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Posted by Angel & Mariel on 14:36:19 07/24/08
While taking a walk after lunch to burn off some of those calories we spotted some cool birds. The usual Mockers were everywhere foraging for food to feed their offspring which are all over the campus. We have seen as many as 12 Mockers in one small tree last week. The RB Woodpecker nest we have been keeping tabs on was quiet today, maybe they fledged? We have been going by it everyday hoping to get a shot of those little guys. Gray Kingbirds were taking advantage of the gnats and other flying insects that were around just before the rain.
With their incredible insect catching gift we watched one Kingbird catch several snacks. It is awesome to see how they use their tail and wings in effort to maneuver themselves swiftly allowing them to catch these small insects. A Chimney Swift worked the airspace directly over us while we observed a Tricolored Heron get excited over it s catch. A Gambusia seemed to be it's fish of choice. On our way back to the OE building we saw a Spot-breasted Oriole in their favorite tree around campus. Yesterday the tree had one adult and two imm. it was awesome to see the parent feed one of the offspring.
No Gnatcatchers here yet but I bet you there is at least one around the campus. No shorebirds in the ponds around campus either, this spring we had Solitary Sandpiper, couple of Least Sandpiper, and some Killdeer around. Cool afternoon walk, it is awesome that we can bird after lunch around campus. The grounds have lots of trees and even a preserve that is great for warblers during migration. Don t forget the Sulphur-bellied flycatcher that Michelle Davis found back in 2001, something incredible could show up on campus.
Like Toe said migration is already on go out and look birders.
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