One morning earlier this week when I step outside I was greeted to the song of a Louisiana water thrush. This was the first northbound migrant that has shown up in my yard this year. The only times I see or hear it is during the spring.
Most of us only see many of these migratory birds during migration. One reason why most of these birds are undetected is that they rarely, if ever, eat food at our feeders. As such, one of the best ways you can help the birds and give yourself a chance these see these beautiful birds is to provide them with water.
BIRD BATH WITH BLUEBIRD © Terry W Johnson
Hi, Terry: your blog always makes me think!
Last week, I heard the strangest noise outside I can only describe as coming from some prehistoric creature! It drove me nuts with curiosity. I used my Merlin Bird app, and it could not identify it (I guess I need to download more updates.) The closest I could describe shat I heard was it the sounded like an extremely large egret with a sore throat. I sent my recording to Cornell Lab of Ornithology for investigation.
We have a small stream that runs through our neighborhood to a nearby lake–so I assumed it was a shore bird. On a whim, I decided to use AI and type, “large shore bird that sounds like a huge prehisoric egret.” What popped up was “Sandhill Crane.” Found in McDonough, GA, of all things!
I found an audio recording of one–and BINGO, I had my bird. I couldn’t see it and have never heard one before last week. I reported my finding to Cornell.
If I knew how to forward my recording to you, I would. It’s in the app. I was soooo excited!
I am taking your advice and preparing areas in my yard for bird baths!
Penny,
What a strange story! I sure would like to hear a recording of it. You may be right, sandhill cranes have been passing through during the past few days. I am sure Cornell can ID it.
Hi, Terry: I would love to send you the sandhill crane recording! Where do I get that to you? I’ll have to figure out how to get it from Merlin Bird to you. I tried replying directly to your blog, but it says “Do not reply.”
Thanks. Penny
backyardwildlife@yahoo.com
I wonder if you saw a summer tanager, maybe one with a little more brighter feathers–maybe a male?
Interesting find near our Gwinnett county feeders this morning- a medium size bird that was all yellow, including the beak! Darker yellow on the head and upper back. Looks like a Domestic Canary. How rare is that?
Bill, I have no idea. The bird doesn’t sound like any bird in North America. It may be a partial albino (leucistic) or an exotic that escaped or was released. I really need to see a picture of the bird to know exactly what it is.
Bill,
It is hard to say what you bird might be. Some of its features suggest a female Baltimore Oriole or female summer tanager. However, neither bird has a yellow bill. Female Baltimore orioles could be in your area, however it is much too early for tanagers. A picture of the bird would sure help identification. As you say, it could be an escaped cage bird.
I’m sorry I cannot solve this mystery.