Happy first day of October. While there isn’t as much going on with birds in our yards now compared to the spring and summer months there is a massive movement of birds occurring known as migration. It is a fascinating subject that we allude to often; however, it is so complex that we just scratch the surface in blogs. For those of you that want to know more here is a link to a great article from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology that explains so much in layman’s terms. It is definitely worth reading if you ever wondered why birds migrate or how birds as small as Ruby-throated hummingbirds can travel as much as 1300 miles twice a year.
Wood Thrush Notes
Fall Migration is underway and while your seed birdfeeders will typically be a little slower now through October birdwatching in the area will be significantly more interesting. On your morning walks have your binoculars with you and ready because Warblers, Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks, and Flycatchers are pouring through middle Tennessee on their return to Central and South America stopping to feed in the mornings on insects.
Mornings are the best time to see lots of different species because many of these migrants travel at night. They settle down to rest and feed in the morning. And mornings after a storm tend to be even better. Make time to visit one of the many great local birdwatching areas this fall to see some birds you may not have seen before. The usual local hot spots include:
Radnor Lake
Warner Parks
Bells Bend
Harpeth River Greenway
Shelby Bottoms
Hidden Lakes State Park
Gossett Tract State Park
Bowie Nature Park
Montgomery Bell State Park
The Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society is once again offering the first of 4 fall migration birdwatching walks at Radnor Lake beginning Wed. Sept. 22. If you have considered making birdwatching a new activity and don’t know where to start this would be a great opportunity for you to learn from some very experienced birders. For more information about the Nashville Chapter of TOS please visit their website, www.nashvillebirds.org
Fall Slowdown and Fall Hummers
Fall Slowdown
Many of you have already noticed a slow down at your feeders. Sometimes it can be abrupt and dramatic. You may even notice some species become practically non-existent. Bird feeders in September and October are typically very quiet. This is surprising to some but actually normal and understandable. With the conclusion of the breeding season birds are now in less need of the quick, easy food source at your feeders. While raising their young during the months of March through July birds expend tremendous amounts of energy raising young and will take great advantage of backyard feeders. We sell more seed and suet during those months than we do in winter.
Young birds are mostly independent now and the lives of adult birds are at a much more leisurely pace. In addition nature is producing an abundance of food at this time. Not only are insects still plentiful but every tree, shrub, weed, and wildflower are producing seeds, nuts, and fruit. There is literally food for birds everywhere. It is a great example of the fact that birds do not rely on our feeders but simply take advantage of them in times of more demand for food. So, don’t worry that you are not seeing many birds around the feeders right now. It is totally normal. About the time we get the first frost or two, you will begin to see a return of your favorite birds to feeders. I don’t know about you but a good frost sounds good right about now.
By the time October arrives you will begin to see a few of our winter visitors, like Junco’s, White-throated sparrows, Yellow-bellied sapsuckers, Kinglets, and hopefully, Purple Finch, Pine Siskin, and Red-breasted Nuthatch. Although, with the Pine siskin issues (salmonella) we had last winter I would prefer they not visit us this winter.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds will continue to be present through October though their numbers will be fewer with each week that passes. The peak of hummer feeding activity has likely passed so I reduce the numbers of feeders I offer by a few. As mid-October arrives I will continue to offer at least two feeders. And because there is always a remote possibility of a western hummingbird showing up I will leave one feeder out beyond Thanksgiving.
Rare Mexican Violetear
Each year a few people around the mid-state are pleasantly surprised to discover a hummingbird investigating a feeder that may have been inadvertently left out with no nectar. Two customers within 3 miles of The Wood Thrush Shop experienced Rufous hummingbirds last fall. Western hummingbirds that have regularly been seen in TN include Rufous, Anna’s, and Black-chinned. Last year a Mexican Violetear was trapped and banded in Montgomery Co. For more information about wintering hummingbirds you may want to visit southeastavianresearch.org
Wood Thrush Notes
Avoid Bugs in your Birdseed
In late summer one may experience a fairly common issue with stored birdseed; the Indian meal moth. The Indian meal moth is a little brown moth that can hatch inside a container of seed whether it is stored inside or out. They will feed on the seed and reproduce in the container, generally creating a messy situation. You may also see Indian meal moths flying around where dry dog and cat food are sold.
Indian meal moth, or pantry moth.
Indian meal moth larvae.
Here are few tips to help you avoid these troublesome moths:
Buy quantities of seed you will use quickly, preferably, within a month. Keep in mind this time of year birdfeeding is slowing down from its torrid pace of spring and early summer. In fact, mid-September to the end of October is the slowest time of year at birdfeeders.
Never store the remainder of a bag of seed with the intention of using it again a few months later. When you open that bag you will likely be met by lots of moths, or you will see their eggs which appear as a webby kind of substance mixed among the seed.
Use up what you have in your container before adding new seed.
If you discover mealmoths in a small bag of seed you can put it in the freezer for a few hours or overnight. This will effectively kill off the moths and the eggs. If you discover the eggs or larvae of the mealmoth there is no need to throw away the seed, just go ahead and use the rest. The webby material is not harmful to the birds. In fact, the eggs would just be a source of protein. After using the remainder of the seed in the container, give it a good rinse to ensure all eggs were removed. We usually stock Indian mealmoth traps but they have been difficult to get lately. These traps are usually available in hardware stores, too.
Remember this is only a problem in the latter part of summer and early fall. Once the new crop is harvested and begins to be distributed in November the issue will go away until next August-September.
Unknown Cause of Bird Deaths Update
As many of you know there were many bird deaths documented in several states in mainly the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. The main symptom was swollen, crusted-over eyes in fledglings of blue jays, robins, grackles, and a few other species.
The good news is, according to the most recent update from the Cornell Wildlife Health Lab, it seems this bird mortality event is beginning to subside without significant impact to bird populations overall. After extensive testing several diseases and pathogens were ruled out but it is still unknown what the cause of the outbreak actually was.
One theory that was considered early on but was dismissed then re-considered is connected to the periodical cicadas of Brood X that emerged this year. Because the documentation of sick and dead birds overlays with the timeframe and geographic distribution of the cicadas it seems likely there’s a connection. It could be some natural illness caused by ingesting cicadas or possibly secondary effects of pesticides that people sprayed on the cicadas. It’s important to note, however, that this cicada connection is still just speculation. Remember, pesticides do not just kill insects.
As always, we cannot stress enough to regularly clean feeders and baths to provide the best environment possible for the birds. It is a small price to pay for the enjoyment they give us.
Hummingbirds, Box Turtles, and Hiring
As anticipated there has been a noticeable increase in hummingbird activity reported from quite a few customers this past week. Mid-June and mid-July are notable times when many hummingbirds will come off the nest which would translate to more hummingbirds being seen at feeders and around the yard visiting flowers. Lots of rainfall is contributing to wonderful results in our gardens producing an abundance of flowers. Often times these natural nectar sources are more attractive and more important than the sugar water in our feeders. We often tell people who are disappointed about not seeing hummers at their feeders that hummingbirds do not travel all the way from Central America for sugar water. They have all they need naturally and will come to the feeders with intensity when nesting concludes. Be patient. August and September are always the best hummer feeding months.
Most of us bird lovers appreciate many of the other creatures we encounter in our yards seasonally, from year to year. Most springs I encounter Box turtles methodically working their way through a flower bed, or some difficult terrain with obstacles. I wonder how they get anywhere as difficult as it seems for them to move. Many times I’ve discovered a female attempting to dig a hole with its hind legs with the intention of laying eggs. I’ve never encountered a baby Box turtle so it must be extremely rare to witness the emergence of the babies from the earth. Two days ago I encountered a beautifully marked female attempting to dig a nest hole with not much success before she moved along to a better spot. I rewarded her efforts with a couple of juicy earthworms. Enjoy the video. Females will lay between 3 and 8 eggs up to three times per year. This next bit of information is very interesting. Female Box turtles can store sperm from a single mating for up to 4 years and can produce a fertile clutch of eggs in each of those years without further mating.
The Wood Thrush Shop is Hiring for 1 Part-time Position
Requirements:
Lifting heavy items is a must. Moving multiple bags of birdseed from 20 to 50 lbs. occurs with frequency on a daily basis. Once or twice a week large loads of seed are delivered and must be unloaded by hand.
Good people skills. You will communicate with people a lot to help them make choices to improve their backyard birding experience. Being able to listen and ask the right questions to better understand the customer’s backyard birding needs is critical.
We are looking for someone with enthusiasm and energy, manners, patience, and a sense of humor.
One will need to develop an ability to understand all of the bird feeding products and how they are best used.
We want someone to have a good working knowledge of common backyard birds, their habits, and behaviors.
Duties:
Registering sales
Unpacking, pricing, and displaying product
Sales floor and stockroom general maintenance: floor cleaning, vacuuming, and dusting.
Sales and customer service.
Hours per week and starting pay:
We need approximately, 25 hrs. per week, minimum two Saturdays per month.
Starting pay $12 per hour
Please email John at woodthrushshopth@bellsouth.net for inquiries and/or to set up an appointment to meet and fill out an application.