Nest Building Time For a Variety of Species

There was an abundance of bird nesting behavior to observe today. Nesting has begun for many of the early migrants as well as year-round residents. Sitting and observing birds at given locations really allows one to notice a change in the bird's behavior. One of my objectives at each survey point is to discover active nests. Being by myself allows for this activity. Often discovering a nest involves seeing bird movement, only for a split second, out of the corner of one's eye.

This happened to me at Tobacco Creek with the Louisiana Waterthrush. I noted the location in the bank I saw the bird going to during my survey. Afterward I approached a little closer and was able to observe both adults carrying nest material into the hole. Getting a little closer, 35 feet away, proved futile as the birds detected me and left the scene. I have enclosed a photo of the dirt bank. The nest hole is at the base of the thickest long vertical root pictured.

Other bird nesting behavior I observed were by a Western Scrub Jay and two Black-chinned Hummingbirds, who were collecting spider webs.

I detected no new bird species arrivals at my stations, however, at the bird blind there were a few. Friday a Bullock's and Orchard Oriole were seen along with an Indigo Bunting and Ruby-throated Hummingbird. A single male White-throated Sparrow is still present and even sang as I approached the blind.

Sunday I will return to the park in search of a Golden-cheeked Warbler nest.

I returned on Sunday and can add to the list of nest builders the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher.