Hi Jenny --

The Red-tail may have been defending his territory is my best guess -- 
probably a nest near there?

The catbirds and Robins are most likely eating little bugs in the corn 
and/or millet and it just appears that they are eating seeds. We have a 
fairly moist spring and there are probably some bugs around that are 
taking advantage of the decomposing corn and millet.

Cheers,
Kathy

Kathy Klimkiewicz, Biologist
USGS Patuxent WRC BBL
12100 Beech Forest RD STE 4037
Laurel MD 20708-4037
301-497-5795 work
Fax 301-497-5717

Report Bands: http://www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl and get instant feedback!
www.pwrc.usgs.gov/bbl




Jenny McClintock <> 
Sent by: Maryland Birds & Birding <>
05/24/2006 01:37 PM
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Jenny McClintock <>


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Subject
[MDOSPREY] behavior questions for the experts






GlacierThis morning, as I was heading north on Route 29 just before I-70, 
I 
noticed something peculiar. There was a motorcycle in front of me. All of 
sudden a Red-TailedHawk flew out of a small tree on the median and flew at 

the motorcylist coming within about 2 feet of him before flying back up 
into 
the tree. It didn't look like a mistake ... it appeared that he was being 
agressive.  Any ideas of what may have been going on in his bird-head?

Also, I have been feeding birds in my backyard since I can remember, and 
have always had Catbirds and Robins in the area, usually taking advantage 
of 
the birdbath. But this year, I have observed both of them eating millet 
seed 
and cracked corn on the ground. Is this unusual? I didn't think either of 
these species cared for seed ... especially at this time of the year. Just 

wondering.

Jenny McClintock
Columbia, MD