As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, early arrival and nesting is a crap shoot. A bird gambles that arriving early will result in the likelihood of obtaining a prime nesting site, mate and, therefore, nesting success. And many times this gamble pays off. But not necessarily this May. Reportedly, this rash of cold weather we’ve been experiencing for the second half of May is the coldest it’s been for 50 years. Although I was quite alive 50 years ago, I can’t specifically remember if the weather was as lousy as this…so I’ll have to take their word for it. Unfortunately, the impact on some birds has been hard.
Last weekend Maggie, who has been monitoring our nest boxes, banded 4 young Eastern Bluebirds. This morning she rechecked the box only to find that they had died; they had not grown much since they were banded and were emaciated. The parents hadn’t been able to provide them with the sustenance they would have required. In a more normal year, these young birds would likely have fledged and been on their way.
Another example of the impact: yesterday I caught and banded a pair of Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. When I checked the body condition of the female I found that, her muscle mass was reduced and her weight was under par. Even so, she had a brood patch – indicating that she had a nest with eggs. These tiny birds would be hard-pressed to find the nutrition required just to stay alive.
Another example: the Tree Swallows at the nearest nesting box have taken to foraging on the ground bluebird style, looking for anything they can find.
Another example: we’ve caught an unprecedented number of Barn Swallows – all in the same net which is next to the pond where there is a concentration of swallows looking for emerging insects. The pond is a bit of a heat trap and seems to be providing local birds with something to eat. We’ve never caught Barn Swallows like this before.
Another example: so far we have not been bothered by mosquitoes. Usually, by this time, these fuzzy little winged meatballs can be quite annoying (while providing much needed calories for the birds).
Yesterday (the 23rd) I took my chances on the iffy forecast and went to check things out and opened nets. Despite the cold wind and occasional light shower, I caught 16 birds:
1 Least Flycatcher
1 Great Crested Flycatcher
1 Barn Swallows
1 Tree Swallow
2 Blue-gray Gnatcatchers
1 American Robin
2 Cedar Waxwings
1 Red-winged Blackbird
1 Brown-headed Cowbird
1 Magnolia Warbler
2 Yellow Warblers
1 Northern Cardinal
ET’s: 41 spp.
May 24th; Banded 12:
6 Barn Swallows
1 Eastern Bluebird
2 American Goldfinches
2 Savannah Sparrows
1 Yellow Warbler
ET’s: 43 spp.
And in the field next door:
