Folks

While puttering around the house the past few days I had some nice natural history events.  On Thursday evening, about 300 Common Grackles where flushed by the construction of the new elementary school next door, and flew over the house.  It may be early for winter flocking, but it looks like these animals have already started to roost colonially.  Several hatch year bird continue to feed in the yard..  Some are still the nice chocolate brown color. 

Friday night eight sub-adult hummingbirds were feeding in two feeders with eight feeding stations on the deck.  I added a third feeder to the deck.  This makes a total of five feeders out now.  All are being used regularly.  I am guessing that I have at least twelve Ruby-throated Hummingbirds around the house.  Mostly they are recently hatched young, but up to three adult males have been observed. 

The other atlas highlight was tonight.  I was trying to photograph one of the eight young Chipping Sparrows feeding on the drive when a hatch year Ovenbird popped up into the ornamental plum tree next to the drive.  Another confirmed breeder for the block since safe date is until August 5.  

Other atlas activity included Eastern Bluebirds continuing to be busy with the four eggs in the front yard.  When will they hatch?   A number of young Mourning Dove continue to fatten up at the feeder stations as well.   Another young bird showed up this AM.  A young male Red-bellied Woodpecker was feeding intermittently.  A quick snap shot was less then pleasing.  Young birds are suppose to be dumb and hold still.  Maybe this one will survive to adulthood.

This AM two screaming Red-shouldered Hawks were circling the house.  I wonder what they are up to?

The real surprise today was another time when I was trying to photograph one of the eight young Chipping Sparrows, a male Indigo Bunting flew into the pine tree next to the shed, and stayed long enough for two quick pictures.  Later the same day (today) a Blue Grosbeak was singing west of the house.  Gwen advised she had heard this bird earlier in the weekend.  Perhaps post breeding dispersal is starting for some species.  I live in the wood still and these two species should be elsewhere next to a field.

The only other singing birds of note were Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Eastern Wood Peewee, and Scarlet Tanagers.  Blue-gray Gnatcatchers have been conspicuous the last three days, out feeding, and singing some.  A Carolina Wren continues to explore secluded spots thinking of another nest spot.  Stay out of the shed.

Butterflies around today included Tiger and Spicebush Swallowtail, Cabbage White, Red Admiral, Monarch, Eastern Tail Blue, Sliver-spotted Skipper, and maybe a Northern Broken Dash.  I got pictures - now I need to study.

Dragonflies included both Green and Swamp Darner, and Eastern Pondhawk.

Good atlasing.

George