On the Move
by Dr. Everett Vreeland
Of course, the main thing going on this time of year is the yearly migration of millions of birds. They are excited to be moving, and show it in their behavior. New types of food abound, new species are mixed in as they fly. Familiar places are recognized daily, and the beginnings of rare sexual stirrings excite them all. The first to show here are the redwing blackbirds that post themselves in treetops around swamps establishing nesting areas that await the females that arrive a few weeks later. Then male robins with dark heads seem to fill every lawn to be followed in a week or so by females(no dark heads). Catbirds and thrushes will be here soon followed by warblers, small and in mixed groups. Most interesting to me are the ducks as species fly through that are never seen here on a regular basis. Golden-eyes, Buffle-Heads, Ring-necks, Hooded mergansers, Red-heads and even Canvas-backs can be seen. I rarely have seen pin-tails on the river. When you see “just ducks” on the puddles take note of their variety in size and plumage. If you don’t wreak the car, you will be aghast at the many types and find yourself waiting to see them every spring.
The daybreak songs of the birds change daily. If you start to listen you will hear new music each day.
As I write now new fawns are added to the herd and soon you will see them trying to keep up with Mom as they learn of the different foods and how to find them. When you see a doe crossing the road these few months, slow down and spare the following young-one.
People like myself know that there are stirrings in the stream beds as larval forms begin to mature and wander, soon to hatch into adults that tantalize the trout to smash the surface after them. Many, many are consumed as larva and all fatten the fish and fascinate the fishermen!
Other people know of the blossoms to come. I can’t name them but I sure anticipate their arrival and watch in awe as each is visited by their unique pollinator. Later, when you see blossoms, watch a while as the sun wams them and you may see flying bugs you have never seen before as they are attracted to that special species of flower. I believe the attractions are the widely varying scents.
This is the time of year for spotting Bobcats; more easily spotted because of no leaves. Two reports so far and one seen personally. Males predominate as the kits are born now and will keep Mom busy! Their population stays the same and will as they are really careful and alert. Mostly they eat rodents and small birds though your chickens are not immune!
I am somewhat fascinated by lichens. They seem attracted to grow on new shingles, trees that only threaten to die and slate, wherever found. I have been on deer stands where chickadees perched on my unmoving gun-barrel as I watched and listened. Ones mind under those conditions is active and I remember wondering if lichen spores had landed and started to germinate. Announcing, therefore signaling my death if I did not soon move!!! My “friends” would agree that anything that grows without soil, like on rocks, would be seriously attracted to my head. EWV 4/06
