Bird Notes from West Houston

Fallout!

2006-05-02T16:21:00.000-05:00

On Saturday, April 29, conditions came together for a spectacular fallout event on the Upper Texas Coast. A cold front pushed offshore accompanied by thunderstorms on Saturday morning. As the birds migrate across the Gulf of Mexico, they encounter the northerly winds and rain and have to work harder to fly, which of course uses more energy. The birds are exhausted by the time they reach the Texas coast and will literally fall out of the sky into the nearest trees. There they will rest and find food to replenish their depleted energy. Fallouts can be great for birders. The birds are so focused on finding food that they abandon some of their natural habits. The birds will allow for close approaches by humans. Some birds that normally forage at the tops of tall trees will come closer to the ground. And then there is the sheer numbers of birds. I remember a fallout in April 1997 where the some of the trees at High Island looked as if they were alive because of all the birds moving in the branches. It was not a matter of finding a bird to look at, but a matter of deciding which bird I was going to look at. On Saturday the 29th, I had to work all day, but got off at 5:00. I got home around 6:00 and my wife and I went into the woods behind our house. We tallied thirteen species of warblers, many of which were the first time I had seen them for the year. Those warblers were:

Blue-winged Warbler
Tennessee Warbler
Northern Parula
Yellow Warbler
Chestnut-sided Warbler
Magnolia Warbler
Black-throated Green Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Bay-breasted Warbler
Blackpoll Warbler
Black-and-white Warbler
American Redstart
Ovenbird

Other migrants were:

Yellow-billed Cuckoo
Common Nighthawk
Chimney Swift
Eastern Wood-Pewee
Great Crested Flycatcher
Scarlet Tanager
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Indigo Bunting
Painted Bunting

My wife and I birded for 1 1/2 hours. There was more activity in that short amount of time than I had in my other excursions combined!

Unfortunately, as great as a fallout is for birdwatchers, it is not so good for birds. The birds have flown over 500 miles from the Yucatan Peninsula and hit the northerly winds and rain. They have been flying for 16 to 18 hours and are tired anyway. Many do not make it to the coast. They will just become too exhausted and fall into the Gulf and drown. Those that do make it to the coast often fall to predation by hawks, snakes and cats because they are so focused on finding food. Those that make it to the coast and do not fall prey to other animals are slowed on their migration because they have to replenish their bodies to continue the migration north.

On days in April and May when a cool front moves through, grab your binoculars and field guide and head to a wooded area. You may be pleasantly surprised at what you see!

Great Day Birding!

2006-04-24T11:03:00.000-05:00

Glenn and I went birding on Sunday, 4/23. I've been telling him about my property in Chambers County, so he came over to see it. The birds just didn't cooperate with us. We did see a few pretty good migrants: Wood Thrush, Black-throated Green Warblers, Blue Grosbeak, a female Hooded Warbler, Indigo Buntings and the resident Northern Parula. We decided to run to High Island and see what was going on down there. We got to Boy Scout Woods just before 5:00 and before we got ten feet inside the gate, we had seen a Blackburnian Warbler, Yellow-throated Vireo, Blackpoll Warbler, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Scarlet Tanagers, Yellow Warblers and Baltimore Orioles. We made out way to the stands and there was quite a bit of activity around the water. There were Gray Catbirds, a Worm-eating Warbler, Scarlet Tanagers, a Kentucky Warbler, Indigo Buntings, Yellow Warblers and a Northern Waterthrush. We made a quick walk around the boardwalk and into the woods where I found a female American Redstart. Daylight was getting in short supply so we decided to go to Smith Oaks and brave the mosquitoes. We started off in the woods where we saw many of the same birds as Boy Scout Woods, but added a Gray-cheeked Thrush, Tennessee Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler and Orchard Oriole. The rookery was very active. We saw very clearly a Great Egret feeding three chicks. We also got to see alligators waiting below for the chance to grab a careless chick that might fall out of the nest. One of the more interesting things we saw was a turtle (I'm not sure what species) laying eggs on the levee at the rookery. On the way back, there was just enough light to see a Pileated Woodpecker fly across Hwy. 61 just south of Anahuac. In all, we counted 30 species at Boy Scout Woods, 40 species at Smith Oaks, 23 species on my property and 8 species driving to and from High Island.

This week and next week are the peak weeks for migration here. There are more species and higher numbers of each species, so this is a great time to get out and go birding! Wednesday looks especially promising with a cool front forecast to go offshore with rain accompanying it. Glad I'm off!

- Paul

Spring Migration Report

2006-04-17T07:08:00.000-05:00

It seems that we are having a lower than average spring migration. People from all parts of the state are reporting fewer migrants this year. I have certainly found that to be true on my property. The number of species is significantly lower than it was this time last year. I'm not sure what the cause is, but strongly suspect it's a combination of the drought and the strong south winds we've been having. The birds come in and find fewer insects because of the drought and move on. Some of them take full advantage of the tail-wind and keep on going north and don't even stop here.

Listed below are the migrant sightings from my property and the date the first one was seen so far this year:

3/29 - Great Crested Flycatcher
4/5 - Eastern Kingbird
3/19 - Yellow-throated Vireo
3/29 - Red-eyed Vireo
4/12 - Tree Swallow
3/26 - Northern Rough-winged Swallow
3/19 - Barn Swallow
4/12 - Veery
4/12 - Gray-cheeked Thrush
4/12 - Swainson's Thrush
4/5 - Wood Thrush
3/15 - Orange-crowned Warbler
3/15 - Northern Parula
3/29 - Yellow-throated Warbler
3/29 - Black-and-white Warbler
3/29 - Louisiana Waterthrush
3/19 - Hooded Warbler
3/29 - Indigo Bunting

Mind you, I'm not complaining! I get concerned where there seems to be such a region-wide difference in bird populations. It may be nothing. Only time will tell.

- Paul

Rarity last week

2006-04-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

On Monday, Apr. 3, a customer called the store and said he had an unusual bird coming to his finch feeder. As he described it, the only bird that matched the description was a Lesser Goldfinch, Carduelis psaltria. We told him how rare a Lesser Goldfinch is in Houston, so he came into the store to look at our field guides to make sure that he was actually seeing one. Upon examining the field guides, he was positive of his identification. After the store closed on Tuesday, I went to his house. After fighting traffic to get there, I stepped out on the backporch to see a bright yellow streak fly above my head. I'm sure that was him, but he never came back that evening. So, on Friday I went back at 5:30 armed with my camera. We sat on their back patio and about twenty minutes later he showed up! I got several shots of him. (I have to get the film developed before I can proclaim I got "good" shots!) About 6:30, he came in for one last meal and then left for the night. That was the last time anyone saw him. We're not sure why he left, but so far he hasn't come back to the feeder.

Check the birds at your feeders! Rarities show up in this area, probably more than we realize. If you see something that is unusual, look it up and let someone else know about it. Try to get photos of it to document the sighting. Video is even better. You never know when something rare will show up in your yard.

Migration numbers

2006-03-21T11:19:00.000-06:00

I have been asked many times when the best time for birding is during spring migration in the Houston area. I have friends who live in other parts of the state who want to maximize their time here and see as many species as possible. So, they ask when to come. Until recently, I didn't know except to tell them that I always thought late April was the best time. Last night, I sat down with A Birder's Checklist of the Upper Texas Coast published by the Houston Outdoor Nature Club, Ornithology Group to answer that question. My criteria was to only consider migratory songbirds (from nightjars to orioles) that are listed as abundant (A), fairly common (FC) or uncommon (U). The dates I considered were the third week of March through the third week of May. Here are the results:

3rd week Mar.
Number of migrants - 22
A - 4
FC - 4
U - 14

4th week Mar.
Number of migrants - 32
A - 13
FC - 9
U - 10

1st week Apr.
Number of migrants - 45
A - 18
FC - 10
U - 17

2nd week Apr.
Number of migrants - 49
A - 29
FC - 13
U - 7

3rd week Apr.
Number of migrants - 65
A - 34
FC - 17
U - 14

4th week Apr.
Number of migrants - 69
A - 38
FC - 20
U - 11

1st week May
Number of migrants - 67
A - 37
FC - 18
U - 12

2nd week May
Number of migrants - 62
A - 23
FC - 25
U - 14

3rd week May
Number of migrants - 50
A - 10
FC - 23
U - 17

Migration is already going well. On Sunday, I saw Northern Parulas, a Yellow-throated Vireo and a Hooded Warbler in the woods on my property. I also watched Barn Swallows flying overhead. This morning, a Northern Rough-winged Swallow flew beside my car as I was stopped at a stopsign near my house. According to the numbers, it only gets more active in the coming weeks! Good birding!

- Paul

Binoculars

2006-03-14T13:03:00.000-06:00

With spring migration upon us, many will be interested in getting a pair of binoculars. Whether it is your first pair or a replacement for a well-worn pair, it is important to know a little about what you are shopping for.

Magnification
The first number in the binocular designation (i.e. 8x42) is the magnification. Most birders use 7x, 8x or 10x binoculars for regular birdwatching. The number represents how many times closer the binoculars will make an object appear. If you look through a pair of 8x binoculars, the object will appear to be eight times closer than it is with no magnification. Normally 10x is as high as you will want to go. While higher magnification binoculars magnify the birds even more than lower magnification, they will also magnify every little shake in your hands. For higher magnification than 10x, consider using a spotting scope with a tripod. Also, as the magnification increases, the light-gathering ability decreases.

Objective Lens
The second number in the binocular designation is the size in millimeters of the objective lens. A pair of 8x42 binoculars will have a 42 millimeter objective lens (the lens away from your eyes.) Typically the larger the objective lenses will allow more light into the binoculars giving you a brighter image. A 50 mm objective lens is usually the limit on birding binoculars because of the weight. On a bright, sunny day, the size of the objective lens will make little difference in light gathering. You will see the difference on very cloudy days, at dawn and at dusk.

Field of View
When you look through binoculars, the widest dimension that you can see will be the field of view. It is similar to peripheral vision. A wide field of view is helpful because the bird does not have to be in the center of your binoculars. You can put your binoculars in the general area and look for movement even if the bird is not in the center of the view. As the magnification increases, the field of view decreases.

Lens Coatings
The binoculars today are much different than binoculars thirty years ago. Many advancements have been made to improve the image and light-gathering abilities of binoculars. One of those advancements is lens coatings. Coatings help the light that enters the objective lens stay in one beam until it reaches your eyes. Binoculars with multi-coated lenses will provide better light-gathering than uncoated lenses with a larger objective lens.

Waterproofing and Fogproofing
Nine years ago, I had one of the most frustrating experiences of my birdwatching life. I had gone to High Island for migration and the weather was less than ideal. It was raining and cool. However, those less than ideal conditions created a spectacular fallout. The binoculars I carried were not waterproof or fogproof and fogged internally. I could not see anything. Fortunately a friend of mine had an extra pair of waterproof binoculars that she let me borrow and I could enjoy the birds. Having waterproof binoculars is great because you never know when you'll get caught in a rainstorm or be sprayed with surf at the ocean. Fogproof binoculars eliminate internal fogging from rain or from sudden temperature changes. Most roof prism binoculars are waterproof and many are fogproof as well.

These are some of the more important issues to consider when purchasing a pair of binoculars. Other issues such as eye relief, depth of field and exit pupil can be discussed when purchasing the optics. To make sure you are completely satisfied with your binocular purchase, go into a store with the optics and test them out. A good pair of binoculars is an investment. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first. You shouldn't buy binoculars without testing them first either. See how they feel in your hands. See how they fit your eyes. Compare the different kinds and find out which pair fits you best. Then enjoy them!

- Paul

Hummingbird Migration

2006-03-10T06:46:00.000-06:00

Hummingbirds are starting to be seen at feeders around the Houston area. In the spring, the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate through the Upper Texas Coast region to their breeding grounds further north. They will visit feeders a day or two before moving on. We usually see them from March to mid-May in spring migration. Our peak time for hummingbirds is in August, September and into mid-October. Click on the link to the right "Track Hummingbird Migration" to monitor the north-bound migration of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds.

The nectar solution is four parts water to one part sugar. No red food coloring is necessary. Most feeders have plenty of red on them to attract the hummingbird's attention. Change the nectar solution in your feeder twice a week to prevent fungus and mold from developing.

Birdfeeding Tips - Squirrels

2006-02-22T07:53:00.000-06:00

Squirrels. There are basically three attitudes people have about squirrels. They love them. They hate them. They say they hate them, but when it comes down to it, they don't mind them all that much. Whatever your attitude about squirrels is, you probably see them at your feeders if you live in a wooded habitat. When the squirrels are on the feeder, no birds are. So what can you do?

There are several ways to keep the squirrels off your feeders. The easiest way is to baffle your feeders. For any baffle to be effective, there needs to be an eight foot radius (sixteen foot diameter) around your feeders from which there is nothing a squirrel can jump sideways. Those things include your house, fence, trees, picnic table, patio furniture, birdbaths, bushes, etc., etc., etc. The average squirrel can jump 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 feet horizontally and four feet vertically. If you have the spacing, use a baffle. There are many varieties of baffles for both pole-mounted feeders and hanging feeders. The top of the baffle on pole-mounted feeders or the bottom of the feeders if the feeders are hung needs to be 4 1/2 feet off the ground to prevent squirrels from jumping from the ground and getting around the baffle.

If you do not have the spacing to baffle your feeders, don't give up hope! There are other options. One would be going with a squirrel-resistant feeder. There are many models on the market and some are more effective than others. The best one I know of is the Wild Birds Unlimited Eliminator. If it is hung at least 16 inches from a pole or tree, it has been the most effective feeder at keeping squirrels out. If you want some entertainment while befuddling the squirrels, you might consider The Yankee Flipper. The Flipper has a motorized perch that spins when the squirrel puts his weight on it. It can be hilarious to watch!

If you cannot baffle and do not like the squirrel-resistant feeders, there is always safflower. Safflower is a very nutritious seed for birds and is liked by cardinals, House Finches, chickadees, titmice, doves and others. Squirrels do not like the taste of safflower. Probably 90% of squirrels will leave it alone, especially if a squirrel feeder is provided for them. There have been those squirrels that seem to develop a taste for safflower, though.

Some people use capsicum powder to keep the squirrels out. While it may work, I cannot recommend it. The first reason is I've heard people say that their squirrels develop a taste for it eventually. The second reason is there is some debate on the effect of capsicum on the digestive system of birds. It has not been proven safe for birds. Thirdly, I am concerned about the powder being blown into the eyes of birds at the feeder by another bird flying in which would cause considerable irritation. Lastly, I knew a lady who put it in her seed and inhaled some of the dust even though she was wearing a mask. She spent nearly two weeks in the hospital with pneumonia brought on by breathing the dust. Even though capsicum might be effective, I would strongly caution anyone against using it.

Squirrels are interesting animals to watch. Their intelligence and creativity in figuring out how to get to feeders is astonishing sometimes. While they can be a nuisance sometimes, they are very interesting animals to have in your yard. Watch their behavior and enjoy their antics!

- Paul

Species Profile - Northern Cardinal

2006-02-22T06:33:00.000-06:00

During the spring migration, excitement builds among birders because of the anticipation of seeing the brightly colored migrants such as the warblers, tanagers, vireos, orioles, buntings and grosbeaks. The colors of the birds are sometimes breathtaking. The migrants come and then the migrants go. Fortunately we have the Northern Cardinal to brighten our bird landscape when the others have moved on.

The Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis is one of the most popular feeder birds in the Houston area. People brighten up when talking about "their" cardinals. Those who move to new neighborhoods without appropriate cardinal habitat lament the absence of cardinals from their feeders. The Northern Cardinal (called "Northern" because there are other species of cardinals further south) is so popular that it has been named the state bird of seven states! That is more than any other bird.

The cardinal is 8 3/4 inches long with a wingspan of 12 inches. The male cardinal is brilliant red all over except for a black face. He sports a handsome red crest and a large, conical-shaped red bill. The female is mostly a warm brown with red highlights in her wings, crest and tail. She sports a bright orange bill. Juvenile cardinals look much the same as the female with less red, a black bill and lack the black face of the adults.

Cardinals begin establishing nesting territory in the late winter. There may have been a large flock of cardinals in backyards throughout the winter, but that will be reduced to a pair in the spring. Male cardinals aggressively defend their territory from intruders. They are known to attack their own reflections in windows and car mirrors. Occasionally females will be as aggressive with other female cardinals or her reflection. The male will begin courting the female after establishing his territory. He will sing softly to her and keep in constant contact with her through calls. Those with feeders have no doubt seen the male cardinal crack a sunflower seed and feed it to the female.

The female builds the nest from two to twelve feet, usually four to five feet, in thick shrubs, trees, vines or hedges. The nest is a loosely woven cup made of grasses, weeds, vines, leaves and small twigs. Anywhere from two to five eggs are laid, usually three. The eggs are off-white to bluish with dark brown splotches. The female incubates the eggs for twelve to thirteen days. When the young hatch, they are altricial. The female broods them constantly for the first two days. The young are in the nest from nine to ten days. When the young leave the nest, both parents bring them food unless the female is starting a second brood in which case the young are fed by the male. The young are under the parents' care for three to four weeks after leaving the nest.

At feeders, cardinals love to eat oil sunflower. They also eat safflower, striped sunflower, shelled peanuts, sunflower hearts and occasionally suet. Their favorite feeders are ones that are flat, open and stable. Tray feeders and tube feeders with trays are some of the favorites. Quite often, cardinals are the first birds seen at the feeders in the morning and last ones to be seen in the evening. Cardinals often give a short, metallic chip call at the feeders.

My favorite cardinal story is from a winter morning in my yard in Mansfield, TX. The leaves were off the mesquite trees giving no cover for the male cardinal that frequented my feeders. Suddenly, a Cooper's Hawk flew into the yard. The cardinal flew to the nearest tree and stayed as still as possible. The bright red plumage stood out brilliantly against the bland landscape. The Cooper's Hawk was 25 feet away keeping an eye on the situation. The cardinal did not move a muscle. After ten minutes, the hawk flew away. The cardinal remained motionless for two more minutes before moving his head to make sure the danger had passed. Then he flew to the feeder and resumed his breakfast, no doubt telling all his friends of the great hiding job he had done when the Cooper's Hawk flew into the yard!

- Paul

Great Backyard Bird Count Results

2006-02-22T06:24:00.000-06:00

The tallies are not all in, but Texas is making a great showing in the GBBC again this year. As of Feb. 22, Texans had reported 337 species and 435,584 individual birds - good enough to put Texas in first place in each category. Texas is fifth on the total checklists submitted behind New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Virginia.

The Houston area is making a good showing as well. So far, Houstonians have reported 129 species from 112 checklists.

If you have not submitted your checklists, you have until Feb. 24 to do so.

Monitor the results of the GBBC at www.birdsource.org/gbbc.

Great Backyard Bird Count

2006-02-16T12:08:00.000-06:00

The Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC) is this weekend, February 17 - 20. The GBBC is a way that you can help scientist study bird populations throughout the United States. Since labs cannot have scientists everywhere, your help is needed to study any fluctations in bird populations. It is easy to participate. Simply count the birds in your yard, your favorite park or wherever you watch birds for at least 15 minutes (30 minutes is recommended). Then you send your daily count (send in separate counts for each day and each location) to www.birdsource.org/gbbc. The 2005 numbers are as follows:

U.S. checklists submitted: 52,265
U.S. total species observed: 612
U.S. total individual birds observed: 6,546,606
Texas checklists submitted: 376
Texas individual birds observed: 544,009
Houston checklists submitted: 79 (surely we can improve on that!)
Houston species observed: 106

There is a specific way to count the birds to make sure you count each individual bird only once. If you're watching your feeders and see two Blue Jays at a time, you would mark "2" on your tally list. Later you see four Blue Jays at a time, you mark "4" on your tally list. Later on you see three Blue Jays at a time, you mark "3" on your tally list. The number you would enter would be four because that is the highest number you saw at any given time.

Species Observed Number Seen Reported Count
Blue Jay 2, 4, 3 4

Do not add your counts together (you would not enter "9" as the number you saw). This way you know that you are not counting the same individual more than once. This is on the website to remind you as well.

The GBBC is an excellent way to involve you children in birding. My children enjoy participating with me each year. It's a wonderful way to introduce kids to birding and give them a purpose to participate.

Log onto the website and see the results from years past. It is interesting to see how bird populations fluctuate from year to year. It is interesting to notice irruptive years among some species. Join in with hundreds of others this year and submit your sightings this weekend. Good birding!

Birdfeeding Tips - Variety

2006-01-31T22:32:00.000-06:00

Variety can be the spice of life in your backyard. Birds have different habits when it comes to feeding. Some prefer to feed on the ground. Others prefer to feed on a feeder. Others will feed both places. Offering a variety of feeders will help you attract the widest variety of birds to your yard.

Hanging feeders include seed tubes, peanut feeders, suet feeders, finch feeders, and some wooden feeders. Birds that are comfortable feeding in trees will use these feeders. These birds include chickadees, titmice, woodpeckers, and finches. Ground feeders can be anything from throwing seed directly on the ground to offering seed in a platform feeder on legs. Birds that prefer feeding on the ground are doves, sparrows, grackles, cardinals, jays and blackbirds. Some birds such as cardinals, jays, House Sparrows, grackles, and blackbirds will feed at both types of feeders. White-winged Doves will also get on some hanging feeders although they prefer to feed on the ground.

By offering a variety of feeders, you will be sure to have feeders that will attract the birds no matter what their feeding preference is. Knowing your habitat (see the post from Jan. 19) and what birds to expect will determine the types of feeders that are appropriate.

First Purple Martin

2006-01-25T15:21:00.000-06:00

I suppose all it takes is to write about usually seeing Purple Martins in the area during the first week of February for one to show up at my house today, Jan. 25. It was an ASY male singing joyfully as he flew over. I guess he's really enjoying our "winter" weather!

- Paul

Species Profile - Purple Martin

2006-01-24T07:15:00.000-06:00

Nearly seven years ago, I was introduced to the joys of being a Purple Martin landlord. Well, it wasn't my colony. I began working at the Wild Birds Unlimited in Dallas where there was a very active martin colony and was able to take an active part in performing nest checks and keeping records of the martins. Before that, the Purple Martin was a spring migrant that lacked the color of the other migrants and was only a "tick" on my springtime list. In the spring of 1999, my view changed completely about Purple Martins. I would now list them as one of my top five favorite birds. I find myself this time of year looking up a little more often and straining my ears to catch even the slightest hint of the martins' song announcing their return.

The Purple Martin is North America's largest swallow species. From beak to tail, adult martins measure eight inches and have an eighteen inch wingspan. Adult males, or ASY (after second year) males, look black much of the time unless the light reflects just right off their feathers showing the purplish iridescence for which they are named. Females, as in most bird species, lack the color of the male. Females plumage will be black to dark gray on the back with dingy gray on the breast and belly. She will have a gray collar and gray forehead. Young males, or SY (second year) males, will look very similar to females.

Martins almost exclusively nest in man-provided housing in the eastern United States. Before man-made housing was available, martins nested in old woodpecker holes in trees. Deforestation significantly reduced the number of trees available. Native Americans would put up hollowed-out gourds to attract the birds because of their insect-eating nature. That seems to be where the transition from nesting in natural sites to man-made houses occurred. Purple Martins in the western United States still use natural nesting sites. Nesting material consists of leaves, mud, twigs and feathers. Many times a mud barrier will be built at the front of the nest. Both the male and female take part in nest construction. The eggs are white with no markings. Three to seven eggs are laid. The female incubates the eggs for fifteen to eighteen days. When the babies hatch, they are altricial (eyes closed, featherless, immobile and dependent upon the parents for food.) The young will fledge after 26 to 31 days. Both the male and female take part in feeding the young. Normally martins have one brood per year, although some have been documented having two broods in southern states. In the eastern United States, martins will nest in colonies, so having more than one compartment available for them will greatly increase your chances of attracting these beautiful birds.

Martin habitat is especially important when considering where to place a house or gourd rack. Martins require at least 30 feet radius around their housing free of anything that stands as tall or taller than the housing (i.e. your house, trees, large bushes, etc.) Most other birds like to be as far away as possible from human activity when nesting. Not so with the martin. Research has shown that martins are much less likely to use housing over 100 feet from a human dwelling. Your chances of attracting martins increase if you are near a pond or lake.

Martins return to the same colony year after year. A man who banded Purple Martins in Duncanville told me one time that he had a male martin return to the same house and same compartment for fourteen years! As long as there is not a major disruption in nesting, the martins you have nesting at your colony are likely the same ones that nested there the year before. While the adults return to the same colony, less than 10% of the young that hatch in a colony will return. Those birds will start new colonies or join other established colonies.

Purple Martins have the reputation of being voracious mosquito eaters. Unfortunately for those of us in Southeast Texas, research hasn't backed that up. Usually no more than 3% of the martin's diet consists of mosquitoes. What the martins do eat are insects that fly hundreds of feet in the air such as dragonflies, butterflies, cicadas, flying ants, bees, wasps, damselfies and mayflies. Any airborne insect is at risk of becoming a meal for a Purple Martin.

Martins usually arrive in Southeast Texas during the first week of February. Many of those birds are migrants heading further north. Many will be returning to their colonies here to begin establishing their territory. Typically the SY birds will return four to six weeks after the ASY birds. If this is your first year to have martin housing up, have it ready by the first week of March since the SY birds will be the ones to set up a new colony. Check the website for the Purple Martin Conservation Association (link to the right) to check the status of the arrival of martins in North America.

Being a Purple Martin landlord has responsibility beyond putting up housing the in proper habitat. House Sparrows and European Starlings are non-native nest competitors and will nest in martin housing if they are allowed. I have personally witnessed the damage done by these birds to martins, both adults and chicks, and eggs. At the least, their nesting material should be removed when they start building. Sparrows and starlings use a lot of grass in their nest easily distinguishing it from a martin's nest. Many traps are available for martin landlords who choose to remove the sparrows or starlings from their property.

I have had people ask, "What is the big deal about Purple Martins?" I used to ask that before I had experience with them. My answer is usually very vague because I believe you just have to experience martins at a nesting colony to understand. If you have too many trees around for martins, hopefully you know someone who has them and can take part with them while the martins are here. Some people will purchase martin housing to put up on golf courses, at churches or parks and maintain them. I wish everyone could experience the joys of the Purple Martin as I have.

- Paul

Birdfeeding Tips - Habitat

2006-01-19T20:12:00.000-06:00

"Why can't I get woodpeckers in my yard?" is a question we sometimes hear. I usually follow that question with a question of my own - "Do you have large trees in your yard and in your neighborhood?" If the customer answers, "No," then I know the problem immediately. Woodpeckers are usually found in areas with large trees. Understanding habitat is key to knowing which birds to expect in your backyard.

There are five different birdfeeding habitats. Within those habitats, there are microhabitats, but for the most part, five covers them. Listed below are the habitats, a description of the habitat, the Houston-area birds you could expect and what to feed them.

Woodland - In a woodland habitat, you will have mature trees standing 50+ feet tall. There will be some understory plants that provide cover. Not many grasses grow due to the lack of sunlight. The types of birds you could expect to find in a woodland habitat are woodpeckers, chickadees, titmice, cardinals, Blue Jays, warblers, grosbeaks and wrens. Seed like oil sunflower, safflower and peanuts are popular with these birds. Suet will provide non-seed eating birds something at your feeders.

Forest Edge - Smaller trees than a woodland habitat and more understory such as bayberry, yaupon and blackberry vines characterize a forest edge habitat. Birds to be expected in this habitat are cardinals, Blue Jays, chickadees, wrens, woodpeckers, blackbirds, sparrows and doves. Oil sunflower, safflower and millet will work well in this habitat. Peanuts and suet may be less successful than in a woodland habitat.

Grassland/Pasture - Grassland is a habitat virtually void of trees. In unmowed pasture, the grasses will grow about eight to twelve inches high and wildflowers usually bloom in the spring and summer. Birds that you can find in a grassland habitat at feeders are doves, sparrows, blackbirds, grackles and cowbirds. Seed that has a lot of millet and is offered on the ground works well in this habitat.

Urban - The urban habitat is what you will find around shopping malls, strip centers or many office buildings. There is a lot of concrete and the trees are usually small. Birds that would visit feeders in an urban habitat are pigeons, doves, grackles, blackbirds, grackles and House Sparrows. Seeds like oil sunflower and millet will draw many of the birds listed above.

Suburban - The suburban habitat is one of the harder ones to define. It can range from a newly created neighborhood where the trees are very small to more established neighborhood with older, more mature trees. Since the birds will be different in both, we will look at both habitats here. Those living in a new neighborhood can expect doves, grackles, blackbirds, House Sparrows and native sparrows. Seed with oil sunflower and millet will work well. Those in more established neighborhoods with larger trees can expect the birds mentioned above as well as cardinals, Blue Jays, chickadees and Downy Woodpecker. Oil sunflower, safflower and suet can be utilized to feed the birds in this habitat.

One bird that is not mentioned above is the American Goldfinch. From December through April, the goldfinch can be found in virtually any habitat. Feed goldfinches nyjer (thistle) in feeders designed specifically for nyjer.

The habitats and birds listed above are not absolutes in those habitats. Birds have wings and are able to move from one habitat to another. If you live between habitats, you may have birds that are not typically from your habitat. I live on grassland and forest edge, but have woodlands about 200 yards from me. I will get woodland birds flying from that habitat to the forest edge at my feeders. Take notice of your habitat. Also look at the habitats that surround you as well.

Unfortunately, birds are not usually enticed by certain foods if they are not in the proper habitat. If you live in a new neighborhood with little trees, putting suet out will probably not attract woodpeckers. Identify your habitat and learn about the birds living there. Know which seeds will provide you with the greatest chance to attract those birds to your feeders.

Birdwatching Site - Brazos Bend State Park

2006-01-19T19:49:00.000-06:00

Brazos Bend State Park (BBSP) is one of the treasures of the Upper Texas Coast. It is site UTC 117 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. Opened in 1976, it has become a popular birdwatching destination. The park covers 4,897 acres and has 21 miles of hiking trails. Habitats include lakes, marsh, creek, bottomland forest with live oaks, water oaks, pecans and elms, and tallgrass coastal prairie. With the diversity of habitats, it is not surprising to find several species of birds in any season.

Spring migration (late March through early May) can be a great time at BBSP. Migrants such as warblers, vireos, tanagers, grosbeaks, buntings and flycatchers will use the park as a refueling spot to head further north to their breeding grounds. Birds that nest in the woodlands include White-tailed Kite, Mississippi Kite, Red-shouldered Hawk, Red-tailed Hawk, Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Barred Owl, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, Downy Woodpecker, Acadian Flycatcher, Great Crested Flycatcher, Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, Loggerhead Shrike, Northern Parula, Prothonotary Warbler, Summer Tanager and Painted Bunting. Waterbirds that nest in the park include Pied-billed Grebe, Least Bittern, Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, Tricolored Heron, Green Heron, Great Egret, Snowy Egret, Black-crowned Night-heron, Yellow-crowned Night-heron, White Ibis, Roseate Spoonbill, Black-bellied Whistling-duck, Wood Duck, Purple Gallinule, Common Moorhen and Black-necked Stilt. Winter is a great time to visit BBSP because of the abundance of ducks that can be seen on the lakes and in the marshes. Winter visitors also include American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, American Bitterns and King Rails. Look for native sparrows in the grasslands and American Goldfinch, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Northern Flicker and Brown Thrasher in the woodlands in the winter season.

Wildlife other than birds can be easily observed. American Alligators will lie quietly in the water. Be cautious of them because they can move with surprising speed if they are provoked or if a female feels you are too close to her young or nest. Keep your distance and do not fed the alligators! Other wildlife to be expected, although not always easily seen, are turtles, bullfrogs, snakes, coyotes, gray fox, bobcat and nutria.

An observation tower is at the northeastern corner of 40 Acre Lake where you can scan the lake for different ducks or to observe rookeries. For visitors with disabilities, the Creekfield Lake Nature Trail is a paved, interpretive trail that circles a wetland. Observation platforms and benches are provided on the trail.

There are a variety of programs presented by the park throughout the year. There are bird walks and classes for both beginner and advanced birders. For the dates of the classes, visit the volunteer website at www.bbspvo.org.

To get to BBSP, go to SH 288 and go south. Exit FM 1462 and go west (right.) Take FM 1462 about 14 miles to FM 762. Turn north (right) and follow the signs to the park entrance. There is an entry fee of $3/person for those 13 and older. Children 12 and younger are free. Seniors 65 to 71 are admitted for $2 and seniors 72+ enter the park for free. Park hours are Sunday through Thursday, 8 a.m. until 10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 a.m. until 10 p.m. Maps are available at the entry booth.

The physical address of the park is:

Brazos Bend State Park
21901 FM 762
Needville, TX 77461
(979) 553-5101
www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park/brazos
www.bbspvo.org

Species Profile - American Goldfinch

2006-01-13T20:15:00.000-06:00

What makes the American Goldfinch such a popular bird in the Houston area? Maybe it's the way they flock to feeders and feed together. Maybe it's their high-pitched calls. Maybe it's their unique plumage with the muted yellow and black-and-white wing pattern. Whatever it is about the goldfinch, it is one of the most anticipated migrants to come to the Houston area.

The American Goldfinch is a small bird, about five inches long. The winter plumage is a yellowish-brown to a dull brown. The wings are dark with white wingbars. The tail is short and notched. The goldfinch's winter range is from the Canadian border into Mexico. Goldfinches arrive in the Houston area usually mid-November and will leave early in April. While here, goldfinches eat mainly seeds and very few insects.

Unfortunately in the Houston area, we do not get to see the goldfinch in breeding plumage very often. Usually about the time the males turn the bright yellow with the black cap, they migrate north to breed. The southern limit of the goldfinch's summer range is along a line that runs from mid-Nevada, through Tulsa, OK and covers the northern half of Mississippi, Alabama and Georgia. Nests can be found in a tree, usually from one to thirty feet off the ground. The nest is placed in a branch fork made of vegetation and lined with plant down. Goldfinches will often weave their nest so tightly that it will actually hold water! Spider webs and caterpillar webbing is used to secure the outer rim. Three to seven pale blue or bluish-white eggs are laid. The female incubates the eggs for ten to twelve days. When the chicks hatch, they are altricial (immobile, featherless, eyes closed, dependent on the adults for food.) The young fledge after eleven to seventeen days.

Some interesting facts about the American Goldfinch:

The goldfinch is one of the latest nesting birds in North America. It usually does not start nesting until late June or early July. This is probably timed for the greatest availability of nesting material and seeds for the young.

The change from winter plumage to breeding plumage requires a complete molt. The American Goldfinch is the only member of the finch family in North America to have two molts during the year.

The goldfinch is gregarious throughout the year. In the winter it is found almost exclusively in flocks, sometimes with 200+ birds. In the summer, the flocks are smaller.

The American Goldfinch is mostly monogamous. However, some females will switch mates after the first brood. She will leave the young in the care of the first male and will start another brood with a different male.

It is fairly easy to attract goldfinches to your yard. Have a finch feeder filled with fresh nyjer (often called thistle seed.) Finch feeders come in several varieties from tube-style to cloth mesh bags. It is usually a good idea to separate your finch feeders from your regular birdfeeders as the goldfinches are often timid and will leave when a larger bird comes to the feeder. Put the feeders in the open as much as possible. To help attract the goldfinch's attention, tie a bright yellow ribbon to your feeder. Cut the ribbon about six to eight inches and tie it where the ends can flap in the wind. The general rule with feeding goldfinches is the more perches you provide, the more finches you'll have.

Sources used for this article:

Cornell Lab of Ornithology All About Birds

The Birder's Handbook by Paul R. Ehrlich, David S. Dobkin and Darryl Wheye

Where are the goldfinches?

2006-01-12T11:22:00.000-06:00

One question we've been hearing a lot lately is, "Where are the goldfinches?" The answer: "They're here!" They just may not be at your feeders in good numbers yet. According to the Christmas Bird Count (CBC) results from this year, the goldfinches numbers are the same as last year. When I have been out birdwatching, I hear goldfinches everywhere. "So why aren't they at feeders this year like they were last year?" you say? The answer could lie with the weather - not the temperature, but the lack of rain. Goldfinches eat available natural foods when they migrate into the area. When that supply is depleted, they will start seeking out new sources - many times, your feeders. Rain knocks much of the seed in trees and on weeds to the ground usually causing the goldfinches to make the feeding transition from natural to feeders earlier in the season. However, you may have noticed that we haven't had much rain in the past few months, so the trees and weeds are holding onto their seeds a little longer. Don't give up hope! After seeing 10 to 20 goldfinches at my feeders for the past few weeks, I had about 40 yesterday (1/11) and today (1/12). That trend should continue until the trees bud out again in the spring.

Paul