Having spent a great deal of time in central Missouri over the past 15 years, I have become accustomed to the arrival of house wrens in late April, their loud song and buzzy chatter echoing through the neighborhood. By early summer, the parents are usually escorting their brood through the trees and shrubs, appeasing them with a smorgasbord of insects.
But this year, despite actively searching for these tiny songsters, I have not encountered a single house wren on our property and cannot recall seeing any on my walks to and from the University. I initially blamed their absence on landscaping activity in our backyard but that ended long ago and, still, no house wrens to brighten my evenings; frankly, I feel a bit betrayed. A few visits to our Colorado farm have turned up the usual number of house wrens along the Front Range, adding to the mystery here in Missouri.
Perhaps I am becoming less perceptive with advancing age or have been too busy this spring to give sufficient attention to our wild neighbors. I have even thought to blame the unusually warm spring and early leafing of our shade trees, which might have encouraged the wrens to move farther north before settling down. Then again, the populations of most other summer residents seem to be unaffected. This apparent dearth of house wrens may be just an illusion but, in some 40 years of birding, I can't recall anything quite so mystifying.
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Rabu, 13 Juni 2012
Minggu, 20 Mei 2012
Vulture Heaven at Eagle Bluffs
As a consequence of the lowest water levels that I have ever encountered at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, dead carp lined the central channel, providing a feast for numerous turkey vultures. Usually seen soaring above the countryside, these large scavengers had gathered on the mudflats and levees to partake in the bounty of rotting fish.
Of course, the low water was also beneficial to great blue herons, great egrets and green-backed herons, concentrating their prey in the shallow pools. Other highlights included a large number of wood ducks, the attentive females ushering their broods across the calm waters, and an unusual abundance of migrant shorebirds for late May. Cormorants and diving ducks were noticeably absent but small groups of coot, blue-winged teal and mallards plied the shallows or huddled on the shorelines. Throughout the evening, a steady background chorus was provided by bullfrogs, green frogs, cricket frogs, killdeer and indigo buntings as white-tailed deer emerged from the woods to browse the marshlands and crop fields.
Since the Missouri River is still fairly high, I suspect that the low water at Eagle Bluffs reflects an artificial drawdown, often utilized to mimic natural fluctuations that foster the welfare of native floodplain vegetation while discouraging the invasion of alien species. Whatever the cause, the drought-like conditions surely favor the hunters and scavengers; for the time being, it's vulture heaven at Eagle Bluffs.
Of course, the low water was also beneficial to great blue herons, great egrets and green-backed herons, concentrating their prey in the shallow pools. Other highlights included a large number of wood ducks, the attentive females ushering their broods across the calm waters, and an unusual abundance of migrant shorebirds for late May. Cormorants and diving ducks were noticeably absent but small groups of coot, blue-winged teal and mallards plied the shallows or huddled on the shorelines. Throughout the evening, a steady background chorus was provided by bullfrogs, green frogs, cricket frogs, killdeer and indigo buntings as white-tailed deer emerged from the woods to browse the marshlands and crop fields.
Since the Missouri River is still fairly high, I suspect that the low water at Eagle Bluffs reflects an artificial drawdown, often utilized to mimic natural fluctuations that foster the welfare of native floodplain vegetation while discouraging the invasion of alien species. Whatever the cause, the drought-like conditions surely favor the hunters and scavengers; for the time being, it's vulture heaven at Eagle Bluffs.
Sabtu, 05 Mei 2012
Southern Soup
Hot, humid air has been flowing into Missouri for the past two days and will continue for at least another 24 hours. This muggy, southern soup is courtesy of both a broad high pressure ridge over the eastern half of the U.S. and a slowly approaching Pacific front that should ignite thunderstorms by tomorrow afternoon.
Riding this river of subtropical air, the first wave of common nighthawks appeared in our skies yesterday evening. Among the last migrants of spring, they are more cautious than swallows and swifts, waiting until plenty of insects are reliably available for their late-day feasts. They'll be with us until late summer and, perhaps, as late as early October, departing for the tropics before autumn's chill annihilates their prey.
Meanwhile, here in the Midwest, this summer-like heat in early May is not welcomed by those of us who prefer cool weather. Fortunately, a milder and drier air mass is expected to move in by early next week, bringing spring conditions back to the Heartland. By then, I'll be heading to our Colorado farm, guaranteed to escape the heat and humidity that common nighthawks relish.
Riding this river of subtropical air, the first wave of common nighthawks appeared in our skies yesterday evening. Among the last migrants of spring, they are more cautious than swallows and swifts, waiting until plenty of insects are reliably available for their late-day feasts. They'll be with us until late summer and, perhaps, as late as early October, departing for the tropics before autumn's chill annihilates their prey.
Meanwhile, here in the Midwest, this summer-like heat in early May is not welcomed by those of us who prefer cool weather. Fortunately, a milder and drier air mass is expected to move in by early next week, bringing spring conditions back to the Heartland. By then, I'll be heading to our Colorado farm, guaranteed to escape the heat and humidity that common nighthawks relish.
Jumat, 13 April 2012
A Stormy Morning at Eagle Bluffs
Veteran birders know that high winds and heavy rain are the least favorable weather conditions for productive birding since most birds will take cover until conditions improve. Then again, if you plan to observe aquatic species from the comfort of your car, rainy weather can have its advantages. Waterfowl and waders could care less about the presence of rain and some birds, such as rails, are best seen on dark, cloudy, rainy days.
With such positive thoughts in mind, I headed down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a superb wetland refuge on the floodplain of the Missouri River. To my surprise, I was greeted on the entry road by a scissor-tailed flycatcher, the first I had ever encountered in central Missouri. As expected in mid April, the waterfowl were abundant, dominated by northern shovelers, blue-winged teal and American coot; some wintering species were also present, including lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and a few canvasbacks. Other aquatic birds included a large number of double-crested cormorants, a fair number of pied-billed grebes and a lone white pelican. Shorebirds were scattered about the mudflats and flooded fields, dominated by lesser yellowlegs, and, as if to support my rationale for visiting, a pair of soras foraged along the edge of the cattails, dipping in and out of cover.
Otherwise, muskrats went about the morning chores, great blue herons and great egrets stalked the shallows and northern harriers hunted low across the fields. Summer birds may have returned to the bottomland woods but, due of the intermittent lightening, I was reluctant to leave my pickup and they were likely waiting out the storm. Not a bad morning on the floodplain, despite the weather!
With such positive thoughts in mind, I headed down to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a superb wetland refuge on the floodplain of the Missouri River. To my surprise, I was greeted on the entry road by a scissor-tailed flycatcher, the first I had ever encountered in central Missouri. As expected in mid April, the waterfowl were abundant, dominated by northern shovelers, blue-winged teal and American coot; some wintering species were also present, including lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and a few canvasbacks. Other aquatic birds included a large number of double-crested cormorants, a fair number of pied-billed grebes and a lone white pelican. Shorebirds were scattered about the mudflats and flooded fields, dominated by lesser yellowlegs, and, as if to support my rationale for visiting, a pair of soras foraged along the edge of the cattails, dipping in and out of cover.
Otherwise, muskrats went about the morning chores, great blue herons and great egrets stalked the shallows and northern harriers hunted low across the fields. Summer birds may have returned to the bottomland woods but, due of the intermittent lightening, I was reluctant to leave my pickup and they were likely waiting out the storm. Not a bad morning on the floodplain, despite the weather!
Minggu, 25 Maret 2012
The Garth Wetlands
Stretching across the Bear Creek floodplain in north Columbia, Missouri, the Garth Nature Preserve harbors one of the best urban wetlands that I have yet to encounter. Accessed by a fine network of trails, it is visited primarily by joggers, dog-walkers and couples focused more on their conversation than on the natural beauty that surrounds them. For those of us who care to look, there is always much to see.
This morning I found the flora and fauna to be well ahead of schedule, as is occurring across much of North America in the midst of our ongoing heat wave. The rosy glow of redbuds brightened the greening woodlands while a background chorus was provided by northern flickers, chorus frogs, trilling toads and red-winged blackbirds. Though the latter songsters are commonly heard in late March, they were joined by the distinctive chortle of leopard frogs, the scattered call of cricket frogs and, if I was not mistaken, the deep croaks of a few groggy bullfrogs. Aquatic turtles were abundant, peering from the shallows or basking on mats of vegetation and a lone water snake wound through the cattails. Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows and eastern phoebes feasted on a new generation of insects and a pair of red-tailed hawks cavorted overhead, already well into their nesting season.
While all ecosystems offer unique sightings during each season of the year, wetlands are especially interesting in the spring as amphibians and reptiles emerge from their winter slumber and colorful birds return from the south to nest and raise their young. Of course, this riot of life is fueled by the insect hordes, most of which overwintered as eggs, pupae or larvae in these same marshlands.
This morning I found the flora and fauna to be well ahead of schedule, as is occurring across much of North America in the midst of our ongoing heat wave. The rosy glow of redbuds brightened the greening woodlands while a background chorus was provided by northern flickers, chorus frogs, trilling toads and red-winged blackbirds. Though the latter songsters are commonly heard in late March, they were joined by the distinctive chortle of leopard frogs, the scattered call of cricket frogs and, if I was not mistaken, the deep croaks of a few groggy bullfrogs. Aquatic turtles were abundant, peering from the shallows or basking on mats of vegetation and a lone water snake wound through the cattails. Eastern bluebirds, tree swallows and eastern phoebes feasted on a new generation of insects and a pair of red-tailed hawks cavorted overhead, already well into their nesting season.
While all ecosystems offer unique sightings during each season of the year, wetlands are especially interesting in the spring as amphibians and reptiles emerge from their winter slumber and colorful birds return from the south to nest and raise their young. Of course, this riot of life is fueled by the insect hordes, most of which overwintered as eggs, pupae or larvae in these same marshlands.
Rabu, 07 Maret 2012
A Blast of Summer
In its seasonal battle with winter, summer has launched a powerful invasion. Over the past 24 hours, strong southwesterly winds have raked the Heartland, pushing afternoon highs near or above 70 degrees F. After a mild, nearly snowless winter, we are now getting an early taste of summer; perhaps spring will be especially brief this year.
Of course, such intense winds and heat in March usually signify an approaching cold front and this, indeed, is the case. The winds are generated by a combination of high pressure to our east and low pressure along an atmospheric trough, to our west; as the latter pushes across Missouri tonight, thunderstorms will ignite and, by morning, the air will be chilly once again, exacerbated by a northwest wind behind the front.
Despite summer's early victory, the war will continue. Winter may have given us a break this year but we should not underestimate its staying power. An unexpected dip in the jet stream could open the door for its return, complete with heavy snow or, worse yet, an ice storm. Its white flag of surrender won't appear for at least another six weeks.
Of course, such intense winds and heat in March usually signify an approaching cold front and this, indeed, is the case. The winds are generated by a combination of high pressure to our east and low pressure along an atmospheric trough, to our west; as the latter pushes across Missouri tonight, thunderstorms will ignite and, by morning, the air will be chilly once again, exacerbated by a northwest wind behind the front.
Despite summer's early victory, the war will continue. Winter may have given us a break this year but we should not underestimate its staying power. An unexpected dip in the jet stream could open the door for its return, complete with heavy snow or, worse yet, an ice storm. Its white flag of surrender won't appear for at least another six weeks.
Sabtu, 03 Maret 2012
White-Fronts at Eagle Bluffs
It was another spectacular morning at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area today; the sky was clear, the air was cool and both raptors and waterfowl were abundant. Joining the wide variety of ducks were hundreds of American white pelicans, small groups of Canada and snow geese and a large flock of greater white-fronted geese.
Breeding across the Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada, greater white fronted geese winter along the Gulf Coast, from Louisiana to Mexico, and along the Pacific Coast from Oregon to Mexico; a Greenland subspecies usually winters in the British Isles but may turn up along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. Another subspecies, known as tule geese, breed in Alaska and winter in marshlands from Oregon to California.
Migrant flocks of greater white-fronted geese, often numbering in the thousands, are usually found west of the Mississippi Valley; there they stop to rest and feed on wetlands and crop fields and, from a distance, may be mistaken for Canada geese. Slimmer and more agile in flight than their Canadian cousins, white-fronts have a higher pitched call, pinkish bills, orange legs and feet and a distinctive white band at the base of their bill. Like most geese, these hardy migrants mate for life and often remain in family groups for a year or more. For some reason, much to the delight of myself and other regional birders, greater white-fronted geese and American white pelicans have become abundant migrants at Eagle Bluffs over the past few years; let's hope that trend continues!
Breeding across the Arctic tundra of Alaska and Canada, greater white fronted geese winter along the Gulf Coast, from Louisiana to Mexico, and along the Pacific Coast from Oregon to Mexico; a Greenland subspecies usually winters in the British Isles but may turn up along the Atlantic Coast of the U.S. Another subspecies, known as tule geese, breed in Alaska and winter in marshlands from Oregon to California.
Migrant flocks of greater white-fronted geese, often numbering in the thousands, are usually found west of the Mississippi Valley; there they stop to rest and feed on wetlands and crop fields and, from a distance, may be mistaken for Canada geese. Slimmer and more agile in flight than their Canadian cousins, white-fronts have a higher pitched call, pinkish bills, orange legs and feet and a distinctive white band at the base of their bill. Like most geese, these hardy migrants mate for life and often remain in family groups for a year or more. For some reason, much to the delight of myself and other regional birders, greater white-fronted geese and American white pelicans have become abundant migrants at Eagle Bluffs over the past few years; let's hope that trend continues!
Jumat, 24 Februari 2012
Winter's Comeback
My office at the medical school commands a broad view to the west and, at noon yesterday, I looked out on an idyllic scene; bright sunshine, blue skies and a warm, southwest wind brought the look and feel of mid spring to mid Missouri. However, on closer inspection, I could see a swath of haze across the northwestern horizon and, within a few hours, a wall of clouds had taken its place.
By late afternoon, most of the sky was covered with a thick, gray overcast and a chilly, west wind had replaced the mild southerly breeze; our noontime high of 65 degrees F had dropped into the low fifties. Overnight, as the cold front passed to our east, strong, northwesterly winds rattled the windows and sent a deep, intermittent roar through the barren trees. While the snowfall will remain to our north and east, we won't get out of the forties today and a gusty north wind will make it feel much colder.
The weather gyrations of spring have begun, as winter and summer battle for the Heartland. Pacific storms will invade our region on a regular basis, preceded by a moist, balmy flow and followed by a winter wallop. This seasonal war, however uncomfortable, will provide shallow pools and flooded fields for migrant waterfowl and will set the stage for the warm, fragrant, verdant days ahead.
By late afternoon, most of the sky was covered with a thick, gray overcast and a chilly, west wind had replaced the mild southerly breeze; our noontime high of 65 degrees F had dropped into the low fifties. Overnight, as the cold front passed to our east, strong, northwesterly winds rattled the windows and sent a deep, intermittent roar through the barren trees. While the snowfall will remain to our north and east, we won't get out of the forties today and a gusty north wind will make it feel much colder.
The weather gyrations of spring have begun, as winter and summer battle for the Heartland. Pacific storms will invade our region on a regular basis, preceded by a moist, balmy flow and followed by a winter wallop. This seasonal war, however uncomfortable, will provide shallow pools and flooded fields for migrant waterfowl and will set the stage for the warm, fragrant, verdant days ahead.
Sabtu, 18 Februari 2012
Snows at Dusk
As I walked home last evening, the sky was clear and the temperature hinted of spring. University students sauntered about in shorts and T-shirts and the orange glow of sunset only served to augment the festive atmosphere. It may have been February but April was paying a visit.
Bird song had begun to intensify, green shoots adorned the flower beds and the aroma of wet soil scented the evening air. Then, as I neared our home, the unmistakable call of snow geese echoed from the darkening sky and I looked up to see two wavering lines of those vocal migrants. Headed northwest, toward the Missouri Valley, they'll likely spend a few days at Fountain Grove, Squaw Creek or some other refuge along their ancestral highway.
Though flying into the teeth of winter, the snow geese carry the message of spring to earth-bound, winter-weary humans. Our faith will be tested by more ice and snow over the coming weeks but those hardy travelers, unencumbered by calendars and weather forecasts, know that the season of hope is on the horizon.
Bird song had begun to intensify, green shoots adorned the flower beds and the aroma of wet soil scented the evening air. Then, as I neared our home, the unmistakable call of snow geese echoed from the darkening sky and I looked up to see two wavering lines of those vocal migrants. Headed northwest, toward the Missouri Valley, they'll likely spend a few days at Fountain Grove, Squaw Creek or some other refuge along their ancestral highway.
Though flying into the teeth of winter, the snow geese carry the message of spring to earth-bound, winter-weary humans. Our faith will be tested by more ice and snow over the coming weeks but those hardy travelers, unencumbered by calendars and weather forecasts, know that the season of hope is on the horizon.
Sabtu, 11 Februari 2012
Frigid Sunshine at Eagle Bluffs
As we arrived at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, a large flock of snow geese passed overhead, shimmering in the bright morning sun; it was 12 degrees F. Most of the shallows had frozen over but open pools attracted a mix of wintering ducks, including mallards, gadwalls, coot, green-winged teal, ring-necks and lesser scaup; scattered flocks of Canada geese rested on the ice and a group of pied-billed grebes dove for their breakfast.
Several more flocks of snow geese crossed the refuge during our visit, moving north along the Missouri River Valley, as did a large flock of greater white-fronted geese. Five sandhill cranes had gathered on a wooded island and at least fifty American white pelicans huddled on a sandbar near the south end of the preserve. Ring billed gulls swirled above the open pools, northern harriers zoomed across the dormant crop fields, great blue herons perched in the morning sun and an immature bald eagle soared overhead, oblivious of the frigid air.
Silence ruled this winter scene, broken only by the occasional flocks of noisy geese and the distant calls of headstrong crows. How ironic that the season's first blast of Arctic air should coincide with the first wave of migrant geese. Winter may be strengthening its grip but my money is on the geese; despite this brief setback, the tide of spring has begun.
Several more flocks of snow geese crossed the refuge during our visit, moving north along the Missouri River Valley, as did a large flock of greater white-fronted geese. Five sandhill cranes had gathered on a wooded island and at least fifty American white pelicans huddled on a sandbar near the south end of the preserve. Ring billed gulls swirled above the open pools, northern harriers zoomed across the dormant crop fields, great blue herons perched in the morning sun and an immature bald eagle soared overhead, oblivious of the frigid air.
Silence ruled this winter scene, broken only by the occasional flocks of noisy geese and the distant calls of headstrong crows. How ironic that the season's first blast of Arctic air should coincide with the first wave of migrant geese. Winter may be strengthening its grip but my money is on the geese; despite this brief setback, the tide of spring has begun.
Selasa, 31 Januari 2012
Winter Thaw at Eagle Bluffs
Entering Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, the windows down on my pickup, it looked like January but felt like April. The brown vegetation and barren trees evoked an image of winter but the mild air, scented with the fragrance of moist soil, spoke of early spring. A rosy dawn backlit the hills to the east, augmenting the feel of an April morning.
Mallards were abundant on the ponds and wet fields, joined by sizable flocks of coot, gadwall, pied-billed grebes and Canada geese; small flocks of shovelers, lesser scaup and ring-necked ducks also graced the scene. As is typical for mid winter, ring-billed gulls swirled above the wetlands, northern harriers strafed the crop fields, red-tailed hawks patrolled the grasslands and an immature bald eagle circled overhead, spooking the ducks. Great blue herons stalked the shallows, sharp-shinned hawks darted through the woodlands and, surprisingly, a quartet of American white pelicans gathered along a marshy shoreline, satisfied to stay up north for this mild winter season.
Parking in a remote lot, I got out to enjoy the spring-like conditions; since the waterfowl hunters have departed and the spring birding crowd has not yet arrived, I was treated to the peaceful solitude of the winter season, minus the blowing snow and frigid air. Though a freight train rumbled west of the Missouri, all other sounds were natural, including the raucous call of crows, the muted chatter of waterfowl, the rustling of sparrows in the dry grass and the drumming of woodpeckers in the riverside forest. A special treat was the distant howl of a coyote, yet another sign that the season of renewal will soon invade the floodplain; I could almost see the purple haze of henbit on the barren fields.
Mallards were abundant on the ponds and wet fields, joined by sizable flocks of coot, gadwall, pied-billed grebes and Canada geese; small flocks of shovelers, lesser scaup and ring-necked ducks also graced the scene. As is typical for mid winter, ring-billed gulls swirled above the wetlands, northern harriers strafed the crop fields, red-tailed hawks patrolled the grasslands and an immature bald eagle circled overhead, spooking the ducks. Great blue herons stalked the shallows, sharp-shinned hawks darted through the woodlands and, surprisingly, a quartet of American white pelicans gathered along a marshy shoreline, satisfied to stay up north for this mild winter season.
Parking in a remote lot, I got out to enjoy the spring-like conditions; since the waterfowl hunters have departed and the spring birding crowd has not yet arrived, I was treated to the peaceful solitude of the winter season, minus the blowing snow and frigid air. Though a freight train rumbled west of the Missouri, all other sounds were natural, including the raucous call of crows, the muted chatter of waterfowl, the rustling of sparrows in the dry grass and the drumming of woodpeckers in the riverside forest. A special treat was the distant howl of a coyote, yet another sign that the season of renewal will soon invade the floodplain; I could almost see the purple haze of henbit on the barren fields.
Jumat, 13 Januari 2012
Raptor Hunt
The farmlands of the American West attract a wide variety of raptors and winter is perhaps the best season to observe them. Buteos and large owls are easier to spot in the barren woodlands and the demands of this harsh season ensure that both prey and hunters are especially active. In addition, the songbird flocks of winter provide tempting targets for accipiters and falcons.
Having convinced myself of these facts, I set out on this bright, frigid day on a circuit through the farmlands that surround Columbia. Red-tailed hawks, as expected, were common and American kestrels were spaced along the rural power lines but other raptors did not cooperate with my well-conceived plan; only a lone red-shouldered hawk, hunched on a creekside limb, made an appearance. Though I scoured the grasslands east of town for a short-eared owl and searched the Missouri River floodplain for a bald eagle, my efforts were in vain. Were it not for the beautiful countryside and a wealth of rural songbirds, I might have been disappointed.
As any experienced birder can attest, when it comes to finding their quarry, the expected does not always occur and the unexpected often ends up providing the highlight of the day. On this trip, neither the expected nor the unexpected materialized. Then again, it's the adventure of the hunt that counts and, as they proclaim on those ads for miraculous potions, results may vary.
Having convinced myself of these facts, I set out on this bright, frigid day on a circuit through the farmlands that surround Columbia. Red-tailed hawks, as expected, were common and American kestrels were spaced along the rural power lines but other raptors did not cooperate with my well-conceived plan; only a lone red-shouldered hawk, hunched on a creekside limb, made an appearance. Though I scoured the grasslands east of town for a short-eared owl and searched the Missouri River floodplain for a bald eagle, my efforts were in vain. Were it not for the beautiful countryside and a wealth of rural songbirds, I might have been disappointed.
As any experienced birder can attest, when it comes to finding their quarry, the expected does not always occur and the unexpected often ends up providing the highlight of the day. On this trip, neither the expected nor the unexpected materialized. Then again, it's the adventure of the hunt that counts and, as they proclaim on those ads for miraculous potions, results may vary.
Selasa, 10 Januari 2012
Trumpeters at Riverlands
The Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, north of St. Louis, does not occupy pristine natural landscape; transmission lines, with their huge metal towers, stretch along the west boundary of the 1200 acre preserve, homes and buildings of Alton, Illinois, cover the ridge to the east, power plant chimneys rise in various directions and the massive, concrete bulk of the Melvin Price Locks and Dam looms at its southeast corner. Nevertheless, the fields, ponds, lakes and wetlands of this refuge are magnets for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds, waders and songbirds as they travel along the Mississippi River and provide winter habitat for a variety of species.
Over the past decade or so, trumpeter swans have joined those migrants as this species has been re-established across the Upper Midwest. Last winter, 500 trumpeters wintered at Riverlands, the largest seasonal flock to date; according to refuge personnel, approximately 700 of these swans were in the vicinity just before the Holidays but most have dispersed to other areas and some 200 remain on the refuge at present. Indeed, on my visit this morning, they were the most common bird at Riverlands, gathering in loose flocks on the shallow pools west of the roadway; they were joined by a small number of tundra swans, difficult to distinguish at a distance but betrayed by their high-pitched whoops, contrasting with the nasal honks of the trumpeters.
Among the other winter residents and visitors were two flocks of greater white-fronted geese, a dozen or so bald eagles, a large flock of ruddy ducks, numerous common goldeneyes and a fair number of canvasbacks. Northern harriers patrolled the grasslands and small flocks of Canada geese moved among the wetlands. Surprise visitors were three American white pelicans and a handful of double-crested cormorants, still up north due to our mild early winter. But the trumpeters had prompted my visit and I was not disappointed; as usual, their wild chatter and majestic flights were the highlight of my morning.
Over the past decade or so, trumpeter swans have joined those migrants as this species has been re-established across the Upper Midwest. Last winter, 500 trumpeters wintered at Riverlands, the largest seasonal flock to date; according to refuge personnel, approximately 700 of these swans were in the vicinity just before the Holidays but most have dispersed to other areas and some 200 remain on the refuge at present. Indeed, on my visit this morning, they were the most common bird at Riverlands, gathering in loose flocks on the shallow pools west of the roadway; they were joined by a small number of tundra swans, difficult to distinguish at a distance but betrayed by their high-pitched whoops, contrasting with the nasal honks of the trumpeters.
Among the other winter residents and visitors were two flocks of greater white-fronted geese, a dozen or so bald eagles, a large flock of ruddy ducks, numerous common goldeneyes and a fair number of canvasbacks. Northern harriers patrolled the grasslands and small flocks of Canada geese moved among the wetlands. Surprise visitors were three American white pelicans and a handful of double-crested cormorants, still up north due to our mild early winter. But the trumpeters had prompted my visit and I was not disappointed; as usual, their wild chatter and majestic flights were the highlight of my morning.
Senin, 09 Januari 2012
A Frosty Floodplain
As I entered Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area this morning, the sun was just clearing the wooded ridge along the east edge of the Missouri River floodplain. In concert, it illuminated a heavy frost that coated the fields, marshlands and barren woods of the refuge. Ice-covered shallows had flooded the crop stubble but, thanks to our mild winter, the ponds and lakes remained open.
Heading southward through the preserve, I noticed the bulky silhouettes of red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, spaced along the wood margins, and saw a pair of bald eagles, perched in a large cottonwood. Northern harriers strafed the fields, squadrons of restless ducks and gulls wheeled overhead and stoic great blue herons waded through the icy pools. A belted kingfisher, noisy as ever, hunted above the primary channel while armadas of American coot docked on the east side of muskrat mounds to catch the morning sun. Winter sparrows and juncos flashed across the roadway, diving into thickets to evade the harriers, and a pair of downies picked their way through a grove of saplings.
Mallards and gadwall dominated the waterfowl population, joined by small flocks of lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and wood ducks. Canada geese, already dispersed into their monogamous pairs, mingled with the ducks and, as noted above, coot were unusually common for this time of year, another reflection of our mild early winter. Though I hoped to encounter some of the trumpeter swans that are wintering in Missouri, none were evident at Eagle Bluffs this morning; that goal should be reached tomorrow, when I pay a mid winter visit to the Riverlands nature preserve, just north of St. Louis.
Heading southward through the preserve, I noticed the bulky silhouettes of red-tailed and red-shouldered hawks, spaced along the wood margins, and saw a pair of bald eagles, perched in a large cottonwood. Northern harriers strafed the fields, squadrons of restless ducks and gulls wheeled overhead and stoic great blue herons waded through the icy pools. A belted kingfisher, noisy as ever, hunted above the primary channel while armadas of American coot docked on the east side of muskrat mounds to catch the morning sun. Winter sparrows and juncos flashed across the roadway, diving into thickets to evade the harriers, and a pair of downies picked their way through a grove of saplings.
Mallards and gadwall dominated the waterfowl population, joined by small flocks of lesser scaup, ring-necked ducks and wood ducks. Canada geese, already dispersed into their monogamous pairs, mingled with the ducks and, as noted above, coot were unusually common for this time of year, another reflection of our mild early winter. Though I hoped to encounter some of the trumpeter swans that are wintering in Missouri, none were evident at Eagle Bluffs this morning; that goal should be reached tomorrow, when I pay a mid winter visit to the Riverlands nature preserve, just north of St. Louis.
Kamis, 08 Desember 2011
Swans over Columbia
At exactly 8:30 this morning, I glanced out a window at the University of Missouri Hospital, just in time to see a flock of swans. Moving east to west over the football stadium, they were too distant and my observation was too brief to make a species identification. Needless to say, the sighting was an unexpected shock to my system and they moved out of view before I could even get an accurate count; my guess is that a dozen swans comprised the flock.
Whether they were tundra or trumpeter swans is impossible for me to say but this was, by far, the largest congregation of swans that I have ever seen in central Missouri. Tundra swans, which breed across the Arctic, generally winter on estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts though some head south along the Rocky Mountain corridor to wetlands in New Mexico and Texas. Trumpeter swans breed on lakes throughout parts of the Northern Rockies and have been reintroduced across the Upper Midwest over the past few decades; most of these birds stay put or migrate short distances in winter through some banded in the Midwest have been found to migrate as far west as southeast Colorado and as far south as Arkansas.
For the above reasons, I suspect that this morning's flock was comprised of trumpeter swans but I plan to check local rare bird alerts in the coming days to see if others had a better view; if time permits, I'll also pay a visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, on the Missouri River floodplain, which is a magnet for waterfall that pass through our region. Whether I obtain more information or not, the swans provided a brief but inspiring sight that I will remember and cherish for many years to come.
Whether they were tundra or trumpeter swans is impossible for me to say but this was, by far, the largest congregation of swans that I have ever seen in central Missouri. Tundra swans, which breed across the Arctic, generally winter on estuaries along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts though some head south along the Rocky Mountain corridor to wetlands in New Mexico and Texas. Trumpeter swans breed on lakes throughout parts of the Northern Rockies and have been reintroduced across the Upper Midwest over the past few decades; most of these birds stay put or migrate short distances in winter through some banded in the Midwest have been found to migrate as far west as southeast Colorado and as far south as Arkansas.
For the above reasons, I suspect that this morning's flock was comprised of trumpeter swans but I plan to check local rare bird alerts in the coming days to see if others had a better view; if time permits, I'll also pay a visit to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, on the Missouri River floodplain, which is a magnet for waterfall that pass through our region. Whether I obtain more information or not, the swans provided a brief but inspiring sight that I will remember and cherish for many years to come.
Minggu, 27 November 2011
Late Autumn Floodplain
On this cold, gray morning, I headed down to the floodplain of the Missouri River, southwest of Columbia. While most of the Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area was closed for waterfowl hunting, there was plenty left to explore and, as always, much to see.
A variety of ducks, oblivious to the distant shotgun blasts, fed and rested on the open ponds; mallards and northern shovelors dominated the flocks, joined by smaller numbers of pied-billed grebes, gadwall, hooded mergansers, wood ducks, coot and green-winged teal. Geese were absent but a trio of sandhill cranes rose from a harvested cropfield, circled overhead and then moved on to the south. Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were common, as usual, and a lone rough-legged hawk hovered above a meadow, searching for voles or cottontails. The riparian woodlands and adjacent marsh harbored a mix of songbirds, including red-bellied woodpeckers, American goldfinches and swamp sparrows while mourning doves, eastern bluebirds and American kestrels balanced on powerlines, enduring a steady north wind. Finally, massive flocks of starlings and red-winged blackbirds wheeled about the refuge, feasting in the corn stubble or gathering in groves of drowned cottonwoods.
Though signs of beaver activity was evident along the wooded shorelines, mammal sightings were limited to a skittish herd of white-tailed deer and a lone coyote, nosing his way across a field. Nothing terribly remarkable on this raw November morning, just an escape to the stark beauty of a late autumn floodplain.
A variety of ducks, oblivious to the distant shotgun blasts, fed and rested on the open ponds; mallards and northern shovelors dominated the flocks, joined by smaller numbers of pied-billed grebes, gadwall, hooded mergansers, wood ducks, coot and green-winged teal. Geese were absent but a trio of sandhill cranes rose from a harvested cropfield, circled overhead and then moved on to the south. Red-tailed hawks and northern harriers were common, as usual, and a lone rough-legged hawk hovered above a meadow, searching for voles or cottontails. The riparian woodlands and adjacent marsh harbored a mix of songbirds, including red-bellied woodpeckers, American goldfinches and swamp sparrows while mourning doves, eastern bluebirds and American kestrels balanced on powerlines, enduring a steady north wind. Finally, massive flocks of starlings and red-winged blackbirds wheeled about the refuge, feasting in the corn stubble or gathering in groves of drowned cottonwoods.
Though signs of beaver activity was evident along the wooded shorelines, mammal sightings were limited to a skittish herd of white-tailed deer and a lone coyote, nosing his way across a field. Nothing terribly remarkable on this raw November morning, just an escape to the stark beauty of a late autumn floodplain.
Selasa, 22 November 2011
Escape to the Country
When cold, gray, damp weather invades the Heartland, I often grab a few CDs and head for the countryside. There, the peaceful landscape, placid livestock and, of course, the rural wildlife never fail to lift my spirits.
Faced with such conditions today, I took a drive through the farmlands east of Columbia and, as usual, encountered a wide variety of grassland birds. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soared overhead, American kestrels and eastern bluebirds perched on the powerlines, wild turkeys foraged near wood margins and massive flocks of starlings performed their aerial ballets. Cardinals, blue jays, juncos, meadowlarks and mockingbirds flashed their colors along the country roads while Canada geese and wintering ducks moved between fields and wetlands. Though I hoped to see a flock or two, snow geese did not grace the scene today and resident mammals, often active in such gloomy weather, remained out of sight.
While the wildlife viewing was less than spectacular, the rural scenery and fresh air were certainly worth the journey. Some prefer reading or watching movies when cold, dreary weather sets in but naturalists, like myself, are seldom content to spend the day indoors. Besides, a regular dose of nature, whether shrouded in mist or emblazoned in sunshine, is good for the soul.
Faced with such conditions today, I took a drive through the farmlands east of Columbia and, as usual, encountered a wide variety of grassland birds. Red-tailed hawks and turkey vultures soared overhead, American kestrels and eastern bluebirds perched on the powerlines, wild turkeys foraged near wood margins and massive flocks of starlings performed their aerial ballets. Cardinals, blue jays, juncos, meadowlarks and mockingbirds flashed their colors along the country roads while Canada geese and wintering ducks moved between fields and wetlands. Though I hoped to see a flock or two, snow geese did not grace the scene today and resident mammals, often active in such gloomy weather, remained out of sight.
While the wildlife viewing was less than spectacular, the rural scenery and fresh air were certainly worth the journey. Some prefer reading or watching movies when cold, dreary weather sets in but naturalists, like myself, are seldom content to spend the day indoors. Besides, a regular dose of nature, whether shrouded in mist or emblazoned in sunshine, is good for the soul.
Senin, 21 November 2011
Backyard Bluebirds
Yesterday afternoon, my wife announced that two bluebirds were in our backyard. Though she enjoys hiking, gardening and the study of astrophysics, she has never been an avid birder and, since I had never observed bluebirds in our modest sized Columbia yard over the past 14 years, I was more than skeptical. Nevertheless, once I managed to take a look, I saw that she was right.
Eastern bluebirds favor fields and farmlands with scattered trees and are often seen on fences or powerlines in open country. Such habitat is at least two miles from our suburban home and, though we receive an excellent variety of avian visitors, bluebirds had not been on that list. The two males that turned up yesterday were apparently surveying the area for berry shrubs and found one to their liking in the wild border at the back of our property.
Feasting primarily on insects during the warmer months, bluebirds switch to a berry diet in winter, when they often roam the countryside in sizable flocks. Yesterday's backyard sighting was both a reminder that birds often defy our expectations and an admonition that I should be less dubious of my wife's reports.
Eastern bluebirds favor fields and farmlands with scattered trees and are often seen on fences or powerlines in open country. Such habitat is at least two miles from our suburban home and, though we receive an excellent variety of avian visitors, bluebirds had not been on that list. The two males that turned up yesterday were apparently surveying the area for berry shrubs and found one to their liking in the wild border at the back of our property.
Feasting primarily on insects during the warmer months, bluebirds switch to a berry diet in winter, when they often roam the countryside in sizable flocks. Yesterday's backyard sighting was both a reminder that birds often defy our expectations and an admonition that I should be less dubious of my wife's reports.
Jumat, 11 November 2011
Expecting Snows
This is the week each year when the first wave of snow geese generally passes through central Missouri. The autumn migration of these vocal travellers brings them across our State from mid November to mid December and they return from Gulf Coast wetlands between mid February and mid March.
Conditions for their journey have been ideal over the past two days, with clear skies overhead and a cold, north wind raking the Heartland. Like other waterfowl, snow geese take advantage of tail winds and I have been watching and listening for their passage to no avail. But, based on my experience over the past 14 years, they'll show up soon and I'll pay tribute from below, mesmerized by their wavering flocks.
As I have confessed in previous blogs, migrant snow geese stir my soul. More than any other species, they evoke wanderlust as they move across the sky, proclaiming freedom with their high-pitched calls. One of these days, when the responsibilies of my career have ended, I'll follow them to their coastal haunts and to their Arctic homeland, a nod to their years of inspiration and a gift to my soul.
Conditions for their journey have been ideal over the past two days, with clear skies overhead and a cold, north wind raking the Heartland. Like other waterfowl, snow geese take advantage of tail winds and I have been watching and listening for their passage to no avail. But, based on my experience over the past 14 years, they'll show up soon and I'll pay tribute from below, mesmerized by their wavering flocks.
As I have confessed in previous blogs, migrant snow geese stir my soul. More than any other species, they evoke wanderlust as they move across the sky, proclaiming freedom with their high-pitched calls. One of these days, when the responsibilies of my career have ended, I'll follow them to their coastal haunts and to their Arctic homeland, a nod to their years of inspiration and a gift to my soul.
Minggu, 23 Oktober 2011
Sunday Morn at Eagle Bluffs
On this glorious October morning, I headed for Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, my favorite haunt in central Missouri. There, on the floodplain of the Missouri River, I was greeted by flocks of horned larks along the entry road, by a lone bald eagle atop a dying shade tree and by the sound of distant shotgun blasts, a reminder that the culling season is underway.
Water birds were relatively sparse on the ponds of the refuge; while coot and pied-billed grebes were common, ducks were limited to scattered, small flocks of mallards, gadwall and blue-winged teal; a pair of ruddy ducks caught my eye and noisy killdeer rushed along the shorelines. Raptors were the highlight of this morning's visit, represented by numerous red-tailed hawks, the lone bald eagle, a few northern harriers and a red-shouldered hawk that rose from the marsh with a snake in his talons. Clouds of red-winged backyards drifted across the floodplain, a few great blue herons stalked the shallows, a quartet of barn swallows rested on a drowned sapling and small groups of yellowlegs foraged on the mudflats.
Many, if not most, Americans attend church on Sunday mornings for their weekly dose of inspiration and humility. I prefer nature, with its bounty of life and its spectacles of death.
Water birds were relatively sparse on the ponds of the refuge; while coot and pied-billed grebes were common, ducks were limited to scattered, small flocks of mallards, gadwall and blue-winged teal; a pair of ruddy ducks caught my eye and noisy killdeer rushed along the shorelines. Raptors were the highlight of this morning's visit, represented by numerous red-tailed hawks, the lone bald eagle, a few northern harriers and a red-shouldered hawk that rose from the marsh with a snake in his talons. Clouds of red-winged backyards drifted across the floodplain, a few great blue herons stalked the shallows, a quartet of barn swallows rested on a drowned sapling and small groups of yellowlegs foraged on the mudflats.
Many, if not most, Americans attend church on Sunday mornings for their weekly dose of inspiration and humility. I prefer nature, with its bounty of life and its spectacles of death.
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