Tag Archive for 'Western Tanager'

Tallyho!

Published on September 10, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Tallyho! James Fisher had it right when he used this shout of joy to recognize the moment when a life bird is discovered. Particularly when the circumstances are fraught with challenges.

Recently, I was leading a client for a few days in the Pacific Northwest and he brought along a rather daunting list of target birds. Doable, but daunting. Hot July weather is less than ideal for discovering birds, but we ventured forth, unswayed by the season or the weather, to see what we could see. List in hand and bins at the ready, we left pre-dawn and headed for Eastern Washington. The temperatures were already in the 80’s by our first few stops. The birds proved wiser than birders, tucking down into the shade and remaining quiet, still, and cool. Slowly, we crept through the sage lands looking for a likely spot for Sage Thrasher. Stopping at the crest of a dusty country road, ignoring the American Kestrel family of four who followed our every move, we carefully scanned the sage. Fortunately one persistent Brewer’s Sparrow sang a tune for us, breaking the silence of the empty landscape. Scoping out the sparrow, we discovered a young Sage Thrasher perched high on a rabbit brush. Moments later, the Thrasher adults and one other fledgling filled our viewfinder. TALLY HO! Two lifers – sparrow and thrasher – and it is only 90 degrees.

The Ponderosa Pine forest was beckoning us with the potential of shade and Lewis’s Woodpecker. Even before we made our shady retreat, a Lewis’s appeared nearby, hawking insects in the sage and plucking berries from nearby shrubs. As we luxuriated in stunning views of this magnificent pink, glossy green woodpecker bringing food home to its young I began to suspect that my shoulders may be turning the same shade as the red on the woodpecker’s head. Undaunted by the stifling heat and increasing sunburn we headed off in search of the White-headed Woodpecker.

Moving from thin pine shade to blasting heat we racked up Pygmy Nuthatch, White-breasted Nuthatch, Hammond’s Flycatcher, and Western Tanager. We ignored the omnipresent Western Wood-Pewee, and searched in vain for the White-headed Woodpecker. Slowly, and with some feeling of dejection, we began to drag our tired hot feet back to the Jeep and TALLY HO! Perched in the side of a pine above the Jeep was an adult White-headed Woodpecker. Heat and exhaustion forgotten, we watched in excitement as it flew to a nearby grove and fed its newly fledged young. After much chatter and bouncing from pine to pine, the fledgling settled down on a trunk and preened for long moments. Fascinated we watched as the youngster fell right asleep – taking a much deserved nap in the hot afternoon.
A tremendous day – filled with success, but there were still two more birds on the wishlist for tomorrow.

After driving several hours and up to 6,000 feet on Mt. Rainier, we hastened out of the vehicle. Miles to hike and life birds to get. In less than an hour we had hiked to snow level and slowed to a mild amble. Horned Larks with begging young peppered the hillside, and American Pipits pipped across the talus slopes. But the Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch and White-tailed Ptarmigan eluded our searching eyes. But not for long – Tallyho! The lovely and elusive Gray-crowned Rosy-Finches were foraging amongst the low heather, glowing in the alpine sun. And to our delight their busy feeding forays brought them within inches of our hiking boots. After a long photo session and a full emersion of this tremendous species we turned our attention to the final wish to be fulfilled on this weekend trip – the White-tailed Ptarmigan.

Positive we had heard their quiet murmurings above us on the rocky talus slopes, we scanned and peered. We checked every rock, low shrub, and dirt patch we could find, but to no avail. But our resolve is not so easily softened – after all, we had climbed, hiked for hours and were presently donating blood to every mosquito on Mount Rainier. So we settled down on a rock to wait for movement. Feeling much like a sacrificial victim destined to provide the basis of the entire food chain, we sat as the mosquitos fed and fed and fed. What? Movement! TALLY HO! What was once a rock formed into a hen Ptarmigan quietly muttering to her five balls of fluff bouncing from rock to rock. I slowly released my breath realizing I had not inhaled sufficiently for the long agonizing moments we had waited. A glorious exhausting weekend of life birds in the sun had come to a happy ending. Tallyho, indeed!

A Moment in Nature

Published on July 2, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , .

A great cacophony of sound filled the forest. Robins and crows were going mad with alarm and cries of distress. Following the chorus of sound along the North Loop Trail of Discovery Park, I watched in amazement as a Barred Owl flew into a maple, feet from the trail, with a robin grasped in its talons. Convinced that the owl would only be hunting during the day to feed its young I remained stationary, waiting and watching. Surely it would take the prey to its nest. I watched in amazement as it slowly plucked and fed upon this huge meal. Bit by bit it disappeared, till the last foot slid out of sight. Apparently today the meal was meant for the adult only. But still I waited until the owl cleaned its beak against a branch rousted its feathers and settled in for a mid-morning nap.

Meanwhile my attention was being pulled toward tiny begging sounds issuing from the forest on the south side of the trail. Who is so hungry? Following the cries, looking for movement I discovered a nest filled with Hairy Woodpecker young. The adults were working frantically, carrying insects back to the cavity in a snag to stuff the greedy young with essential protein.

All in all a fantastic moment of “wild” in Discovery Park – but the most remarkable thing about the whole experience was watching wave after wave of park visitors streaming by without any inkling of the life and death drama that surrounded them. Families taking a stroll, a hiking group socializing, joggers exercising, and dog walkers enjoying their canine company. All oblivious to the begging of young woodpeckers, waves of Wilson’s Warblers filling the canopy, the Barred Owl’s brunch, the fringecup blooming trailside and the wonder of the natural world surrounding them. It is much like choosing a fine dining establishment to enjoy the ambiance, drink in the fine aroma then not partaking of the excellent cuisine.

Birders as a general rule are very aware people, alert to the sounds and sights around them. Birdwatching lends itself to a heightened sense of awareness. Without this connection to the natural world, we would miss the next life bird, an interesting behavior or the simple beauty of a Western Tanager returning from its winter hiatus. As city dwellers and creatures of a modern lifestyle, our senses have become dulled in order to survive the continual onslaught of sights, sounds and smells of our harried lives. In order to get back in touch with our senses and truly experience the natural world a focused moment will help.

Choose a quiet place in a neighborhood park. Sit and relax on a bench and take a moment just to look. How many different birds will you see and hear? Suddenly realize how many shades of greens are in a forest habitat. Lean down squeeze a Bleeding Heart leaf, then smell the light scent of powdered donuts. Run your hand gently over the bark of a cedar, then contrast its texture with the gnarled rough thick bark of the Douglas fir. Expand your quest to reestablish a natural relationship by choosing a different habitat. The beach at low tide is filled with ample opportunities. Crouch quietly next to a tide pool and as if by magic a new world will appear. The tiny legs of the barnacles are kicking away bringing food into the protective shell. Tidepool sculpins completely camouflaged when still, will begin to swim and reveal their locations. Shells will suddenly become hermit crabs skittering among the rocks. Gently touch an anemone and marvel at their soft fragility. Pet a sea star and discover their rough outer layer.

By awakening your senses through focused effort you will soon discover an open door through which many discoveries will come to you naturally. Then and only then will you be as fortunate as a recent group of birding by ear class participants – together we were alerted to the presence of an Anna’s Hummingbird by her quiet ticking sounds and rapid movements.

Pausing our walk, we watched as she gathered a spider web. A moment later she took the silk back to her tiny camouflaged nest barely five feet over the trail. This natural magic and more awaits you once the senses have been awakened.

Breeding Bird Survey

Published on June 7, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

These are three of the most intense moments of your birding life. Three minutes to count all of species and individual birds in a 1/4 mile radius. This is the United States Geological Survey’s Breeding Bird Survey. Look, listen, scan, identify, count, and repeat 50 times at designated stops.

Scott and I had chosen to be volunteers for the Breeding Bird Survey four years ago. We selected the Nighthawk route in Okanogan County of north eastern Washington State. This area is rich in wetlands, riparian zone, sagebrush, Ponderosa Pine forests, lakes and rivers. Unbeknown to us at the time, it is the highest diversity of breeding birds in Washington. But after intensely surveying these many habitats for hours on end I can attest that it is indeed extremely diverse.

After four years, the route and routine are somewhat more manageable. Our roles are clearly defined. After arising at 3:30 a.m., we arrive at our first stop at 4:25a.m ready to go, coffee in one hand, binoculars in the other. Scott mans the computer assuring that each stop is accurate and on target according to our GPS. He dutifully records any ambient noise we may experience such as rushing stream, tractor or cattle drive. He also records and interprets the crazy chatter flying from my mouth as I attempt to call out each species as I see and hear them during the precious three minute time span.

I assume an intense stance, eyes and ears attune to all bird life surrounding us. I must appear somewhat insane staring fixedly ahead as I first holler out all of the songs and calls I hear. Black-headed Grosbeak! Western Tanager! Gray Catbird! Then the binoculars are attached to my eyes as I scan, high, low near far and don’t forget the other side of the road! Pick out the Lazuli Bunting, squeeze out three Wilson’s Warblers, and five Yellow Warblers in the riparian zone – then, oh joy, a MacGillivray’s warbler! Ok, i.d. the Flycatchers- NOW!

Despite its great intensity and exhausting eight hours of work, the route is a true joy. Not only the delight of revisiting old friends each year but the possibility of discovering new species as well. Stop 24 – guaranteed Rufous Hummingbird and he will be sitting on the wire above the road. Stop 12 – Say’s Phoebe sallying forth in search of insects for her young. Stop 5 at the corral, sure enough there is the House Wren in full song. Stop 42 – Lewis’s Woodpeckers are guarding territory in old cottonwoods next to the river. Stop 29 – yes the Bank Swallow colony is still there. We can be assured count that every transformer on the poles lining the highway will be populated by a pair of Western Kingbirds.

Sprinkled amongst the old friends such as Western Wood-Peewee and Western Meadowlarks are treasures of new discoveries. While dodging hummingbirds and peering at a Red-tailed Hawk, a distinct chibit repeatedly struck my ear. And there in the Ponderosa Pine singing away was a Least Flycatcher, our first in four years of surveys. Later on while counting the large groups of Bald Eagles feasting on carp at the lake shore, a group of shore birds flew past my bins. White, chestnut and black – could it be? YES! Wilson’s Phalaropes landing along the edge of a flooded field. Stop number 48 in the heat of the day promised to be barren except for the usual Black-billed Magpies and California Quail but today a lovely chuck, chuck, chuck call issued from the sage. Finally – Chukar on our route. While looking for “our” Clark’s Nutcrackers who had repeatedly surprised us by hanging out at the lake in most untypical Clark’s habitat we were delighted to discover instead two nesting Common Mergansers. This seemed a much more appropriate species for this stop.

After hours of wrestling with an accurate count of swallows, the intensity of birding by ear and elation of new discoveries we ended this year’s Breeding Bird Survey with a total of 50 stops, 25 miles driven, six distinct habitats and 77 species and the anticipation of next year’s survey on our minds.

Birding by Ear

Published on April 26, 2010 in Uncategorized. 0 Comments Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , .

Why learn to bird by ear? Birding by ear is essential to all birders, opening an entirely new dimension of understanding and awareness. Learning to recognize birds by their calls and songs allows you to know birds just as you would a friend’s voice across a crowded room or a mother discerning her child’s cry of “MOM” amongst a chorus of “MOMs” on a playground. Birding by ear also opens up a whole new world of recognizing behaviors, keying in on sounds above the head, identifying lurking and hidden birds in the thick of spring growth and separating difficult species from one another.

The high chittering falling down from above reminds you to look up. The sun’s glare is barring any view of field marks. But immediately you recognize the sound of Violet-green Swallows. Spend enough time looking and sure enough they are no longer back lit and their white rump patches become obvious – confirmed!

The excited caw! caw! caw! of a murder of crows – what and why are they so upset? Focus in with your binoculars and a perfectly camouflaged Great Horned Owl pressed against the trunk of a tree comes into view. We would have walked right by without noticing this stunning predator but the crows raucous voices remind us to look.

Many birders are intimidated by learning the many different songs and calls that fill the bird world. But you needn’t be. The language of the bird world can be mastered and translated. There are a vast array of tools to help. CDs, tapes, and iPods will allow you to listen and learn at your leisure. During a long commute, while cleaning house, any time that is convenient for listening to these tools can help. Taking a class from an experienced guide will aide in the mastery of birding by ear.

Developing your own tips, tricks and tools is essential. Personalize your learning. The bubbling song of a Ruby-crowned Kinglet is now the “teeter-totter” bird. The whiney chatter of the Pine Siskens are forever known as Pine Ziiiiipkens! An orange rolling off a table? Orange-crowned Warblers descending trill of course. By placing your own description to the music around us it becomes your own.

Some field guides have excellent descriptions of bird sounds but nothing compares to the original Peterson Guides. Roger Tory Peterson had an incredible knack for translating the language of birds into English. He neatly separates the impossible Flycatchers with simple catch phrases that everyone can learn. Willow Flycatcher says Fitzbew! and the Olive-sided Flycatcher – Quick Three Beers! How fun and easy!

But by far the best way to learn birding by ear is to get outside and go birding. Pick up your binoculars and scope, spend time looking at a bird while it sings. Focus on the gray and orange red bird – does it say Cheeriup Cherrioh as a American Robin – or a monosyllable, discordant whistle of the Varied Thrush. Scan the trees, is it really a robin’s cheery song or a Black-headed Grosbeak or Western Tanager? Auditory cues such as a slurry wolf whistle of the grosbeak or a chibit of the tanager will narrow the identification – the visual contact will confirm the id.

Soon your everyday life will become richer. Now as you are walking across the parking lot to the mall in anticipation of the big spring sale you may be stopped in your tracks by the sweet conceit of the White-crowned Sparrow – “See Me Pretty, Pretty Me!” When you hear someone insisting “Drink your TEA!” an Eastern Towhee is nearby or if you are in a neighborhood on the West Coast, it will be the Bewick’s Wren demanding that you “Drink your TEA”!

Just that quickly your world will become a three dimensional experience with the previously unseen, unnoticed, unidentified popping into auditory view. Time, practice and being outside birding will open an entirely new world.