[tn-bird] Common birds in our yard right now
- From: FINCH64@xxxxxxx
- To: tn-bird@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Fri, 28 Jun 2002 09:57:58 EDT
Hi all:
I finally positively ID'ed a Summer Tanager this morning so I can add it to
the list of what we have here. I have been hearing that "pit-i-tuck" call for
some time and have seen the birds flying quickly from tree to tree. But they
are mostly elusive - hiding within the branches. This morning I heard that
call and I was at the ready. It was a male and I was sitting on the screen
porch. He was sitting on top of it! Right on top of the drain spout and in
the mock grape vines which cover that side of the porch. I quickly went
outside and there he was posing as if for a picture. Then he started his dawn
song. He let me have a good look at him and then he flew off to continue
singing his song elsewhere.
These are birds which I either commonly see and/or hear on our property at
this time of year (and for the last several months): Indigo Bunting, Northern
Cardinal, Chuck-will's-widow, Mourning Dove, House Finch (nesting), American
Goldfinch, Common Grackle, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Blue Jay, Northern
Mockingbird, Common Nighthawk, American Robin, Chimney Swift, Summer Tanager,
Tufted Titmouse, Eastern Towhee, Turkey Vulture, Red-bellied Woodpecker,
Eastern Wood-Peewee, Carolina Wren (saved a fledgling from our dog and
returned it (hopefully successfully) to its parents last Saturday).
I have noticed a considerable decline this year in Eastern Bluebird and
Carolina Chickadee. Also I have not seen or heard a Brown-headed Cowbird in
at least 2 years (formerly very common in our yard). Maybe there is a
connection between the lack of cowbirds and the arrival of the Summer
Tanager? Also the House Finch comes back to nest here for the last couple of
years.
This is not on our property but just up the road is Stewarts Creek and I
noticed Red-winged Blackbirds for the first time this year. Also for the
first time earlier this month we had a Northern Bobwhite on our property
calling continuously for at least a half hour.
It's also interesting to watch the feral Chickens (they just showed up one
day and have multiplied since then - they roost in the trees at night) and
the one Guineafowl (a male) which we purchased. The guineafowl competes with
the roosters for hens! I guess he doesn't realize they aren't even in the
same family! lol But that doesn't stop him from chasing and sometimes
half-killing roosters who try to invade his 'harem.'
Anyone is welcome to come and bird our property. Please contact me privately
to make arrangements. We have about 21 acres subdivided into 4 lots. All but
one have been developed with residences - all family. If you look at a topo
map we are on Burnt Knob Road just east of Hwy 102 (Almaville Road) in
Rutherford County. Our property sits between Stewart Creek and Gibbs Knob. We
have a good amount of woods, fence rows with lots of trees and a very long
drive that has lots of tall grass and woods on the side. That is a very good
place to look for birds. There are even some junk piles here and there
including some old junk cars so I will be on the lookout for Bewick's Wrens.
Barry Jernigan
finch64@xxxxxxx
Murfreesboro, TN
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