May 2005
Wednesday, May 4, 2005
Some morning birds and a story to be told later
I stopped at Tower Grove Park this morning and was reminded that I need to review plates 31 and 32 in Peterson’s Warblers. There were 2 in the park this morning that mystified me. Their tail-pumping behavior suggested Palm Warbler, as did the long tail with white spots (although the spots looked more to me like those of a Yellow-rumped Warbler), yellow undertail coverts, and yellow throats. But the bellies were clear white, and I didn’t see any streaking on the breasts.
Also in the park this morning were my first American Redstart (a male) and Gray Catbird of the year, as well as many White-throated Sparrows, a Hermit Thrush, several Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (male and female) and a Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
There was also a Kentucky Warbler in the bird garden. Caught in a net that was not being monitored in a way appropriate for the park. This is the story to be told later.
Tuesday, May 3, 2005
Stall
Days of winds from the west and the north have resulted in a slow migration insofar as the city migration traps are concerned. After midnight tonight the winds are forecast to shift from NNW to SSE. Looks as though I’ll be making a detour through Tower Grove Park on the way to work tomorrow.
Eden
This morning during the walk to the office I experienced one of those moments that feel primeval. As I stood at the edge of the waterway near the skating rink I found myself in the midst of at least 100 Chimney Swifts and dozens of Barn, Northern Rough-winged, and Tree Swallows. It was as though I were a rock in a stream—birds flowed toward my face and veered around it.
A single Purple Martin was at the nest box. On Friday the Eastern Bluebirds were inspecting it. I wait to see who will move in.
Two herons along the river: a Little Blue caught and swallowed a fish while I watched, and a Green peered into the water hoping to do the same.
A Spotted Sandpiper and 2 Killdeer represented the shorebirds.
Tower Grove Park
A friend reported a Pine Siskin near the Cypress Circle. Once again it eluded me. I did see a late-ish sapsucker (male).
Yard Bird Report
A female cowbird was a new yard bird yesterday, an addition to the list that I make with mixed feelings.
The robin that made her nest where the arm of the satellite dish is attached to the house is still sitting on the eggs.
On Sunday I noticed that 2 of the male House Finches in the yard had conjunctivitis. The feeders have been bleached and are being monitored.
Today the male Red-winged Blackbird that has been visiting the feeder for several weeks bit one of the House Finches.
