Wood Thrush Shop notes

An immature Sooty tern (Onychoprion fuscatus) was spotted at Pickwick Lake in southwestern Tennessee. Normally found in the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean, with juvenile birds venturing as far east as the western coast of Africa, this rare visitor caused quite the stir after its unexpected visit to Hardin County, TN. These crow sized members of the Tern family generally spend their lives far out at sea, following ocean currents in search of prey.

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In other news, mealworm shipments have been halted due to the high temperatures until next week, so it is advisable to call ahead before making the trip out for worms.

Water is a very appealing offering to birds during the hot and dry weather. While moving water is popular, it is not a necessity. Bird baths, clay dishes, and even ant moats filled with water all prove to be popular offerings to thirsty birds. We are currently well stocked on fountains, traditional bird baths, hanging bird baths, and many other accessories for providing a source of backyard water to our avian friends.

Nesting Season Continues

I’m seeing plenty of evidence around my yard that many birds continue to nest.  This is the 2nd year an American Robin chose the downspout of the house gutter to build its nest and is currently sitting on 4 eggs.  This is actually the third attempt as the first was likely preyed upon by a rat snake.  The second attempt was successful as 4 babies fledged.  To my surprise Carolina Wrens started a new nest on the covered back porch in a pot of ferns.  I was already aware of at least 3 other Carolina wren nests around the house. 

In my front yard there is a nest of Bluebirds just days from fledging and I recently witnessed a baby Great crested flycatcher leaving a nestbox situated 20 yards away from the Bluebird box.   GCF’s are known to put a snakeskin in their nests so I’m eager to open the box now that they have fledged to see.  Hopefully, there will be a picture to share next week.  Great crested Flycatchers are quite common around wooded areas with adjacent open yards.  They are close in size to a Cardinal and like most flycatchers have a large head and broad shoulders.  Their markings are such that they blend in with surrounding foliage and they are often heard before being seen repeating their clear, rising “reep” calls.  They are reddish brown above with grey heads.  The crest is brownish but not as prominent as you might think for a bird with “crested” in its name. The belly of these birds is lemon yellow.  You must see this bird through binoculars to realize its beauty. 

Great Crested Flycatcher

Great Crested Flycatcher

I will be looking for a 2nd nesting to begin soon and will try to get pictures of eggs and babies.  I will be cautious, however, as the nestbox is 12’ high and GCF’s are reported to be quite aggressive about defending the nest from intruders.  

We hear from many of you Bluebirds are having a lot of success this year.  Let us know what birds you are seeing on the nest. 

Next week let the Hummingbird fun begin.

Father's Day Specials

Father’s Day Specials

Father’s Day is June 18.  We have several great gifts for the dad in your life he will enjoy for years to come. 

Saturday the 8th through Saturday the 15th save 20% on Bat Boxes and ATZ Bluebird Houses, 10% on in stock Nikon Binoculars, 20% on Purple Martin Houses (very limited stock), 20% on Regal 24” Patio Lanterns, and up to 50% on some odds and ends and close-out items on the Bargain table. 

ATZ Bat Houses 20% off

Patio shadow lanterns 20% off

Purple Martin Houses 20% off

The Impact of Cicadas on Feeding Stations

Without a doubt our feeding stations were very quiet in the month of May due in part to the emergence of the two species of Cicadas.  During a month where we would typically sell approximately 8,000 lbs. of seed per week it was closer to 5,000 lbs.  As much as we disliked the impact of the Cicadas it very much dispels the myth that birds become dependent on our feeders.  Birds always take advantage of available natural food sources and Cicadas certainly were that.  That’s why our feeders get so quiet for a couple of months in the fall as plants and trees produce seeds, nuts and fruit.  The Cicadas provided ample amounts of protein helpful in raising babies.  Now that the Cicadas have mostly disappeared we may see an uptick at feeders, seed and suet.

Migratory Bird Day at Bell's Bend Park

With the cicada emergence in full swing, you may have noticed a reduction in activity at your bird feeders.  Despite this slowdown, we are staying busy here at the Wood Thrush Shop with weekly specials on items ranging from birdhouses to wind chimes, with many things in between!

This weekend, specials include 25% off ATZ Classic Bluebird boxes, 20% off ALL Heartwood boxes, and 20% off Corinthian Bells wind chimes! Other items are on sale as well, and with Father’s Day around the corner, now is the time to get that gift for Dad!

In other news, Bell’s Bend Park will be celebrating Migratory Bird Day this Saturday with activities ranging from a sunrise hike to talks from guest speakers. The fun will begin at 5:30 in the morning with the sunrise hike hosted by Lise Brown, and go till 4 PM with guest speakers including Chris Sloan, Cyndi Rutledge and Debbie Sykes. Admission is free for all events!

Wood Thrush Notes

Bluebirds getting busy

In the past two weeks I have witnessed Bluebirds landing on and looking in nestboxes around my yard. Some of you have reported the same thing. Even in very cold temperatures this is normal behavior for Bluebirds in February as they begin to show interest in potential nest sites. You may see a couple of males and a female, or a couple of females and a male arrive together and go through some of the motions of courtship: wing fluttering and maybe even putting a few sprigs of nest material in the box. None of this is with any intent to nest now but simply preparation for a couple of months from now. A few eager Bluebirds may begin nesting as early as mid-March; however, the vast majority will not begin in earnest until the mid to latter part of April. So, now is a great time to present a Bluebird box if you haven’t already. And if you were thinking about moving a nestbox because of lack of success for a few years now is a really good time to do so. Video of Bluebirds wing waving.

Don’t forget next weekend, February 16th-19th is the annual Great Backyard Bird Count. Simply count and record birds you see from any location. For more information and how to count and record the birds you see visit www.birdcount.org/participate/