[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]
Posted by Jeff Weber on 19:11:32 09/06/09
Fully 17 birders joined me for the TAS walk at Bill Baggs State Park this morning. Despite stiff winds from the south, migrant activity was limited, with only six warbler species sighted (Northern Parula, Prairie, Black-and-white, Ovenbird, Northern Waterthrush, and Am. Redstart). We also saw an Eastern Kingbird and all the resident locals, but nothing extraordinary. Two female Coopers Hawks grappling in flight were an interesting sight.
We spent a good deal of time checking out the resident spiders, including several big female Nephilas (Golden Silk Spider). One of these had about 10 honeybees in its web, some of which were pollen laden and still struggling. Brian Rapoza soon pointed out the reason: a huge swarm of honeybees (suitcase-sized) immediately behind the web. We took a quick look and moved out of the vicinity, as they were looking stressed and ready to vent their frustrations. We also found the Black-and-Yellow Garden Spider (Argiope aurantia) in its characteristic huge web with zig zag silk bands. One of these also had many Dewdrop Spiders hanging around the outskirts, looking like drops of mercury with legs. Dewdrop Spiders (Argyrodes) are known as "kleptoparasites," because they steal trapped insects from the host's web. To top off a great spider day, I found a Fishing Spider (Dolomedes sp.) in my pool walking around underwater in my pool this afternoon.
A good day, overall, but the best of migration is yet to come.
[ Follow Ups ] [ Post Followup ] [ TAS BirdBoard ] [ FAQ ]