BIRDS KNOWN TO PREY ON RUBYTHROATS IN BACKYARDS

May8

       There are at least nine species of birds that capture ruby-throated hummingbirds in backyards.  Some of these species might surprise you.

       It is common knowledge that birds of prey feed on rubythroats.  The list of these birds includes the kestrel, merlin, sharp-shinned hawk, Cooper’s hawk, and Mississippi kite.  However, from time to time other birds also capture and eat hummingbirds.  Examples of these birds are the loggerhead shrike, blue jay, tanagers, and grackles.

       If you have seen any of these or other birds prey on a ruby-throated hummingbird in your backyard, please let me know.

SOME CITY BIRDS HAVE SMALLER EYES THAN THOSE LIVING IN THE COUNTRY

May5

       Many birds are adapting to the changes taking place in the world around them.  An excellent example of this is the eyes of some birds living in brightly lit habitats are actually getting smaller.  Jennifer Phillips, assistant professor in Washington State University’s school of the environment explains the situation this way, “Animals living in a bright area don’t need to gather so much sunlight.”

       For some time, biologists have known that the eyes of birds that live their lives in dark forests are larger than those inhabiting locales bathed in natural sunlight. A similar phenomenon seems to exist with birds living in well-lit cities. Here some birds have smaller eyes than those that make their home outside of the inner city. This is thought to be due to city birds have to live in the constant glare of bright city lights.

      In an effort to test this theory, Phillips and her research team used mist nests to capture Carolina wrens and northern cardinals in and around San Antonio, Texas.  The researchers carefully measured the size of the eyes of all birds netted. They recently published the results of their study in Global Change Biology.  Their findings demonstrated the Carolina wrens and northern cardinal living in the brightly lit core of San Antonio were smaller than their counterparts inhabiting the perimeter of this large Texas city. Phillips interpreted the findings this way, “That makes sense. If you’re trying to build a nest or sleep in bright urban areas, it’s likely beneficial to have smaller eyes.”

 

FREE SNAKE GUIDE AVAILABLE FROM GEORGIA DNR

May1

       There are 47 species of snakes native to the state of Georgia.  Only seven of these reptiles are poisonous.  If you would like to learn how to identify them, a great place to start is to go online and Google the Georgia DNR’s Venomous Snakes of Georgia.  When you download the brochure, you will find there is also a Quick Guide to Georgia’s Non-venonmous Snakes.

       For additional information on Georgia’s snakes, contact the Georgia state herpetologist Daniel Sollenberger. Daniel can be reached by phone at 478-994-1438 or email Daniel.sollenberger@dnr.ga.gov

WHERE DO I REPORT DEAD AND DYING BIRDS AROUND MY FEEDER?

Apr28

      When homeowners find dead or dying birds near their feeders, they often do not know where they should report the incident.  If you ever find yourself in this predicament, here is the answer to this perplexing situation.

       According to Todd Schneider a biologist with the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Section, “A single dead bird isn’t a cause for alarm, but (finding) four or more dead birds in a short amount of time could signal a problem and should be reported to the DNR’s Wildlife Conservation Section.”  at todd.schneider@dnr.ga.gov.  If you find sick or dead birds, do not touch them with your hands.

13-YEAR CICADAS ARE NOW EMERGING IN THE NORTHERN HALF OF GEORGIA

Apr24

       For the next 4-6 weeks, the sounds and sights of 13-year cicadas will dominate many backyards throughout the northern half of Georgia; this is particularly true if you live near a hardwood forest. These insects are members of Brood XIX.

       During this time as soon as soon as you step outside you are likely to hear a sound that could easily pass for the sounds made by aliens in a science fiction movie.  The males generate these calls. They are so loud, and high-pitched they can reach noise levels of 90-100 decibels. Some say they are as high as the sound levels reached by a jet taking off, or rock concerts.  Although these deafening calls may seem like noise to us, to a female cicada they are love songs.

       These insects are named 13-year cicadas because they emerge every 13 years.  During the rest of their lives, they live beneath the surface on the ground burrowing, eating and growing.

       During the year they are scheduled to leave their subterranean home, they begin emerging when the soil temperature reaches 64º F.  Their exit holes are about ½-inch in diameter.  Sometimes they feature an earth turret.

       Once they reach the surface of the ground, they seek vertical structures.  This may be a tree, building, shrub, vine, or garden tool. Once they have found the right place they climb upward and shed their skin (exoskeleton) for the final time.  It is fascinating to watch one break free from its tough outer covering.  It somehow fits its entire body through a tiny slit located behind its head.

       When it breaks free, it is now white and features eyes that look like tiny rubies.  The insects must then wait 4-6 days before they are ready to fly.  During this time, they change color.  Their head and body become black and its transparent wings will be fringed in orange.

       After mating, the males die. The females die after they have laid their eggs on tree branches.  Upon hatching, the nymphs fall to the ground and burrow into the soil. They will subsequently not see the light of day for 13 years.

       While the adults are flying about they are eaten by a wide variety of wildlife including squirrels, moles, foxes, spiders, turtles, tanagers, wild turkeys, grackles, robins, woodpeckers and blue jays.

       Fortunately, the 13-year cicadas are not poisonous, nor do they bite or sting.  In addition, they rarely cause damage to the trees on which they lay their eggs. However, it is possible for them to damage young trees.  This can be prevented by draping netting over the saplings.

       The emergence of the 13-year cicada is one of Mother Nature’s strangest events. Throughout the range of Brood XIX, literally trillions of cicadas will emerge this year.  It is estimated that in some places their numbers will reach a million or more per acre. Dr. James Larsen, an entomologist and assistant professor at the University of Kentucky describes this amazing event as, “the most macabre Mardi Gras that you’ve ever seen.”

       If you would like to see if the XIX brood’s known range includes your county, download the free app called Cicada Safari.  If you find that it has not yet been recorded there, you can document the occurrence of the insects in that county.

      

        

      

BACKYARD SECRET – GEORGIA IS HOME TO A DIVERSE POPULATION OF NATIVE BEES

Apr21

        When we think of native pollinators, it is only natural to think about moths, butterflies and hummingbirds.  However, some of our most important native pollinators are bees.  There are some 4,500 species of native bees in the United States; 500 of these species live in Georgia.

BLOGGER REPORTS MONARCHS NECTARING AT ENCORE AZALEAS

Apr17

        Native azaleas are nectar plants used by butterflies and other pollinators. However, such is not the case with ornamental azaleas.  While these showy exotic spring bloomers are beautiful, they are not known for their production of nectar.  However, a few years ago I was surprised to find that a hybrid known as Encore Azalea does indeed attract butterflies. 

       Since that discovery, I have witnessed eastern tiger swallowtails, cloudless sulphurs, painted ladies, ocolas, common buckeyes, and long-tailed skippers nectaring at Encore Azalea blossoms. 

       An April 13, 2024, post by an anonymous blogger stated that monarchs also nectar on the shrub.

       If you have noticed other butterflies nectaring on Encore Azaleas, please let me know.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU FIND WILDLIFE YOUNG?

Apr14

       Spring is a wonderful time to be outside and enjoying wildlife.  However, it is also a time when you are likely to encounter young wildlife.  If you ever come across young birds or mammals, do you know what you should do?

       When most folks find them, they quickly let look about to see if a parent is nearby.  When they don’t see one, it is natural to assume the youngster is an orphan.  According to Kaitlin Goode, wildlife biologist and program manager of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Urban Wildlife Program, “While it may appear that a young animal is alone, the adult animal is usually close by even though you may not be able to see it.  Adult animals, such as deer, spend most of the day away from their young to reduce the risking of a predator find the young.”

       Although it is only natural to think that your best course of action is to rescue it.  According to Goode, “Wildlife, even young animals, rarely need interference from humans.”  She goes not to say, “Taking wildlife out of their natural environment and bringing them home often takes away the animal’s ability to survive in the wild, where it belongs.”

       If that is true, what should you do?  The Georgia Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) recommends that you should walk away and leave the animal where you found them.  Then wait at least 24hours before returning.  Upon your return, if it is still there, contact your nearest WRD office for guidance at GeorgiaWildlife.com.about/contact.   For more information, visit GeorgiaWildlife.com/living-with-wildlife

 

THE FLOWER FANTASY

Apr10

       If you are looking for a great experience, you should consider attending The Flower Fantasy at Pineola Farm and Garden just outside Fort Valley.  The event will take place April 20 and 21.  The event is the brainchild of Fort Valley’s Magnolia Garden Club.

       I will be presenting a colorful and informative program entitled A Collage of Color – Georgia’s Backyard Birds at 3 pm Sunday afternoon.  I hope to see you there.

       For more information on this special event click, the link found below.

       The Flower Fantasy — Pineola Farms & Gardens

BACKYARD SECRET – CAROLINA WRENS ARE PROLIFIC SONGSTERS

Apr7

       One of the things I enjoy most about spring is when I walk about my yard at this time of the year bird songs fill the air.  One of the most pleasant songs that floats across my yard is that of the Carolina Wren.  In fact, I hear Carolina wrens calling so frequently throughout a typical spring day; I have often wondered how frequently a male Carolina wren sings in a day.  If you have puzzled over this same question, here is the answer.
In one study, biologists recorded a male Carolina wren, housed in cage; sing three thousand times in a single day.