It was a happy day when a striking pair of Eastern Bluebirds showed up in our back yard. They took an interest in the nestbox and appeared they were getting ready to get ready to build a nest and start a little Bluebird family.

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The handsome male Eastern Bluebird sitting atop the nestbox.

The female Eastern Bluebird preparing to enter the nestbox.

Unfortunately the Eastern Bluebird's debut ended abruptly when some aggressive House Sparrows in the area drove them off. House Sparrow numbers are increasing in our neighborhood while Eastern Bluebird numbers are decreasing.

What to do?

Google showcased a repeating House Sparrow Trap that did not take long to build using scrap wood. As you can see below, the HOSP lands on the left most platform of the trap once the food is placed around the trap and on both platforms. As he walks across the pivoting arm to get the food on the right-most platform, the weight of the Sparrow causes the pivot arm to drop down. The HOSP next enters the cage and the pivot arm automatically swings up into position ready for the next HOSP.

Our Miniature Schnauzers, Maddie and Mollie were intrigued with the House Sparrow inside the cage. Initially Mollie, our two year old, didn't see the House Sparrow in the trap as she was too busy eating the bread crumbs around the trap used for bait. Our old faithful girl Maddie, fourteen years old, spotted the Sparrow and went to check it out.

Hopefully the House Sparrow numbers will diminish and the Bluebirds will return to raise their little Bluebird family. :)

This You Tube Video gives you step-by-step instructions on how to build a Repeating House Sparrow Trap.
Part 1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBPqxLlCgrI&feature=channel&list=UL
Part 2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wC33W-cKaM&feature=channel&list=UL
Part 3: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oFCvRwzT6I&feature=channel&list=UL

PAINTED BUNTING

Is the spectacular Passerina ciris appropriately named or what? With its brilliant plumage someone must have certainly painted it. :)

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YELLOW-BREASTED CHAT

The secretive Yellow-Breasted Chats with their yellow chests, white spectacles, heavy bills, and long tails are more often heard than seen. Their scolding outpour includes whistles, harsh cackles, squawks and various explosive noises that are both astonishing and hilarious.

The series of pictures below reminds me of the story of the Three Little Pigs and the Big Bad Wolf where the wolf says ....

"I'LL HUFF!"

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"and I'LL PUFF!"

"and I'LL BLOW YOUR HOUSE DOWN!"

Well, nothing was blown down but a cute little baby Yellow-Breasted Chat came out to see what going on with all the huffing and puffing. Note: no hair on his chinny chin chin.

Part sheep part bird ?

Taking into consideration the plumage on the White Ibis's head and neck would it surprise you if this bird's call sounded more like, "B-A-A-A-A-A !!" ????

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The Return of the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird

We were sad to see our Broad-Tailed Hummingbird leave. He hung around for a couple of days then set sail. Much to our delight a flashy little adult male Ruby-Throated Hummingbird arrived on March 18, 2012. His coal of fire gorget coupled with his iridescent metallic green plumage was stunning.

Lo and behold, an immature male Rufous Hummingbird showed up shortly after the Ruby-Throated Hummer. Rufuous spotted the sugar water feeder and flew at full speed straight for it. Ruby zoomed up hovering in front of Ruby daring him to go past. The two little ones went round and round in mid-air squabbling over the feeder. After a few seconds Rufous had enough and jetted off with Ruby hot on his heels. Ruby, returned and assumed his perch in a nearby citrus tree overlooking 'his territory'. Every time Rufous tried to sneak a sip of sugar water Ruby instantly appeared and ran him off time after time. The little Rufous finally had enough and headed for friendlier territory.

This colorful little guy is delightful to have around. These speedsters are fascinating to watch with wingbeats from 10 - 80 beats per second (depending on the species), with heart rates of 20 beats per second (unless a cute, little female hovers close by getting his attention), with taking 250 breaths per minute while resting, and with having to eat more than their body weight of food every day.

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A White-eyed Vireo without White Eyes

It is always fun discovering and learning interesting facts about birds. The youngster pictured below came bouncing through the shrubby growth of a Pineywoods forest late one Saturday afternoon. It was not immediately recognizable and took a moment to reaize its identity. It was a Juvenile White-eyed Vireo.

You might be thinking,"Hold on. If this bird is a White-eyed Vireo then where are its white eyes?" It just so happens the iris of the developing WEVI youngster is grayish in appearance and transforms from gray to white maybe by February of the next spring, thus no white eyes.. Cool, huh?

Now you might be thinking, "Does the same principle regarding iris color for the WEVI also apply to a Red-eyd Vireo?" It just so happens Donna Dittmann and Steve Cardiff wrote, "Juveniles of the 'red-eyed' species start off with brown eyes, which gradually turn to red anytime from late summer into fall and early winter." in their article "Let's take another look: Vireos Part I 'large, eye-lined' species" in the LOS Newsletter No. 195. So, if you were thinking the same principle regarding iris color for the WEVI applies to the REVI then you are spot on !

Left-Click on Image to Enlarge and Better See the Iris Color




Note the white iris on an adult WEVI. He looks a bit spooky doesn't he?




This Pine Warbler was an appropriate bird to find in the Pine Forest.

Common Nighthawk

P-E-E-N-T!
Do you recognize this call when you hear it?

As young kids we used to watch Nighthawks at dusk with their long graceful wings marked with a crescent moon dart through the sky. No flying insects were safe from these aerial vacuum cleaners with their wide gaping mouths as they maneuvered effortlessly through the sunset sky scooping them up. In a sense, I suppose Nighthawks could be called the Right Whales of the air with their mouths wide open collecting food.

Due to their size and erratic flight path we initially thought Nighthawks were large bats making it easy to see how they coined the name 'Bullbats'. We later discovered their true identity.

As you see pictured Nighthawks have some inordinately large eyes. I suppose this helps them see at dusk and dawn as they swoop down on unsuspecting insects during the twilight hours. The whiskers / bristles surrounding the base of their beak supposedly aid in gathering food and offer protection to their eyes while airborne. Their large oblong nostril openings are interesting.

This particular Common Nighthawk was resting on a limb at Peveto Woods Sanctuary during the daytime. Sitting motionless on a limb coupled with its cryptic coloration makes this guy difficult to spot for both predators and humans alike. So, if you are in the woods and spot a bump on a limb that appears to be somewhat out of place be sure to look closely. It might just be a resting Nighthawk.

In my field guide the Common Nighthawk is listed as a Goatsucker. I seriously doubt if a farmer has to worry about one of these guys sneaking into his barn late at night and milking his goats. Goat milk is not on a Nighthawk's menu. :)

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Dipping, diving and flying the friendly skies.

Keeping an eye on the photographer.

Up, up and away!

Life is GOOD!

Chase anyone?

I'm right on your tail.

Tag, your it!

How many of you watch Synchronized Swimming in the Olympics? If there was a Synchronized Flying sport these guys would stand a good chance. :)

"Mystery Bird" Song

Click the arrow and see if you can ID the bird singing the song. I've heard this bird's song countless times but this is the first time ever hearing this version.

Best of luck, :)

Cameron - May 9, 2012

A trip to Peveto Woods was in order this morning. A freindly couple visiting from Canada pulled up looking for some migrating birds. Not long after, Gary Broussard and Jay Huner also rolled in. It was fun day visiting with fellow birdes and looking for the birds..

A Black-Bellied Plover wearing his tuxedo was pilfering through the seaweed looking for a meal on the beach between Holly Beach and Peveto.

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The early bird (Bay-Breasted Warbler) gets the worm (or in this case a caterpillar?)!

The elegant Ms. Bay-Breasted Warbler was hoping to come across a caterpillar as well.

The Maggies (Magnolia Warblers) were out in numbers bouncing around the woodlot.

A Yellow Warbler was inspecting the limbs / leaves as he foraged for food.

An inquisitive Ovenbird hung around and posed for his picture. Do you see what looks like an eyelash over his right eye?

I'm sure there is an explanation for this but heck if I know what is it. Could it be the "IN" harido among Ovenbirds? Perhaps the 'Spike Look'?

Cute little electric blue / green Damselflies were about the woodlot. Watch out for the spider's web below little Damselfly! If you become entangled in the web it will mean immediate death.

Another Damselfly radiated his electric orange color as he clung to a weed hunting for food. Mosquitos BEWARE!!.

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly. The spider's silky, gluey almost invisible thread ensnares the unsuspecting Damselfly. The Damselfly was not the only hunter about this morning.

Black-Throated Blue Warbler

It was an exceptional two Warbler Day at Peveto Woods Sanctuary. The Black-Throated Blue Warbler was a lifer. The Bay-Breasted Warbler is only the third one I've seen.

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The Bay-Breasted Warbler primarily skulked through the Live Oak Trees in the shade.

He hopped to the top of the tree and perched on a limb in the sun.

It took about 2.5 hours to find this first-ever, stunning Black-Throated Blue Warlber. It was a lifer and worth the effort to see such a magnificent rare bird..

Another picture of this stunning, rare Warbler.