Workers' bird count May 2013 and other bird matters

While they plant seeds and spray weeds, Susan and coworkers have been keeping track of bird species seen or heard. The list at end of this post has 55 species. Since this year more time has been spent than usual in the wetland, there are probably more wetland birds than in previous surveys.

In addition to those on the list, confirmed sightings by Kathie and others include scarlet tanager and Cape May warbler. Also, most of the nest boxes in Kathie's bluebird trail have been occupied with bluebirds, many with 5 eggs.

Roma will be doing another breeding bird survey before the end of the month.


Another interesting bird matter. Brand Smith of Madison Audubon has developed a special system that permits examination of nest boxes in situ. He visited Pleasant Valley Conservancy the other day and applied this camera to our two kestrel boxes. Although we had not seen any activity about these boxes, both of them had eggs and were obviously being used! (Photo by Amanda)

I don't know the details of the apparatus but assume it is some sort of mini inspection system.

Updated 5/21/2013

baltimore oriole

belted kingfisher

black billed cuckoo

black capped chickadee

black throated green warbler

blue gray gnatcatcher

blue jay

bluebird

canada goose

catbird

chipping sparrow

common yellowthroat

coopers hawk

cowbird

crow

downy woodpecker

eastern kingbird

eastern meadowlark

eastern towhee

field sparrow

flicker

goldfinch

great egret

hairy woodpecker

hooded merganser

indigo bunting

kestrel

killdeer

mourning dove

orchard oriole

phoebe

pileated woodpecker

red bellied woodpecker

red headed woodpecker

redtail hawk

redwing blackbird

robin

rose breasted grosbeak

sandhill crane

sandpiper (sp?)

scarlet tanager

song sparrow

sora rail

swamp sparrow

towhee

tree swallow

tufted titmouse

turkey vulture

virginia rail

white breasted nuthatch

wild turkey

wood thrush

yellow bellied sapsucker

yellow throated vireo (blue hd?)

yellow warbler