Date:         Thu, 10 Jul 2003 04:21:47 -0700
Reply-To:     Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
Sender:       Maryland Birds & Birding <MDOSPREY@HOME.EASE.LSOFT.COM>
From:         Sue Hamilton <seal10n2002@YAHOO.COM>
Subject:      Northern Parula Warblers
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A few days ago I saw a pair of parulas come down to
the ground, almost at my feet.  Actually, it was the
female which came to the ground, and started pulling
up small bits of grass or vine rootlets, which she
flew off with.  (The male was nearby, about a foot
above her.) Since then I have been trying to decide
whether I saw what I thought I saw. (Nest building??)

 Kathy Klimkiewicz refers in her article on this
species in the Atlas book to the late egg date as June
14.  She says fledging time is unkown & there is no
evidence of double brooding.  However, this species is
still 'safe' until August 15th.  Most warbler species
fledge in less than two weeks, I believe.  SO.  Does
the family just hang around feeding?  Or could I have
seen a female trying to fix up the nest for a second
attempt?

Kathy also says that only 12% of the records of this
species were confirmed, because the nests are high and
well concealed.  It is a very common species in my
home block; however, the map shows it was 'probable'
last time.

The experience of watching the bird so close up -- so
neat.  Unbelievable what a small warbler it is.

Altho the literature says they occasionally feed on
the ground, I have never seen them do so -- in spring
or summer. ( Fall is another story)

The only other time I have witnessed possible nest
building was when the nest was relatively low, near a
bench on the Battle Creek Swamp trail.

Sue Hamilton, Calvert

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