Mourning Cloak and Bluebirds

The Mourning Cloak (nymphalis antiopa) in the above photo was not the first of its species to be seen at the Museum this season, but it was the first that allowed a close enough approach to be photographed. Before this butterfly posed for its picture, it had been fluttering about the upper branches of an elm tree in Catch the Wind, apparently searching for a fresh leaf on which to lay its eggs. There were many flowers, seeds and leaf budsRead more

Bluebird Report

A handful of Eastern Bluebirds were seen visiting the bird feeders and, more importantly, inspecting the nest boxes placed in Catch the Wind last season. It won’t be long now…. Spring’s just around the bend!Read more

Family of Bluebirds

Ever since bluebird nest boxes were installed earlier this year in Catch the Wind, I’ve seen Carolina Chickadees, House Wrens, Brown-headed Nuthatches, and yes, the intended species, bluebirds, using the boxes. All of those species were observed building nests in the boxes, most laid eggs, and some were seen carrying food into the boxes and/or carrying out fecal sacs, a sure sign that there is young within. I may have missed some nest box activity. Birds don’t wait for meRead more

Bluebird Update

Immediately after posting “Bluebird Boxes” I went out to Catch the Wind and this is what I saw! Both the male and female had several peeks inside the boxes. It’s still uncertain, however, whether or not they will choose to use this particular box. But, two of the other boxes are being very carefully inspected by chickadees, it may be too late for the bluebirds to move into those. Wait till the House Wrens arrive! As before, I will keep youRead more

Bluebird Boxes

We’ve recently acquired five new nest boxes. The boxes are intended for Eastern Bluebirds but I think that Carolina Chickadees, House Wrens, or Tree Swallows (a long shot, but you never know) could use the boxes. I’d be happy with any of the above. The boxes were donated by Ken Kernodle, Steve McDaniel, and John Boone and installed by them with the help of Anne Baugh, Exhibits Research Specialist here at the Museum. Four of the boxes are in Catch theRead more

The Urge to Nest, Martins on the Way

A Canada Goose was observed moving nesting material around on the small island in front of the Wetlands Overlook. The bird was apparently just going through the motions spurred on by the warm weather. The goose momentarily shuffled a few pieces of grass and leaves about on the island, then swam off to feed. Thinking that I was looking at an Osprey (unusual for this time of year), it was not a disappointment when the raptor that I saw glidingRead more

Broadwinged Hawk!

Finally, a Broad-winged Hawk! I had expected to see a Broad-winged Hawk in mid to late April when they first arrive back from their winters spent in South America. They usually slip into the nesting season with little fanfare so they can easily be missed. Broad-wings don’t make very much noise, usually vocalizing only during the early part of the nesting season. When they do call out, it sounds more like a Killdeer’s whistled song, or the song of anRead more