On December 20th Blackbrook Audubon participated in the Audubon Christmas bird count. We covered areas in Lake and Geauga county. With over 25 participants we were able to visit many parks and trails. Becky and I visited Big Creek, Whitlam woods and Girdled road north. That day the black-capped chickadees were out in force. We counted 53 but I am sure there were many more that we missed.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Yellow-throated Warbler
Sunday, December 13, 2009
When are they filling up the feeder?
If you have not already started to feed the birds this winter, this is a good time to start. A variety of birds can be attracted to feeders with oil sunflower seeds and suet. Many birds supplement their diet in the winter at home feeders. If you are able to set your feeders with a view from a window, you can have hours of enjoyment watching them come and go. Don't worry, this Black-capped Chickadee was enjoying sunflower seeds shortly after the picture was taken.
Monday, December 7, 2009
The start of a Chimney Swift tower
The Holden Arboretum was contacted by a boy scout who wished to install a Chimney Swift tower as an Eagle Scout project. After reviewing several areas with the conservation department, a location behind Foster's pond was selected. Last weekend the tower began to take shape. This is just the start. When the tower is completed it will be 12 feet tall.
The Chimney Swift must have deep shafts in which to raise families and roost at night. Much like the Purple Martins, Chimney Swifts rely almost entirely on man-made structures for nest sites . The Chimney Swift can eat nearly one third of their weight in mosquitoes and other annoying insects daily. Further updates and information on Chimney swifts to follow.
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Bufflehead duck at Corning Lake
In the late fall it is not unusual to spot a pair or more of Bufflehead ducks at Corning Lake at The Holden Arboretum as they migrate through to their winter grounds. You can see the male above is quite a colorful speciman.
The Bufflehead ducks are the smallest diving ducks in North America. Tree cavity nesters most exclusively made by Northern Flickers and occasionally Pileated Woodpeckers near ponds and streams. They will often stay with the same mate for several year.
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