"Bird Poop" of north Texas

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

Play host to interesting birds during the upcoming migration with a waystation

Every year many, many unusual birds from all over this continent stop for awhile in north Texas during the fall migration period. These are birds that are flying south from up north. They want and need breaks from a long flight.

Almost all birds fly in stages, stopping several times along the way to rest and refuel. What they want most is fresh food to get their energy back up. You might see something like a Rose-breasted Grosbeak that departed from, for instance, Indiana. Some species (like Goldfinch and Junco) come to this area for the mild winter (this is the south after all)

Setting up a waystation for migrating birds is amazingly simple and very productive. Several people have had Baltimore orioles visit their waystations. They’ve seen warblers that aren’t normally here too.

You probably have some elements of a waystation already. It can have any number of appearances, but a proper waystation is simply a grouping of at least three feeders (each offering a different kind of seed), safe cover and water (yes, even in cool weather). All within an area about 10 ft. by 10 ft. Migrating birds look for all these things.

The period of fall migration extends from early September to mid-December. Many migration routes pass through north Texas. A group of birds may take a slightly different route each year. One thing is certain however. Each bird appreciates “waystations” enroute.

The size of the yard a waystation’s in doesn’t matter much. He or she can use even tiny waystations to fuel up, get much-needed water, and rest up (perhaps for a few days) before continuing.

For most birds, the actual migration flights occur in the cool of the night, since birds navigate by the stars, so we may not see them in flight. Also at night, there are few predators and the winds are more predictable. Their migration is governed entirely by the changing length of daylight, the sun's angles along their flight paths and the position of the stars.

So, put out a well-stocked waystation during migration periods. Then sit back and look for some “non-Texas” birds as they migrate through here.

OWEN YOST, in addition to being a blogger, is a licensed Landscape Architect emeritus who has lived and worked in north Texas for over 30 years. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA), International Federation of Landscape Architects, National Wildlife Federation and the Audubon Society. His office is at Yost87@charter.net in Denton.

Sunday, August 9, 2015

At 110°, you and the birds will have bigger concerns

Yellow-throated Warbler

Some folks still think suet is for wintertime only. They think that in the summer it might melt. That’s true of basic suet (animal fat) from a butcher shop. But suet packaged for birds is formulated to have a melting point of at least 110-degrees. So it’s perfect for Cardinals, Jays, Woodpeckers, Titmice, Chickadees and lots of other north Texas birds, now and all summer long. (They’re hungry all year, just like you and me!)

Turn off those deadly lights! Millions of birds die each year from crashing into windows of office buildings and homes. Suggestion: join with co-workers and persuade those responsible to turn off inside and outside lights at night - especially during the migration seasons. Also, at home put some sort of sticker on the glass and avoid putting feeders in the ”danger zone” of 3 ft. to 6 ft. from a window (within 3 ft. is OK).

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Orioles’ sweet tooth?

Orchard Orioles

Jams and jellies are good for attracting some of our north Texas birds, including native birds such as Orioles. Just don’t overdo it. Commercial jams and jellies are usually about 50% sugar, whereas natural nectar is about

Summer Tanager

10 – 30% sugar. A little jelly is fine, but a steady diet of it messes up birds’ metabolism.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Getting rid of squirrels is futile

Shooting, poisoning or trapping squirrels (shame on you) to rid them from your yard is absolutely pointless. It only makes your squirrel problem worse. You see, squirrels are territorial. So if the dominant squirrel is ”removed”, 3 or 4 wannabes, and their entire clans, will fight and squabble over the now-empty territory.

Also if you trap a squirrel and release it elsewhere, the solution may work for only a day or two. A squirrel will do everything in its power to return to familiar territory, especially if babies are left alone. The rule of thumb is to relocate it at least 7 miles away. I’d recommend 10 miles if trapping & releasing is used – even more if the intervening land is full of trees.

Two kinds of kingbirds here Both the Eastern Kingbird and Western Kingbird are summer birds here in north Texas. Both species are found in urban neighborhoods, preferring those that include large open areas and some water. Around golf courses they’re especially abundant. We’re on the eastern edge of the range of the Western species, and we’re on the western edge of the range of the Eastern species.

EASTERN KINGBIRD

Sunday, July 26, 2015

To spot juvenile Robins, look for spots

About the time of year, fledgling American Robins (just out of the nest)

American Robin fledgling

are apt to appear in backyard birdbaths. The male parent is usually in charge of fledglings. Fledglings have to be taught how to fly well, bathe, where to find food, finding safety etc.- how to be birds. They’re the same size as adults, but can be recognized by black speckles on their orange/red breasts, which they outgrow in 3 or 4 weeks.

Painted Bunting- female

Dull plumage Many female birds have an adaptation allowing them to sit on a nest and take care of nestlings in relative peace. Their more muted coloration helps conceal the females and their eggs from predators. The different plumages of male & female Buntings and Cardinals are excellent examples.

Sunday, July 19, 2015

Hummingbirds at feeders; who's who?

The two main species of Hummingbirds in north Texas are fairly easy to tell apart near a nectar feeder. The Black-chinned Hummingbird pumps its tail up and down when hovering; the Ruby-throated Hummingbird doesn’t. This is true of juveniles too, although the coloration may be different.

A well-built feeder should not drip, attracting wasps and such. In Texas’ hot weather, a feeder is more likely to drip if you fill it with cold nectar and place it outside when the air is very hot.

I recommend a nectar-mix of 4 parts water and 1 part sugar. Hummingbirds need a 4:1 mix as much for the water as for the sugar. They’ll eat a richer mixture, but won’t be getting the correct hydration and energy they need to stay healthy.

More Whooping Cranes The number of endangered Whooping Cranes in Texas is at a record level. In a recent census of the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge and surrounding areas, the total number actually seen was 260. It’s estimated that at least 4 Cranes are still migrating. Two more are with Sandhill Cranes near Aransas.

So the total visible flock size is 266. It consists of an estimated 140 adults, 87 subadults, and 39 juveniles. These are the endangered cranes at Aransas, and doesn’t include, of course, ones that weren’t seen, so there are very likely more.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Big birds don’t scare littler birds away

Grackles

Large birds like crows and grackles often get blamed for driving away more desirable birds. However, that’s rarely the case, unless they’re after the same things. For example, crows foraging in a field for insects such as grasshoppers are no threat whatsoever to seed-eating Cardinals or Goldfinches.

Seen a Prothonotary Warbler? The Prothonotary Warbler (seen here, though he’s shy) has an interesting name – probably stemming from a notary or scribe in the Roman Catholic Church. It’s almost certainly derived from the Latin word “protonotarius” – a Catholic official who wears a yellow hood. (The bird has a yellowish head and chest).

Prothonotary Warbler