Migrating

As a group, the wood warblers probably travel more in mixed companies than do any other single family of North American birds. In spring and fall, the flocks are likely to be made up of the adults and young of several species. Sometimes swallows, sparrows, blackbirds, and some of the shorebirds also migrate in mixed flocks

Males and females may migrate either simultaneously or separately. Although there are exceptions, generally passerine males arrive before females. Thus, in spring great flocks of male Red-winged Blackbirds reach a locality several weeks before any females. The first American Robins are usually found to be males, as are the first Song Sparrows, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Dickcissels, and Scarlet Tanagers. This early arrival of males on the breeding grounds is associated with the establishment of territories in which each male defends a definite area from trespass by other males of his own kind, while announcing his presence to rival males and later arriving females by song or other displays. The female then selects the site where she wishes to nest.

Help a Brotha NEST

During spring and summer, love is in the air, at least for birds. Male and female birds are finding mates, building nests, incubating eggs, and feeding ravenous young birds. Breeding and nesting season is an extremely busy time for birds so here are a few ways you can help out wild birds in your backyard.

Nesting material: Whether a bird nests in trees, bushes or in a birdhouse, they will build a nest to lay their eggs as well as a place for the young birds to stay until they fledge, or leave the nest. Parent birds scurry all over to find their favorite building materials. Different species of birds prefer different types of materials. Try putting out various types of things birds can use to build nests. Such as:

• Thin twigs
• Dog hair (I put out the hair from my dog after she is groomed)
• Human hair (put out the hair you pull out of your brush)
• Thin strips of cloth, about an inch wide and 6 inches long
• Feathers
• Long dried grasses
• Yarn, thread or string cut into 4 inch lengths
• Pieces of cotton
• Long wilted leaves from daffodils, tulips or iris
• Fuzzy lint from your dryer
• Strips of cellophane or cut up plastic sacks
• Spanish moss
• Pine needles
• Strips of fabric softener sheets

Western Kestrel

If you want to check out some birding spots in slo town:

http://www.calpoly.edu/~mstiles/sloplaces.html

Links:

:: Fish ::

:: Wildlife ::