Facts about "Red Winged Blackbird"

I was walking through Abrams Creek Wetland Preserve yesterday and I saw this Red Winged Blackbird (male) fly in front of me and it caught my eye! Rarely do you see them hang around in Winchester during the winter, unless there is an abundance of seeds they can feed on!

Here's some interesting facts about the Red Winged Blackbird-- They are a native species of N. America, during migration they can reach speeds up to 30 mph in flight, and during their breeding season (march-august) the female produces 2-3 broods a year! Each time the young fledge from the nest the parents will choose a different location to build a new nest to keep harmful parasites out of the nest!!!

Hope everyone has a blessed day and stay warm!!

Fun Facts About The Tundra Swan!

During the winter months you will see flocks of Canada Geese, Snow Geese, and other ducks passing through! The one flock that will catch your eye is the Tundra Swans! These birds are phenomenal fliers, they can get caught in a tail winds and fly up to speeds of 100 mph! Not hard to miss this human sized bird flying high in the sky with a hoo-ho-hoo type of call! This is a bird that you have to see to respect their size! The tundra swan pairs will go steady with another for a year before deciding to breed! The babies are call cygnets, the parents are highly protective and have been known to shatter a human arm into shambles with one smack of their wings! So be careful when intruding on them! If you get a chance to see a Tundra Swan you won't be displeased with their natural beauty!

Have a blessed day!!

Eastern Meadowlark Fun Fact!

While doing irrigation all summer long at my job I always see this short sticky bird flying around in the meadows! This bird is fast flying and quite a beautiful bird with its flashes of yellow and black in flight! This bird is an Eastern Meadowlark!

Fun Fact: The male Eastern Meadowlark can have 2 or even up to three mates at one time...poor guy has a lot of grounds to cover!

Have a blessed day!

"Winter Finch"

During the winter months there will be a bird that looks like a mixture of a female house finch and american goldfinch... The winter finch is often referred to as the Pine Siskin! This bird is commonly found in conifers, hence the name! The pine siskin will come to feeders in the winter to feed on thistle and sunflower seeds! A very delightful bird to see and hear! If your taking a walk during these winter months keep your ears open for a bird making a cheerful call that ends with a Zeee Zeee note! Enjoy the inclement weather today! Be safe!

Merry Christmas!

Anyone seeing any cool birds on our white Christmas? Juncos? White throated sparrows? Cardinals? Have a blessed day!

Final Bluebird Count In 3 years at VA Tech!

I have stepped down from Va Tech but my birdhouses will still remain at the AREC center in Winchester! In the 3 years I was there, the bluebirds successfully raised and fledged 42 young, out of 49 young! 85% success rate! I'll take that ;)

Third Brood of Bluebirds!

This has been a successful year so far in Bluebird production in the vineyard! I'm assuming to the early rise in temperature and variety of food they got an early start! The bluebirds started in the second week in April preparing their first brood, in both boxes, different pairs! The first box had 4 successful fledglings and the second had 5! In the first week of June I cleaned the boxes out promptly and then a day or so later the second brood was being prepared by both pairs! The first box laid 5 eggs and the second had 5! Both pairs eggs hatched within three days of another, the first box being the older pair, their eggs hatched first! In both boxes all babies were successful in their hatching process! I checked the babies daily, and found that one of the babies in the first box was missing! This was uncommon, and I'm assuming the nestling was weak or ill and the parents got rid of the nestling! Both boxes fledged babies! The first box 4 fledged and the second 4 as well! Pretty successful year! I cleaned the boxes out expecting the bluebird pairs to be finished for the year! I was totally surprised when I checked the first box and there was a nest fully made! Uhmm! I monitored it early this week and she laid on Tuesday, she laid not one but, two eggs in a day! I found this quite odd, along with the third brood which only happens like 3% in the East due to weather conditions and adequate food supply! Yesterday while working in the vineyard I noticed the Bluebird pair in the 2nd box making their third brood also! Crazy!! I'm monitoring these nest for a white egg which is rare but wouldn't be surprised if it happened! This is my story for the day I will blog the outcome of the third brood later in the next month!

Since 2009-2012 I have successfully raised 34 bluebirds in two bird houses! Quite impressive!