Photographs: Trout Lily by Graham Brown, Mayapples by Larry Onysko, Alumroot leaves by Larry Onysko,
Bill Balkwill saw a very large flock of Snow Buntings fly over his residence on January 14, 2010.
Bill Balkwill observed on January 17, 2010 that the cold weather caused Red-tailed Hawks to move out of the area. Bill saw four that were heading westward with two or three still in the neighborhood along with several Northern Harriers. Bill reports the Cooper’s Hawk is still about as this raptor checks the neighborhood feeders on a regular basis.
A partially consumed Dark-eyed Junco was found at the feeder. Bill commented that a Northern Saw-whet Owl is likely in the neighborhood as these tiny owls would not be able to consume an entire junco.
A week ago, a female mink’s tracks (identified by her paw print pattern) were seen for the first time in 2010.
There are a number of deer about the woodland which have pawed the leaves beneath Shumard and Red Oak in a search for acorns. The deer have become quite bold, venturing into the yard to feed on the corn at the feeders.
Three White-breasted nuthatch were at the feeder. Black-capped Chickadees are making the rounds of the neighborhood feeders. Seven Eastern Bluebirds are feeding on the juniper berries from the large juniper in the backyard. Jack Balkwill heard a pair of Great Horned Owls calling from the tree by the house.
Bill reported seeing the only Rough-legged Hawk so far this year on January 21, 2010.
Deer in the woodland continue to search for acorns, including those of Pin Oaks. Bill commented that the bucks appear to be catching their antlers on rough ground in attempt to shed their antlers.
Bill Balkwill reported that a Bald Eagle was seen in the woodland on February 22, 2010, likely in search of a squirrel. Also seen in the woodland were Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Jack Balkwill’s feeding station near the residence has attracted a Horned Lark as the area has had a good covering of snow.
Bill Balkwill reports that he and Jack are clearing dead ash along the woodland edge which is being placed in wildlife piles. The juncos have discovered the piles of limbs and are quite excited by the fallen debris. Eastern Bluebirds are around the house and are roosting in the nest boxes during our cold winter weather.
Bill Balkwill reported on March 22, 2010, the Great Horned Owls had chosen an old Red-tailed Hawk’s nest in the woodland known as Lilly’s Bush (located west of the pond restoration), but lost the nest due to recent high winds.
A recent sighting was that of a Wild Turkey flying across the field. American Robins are everywhere. Turkey Vultures are back. Eastern Bluebirds are looking over the nesting boxes with the European Starlings fighting over the boxes.
Red-winged Blackbirds which stayed all winter are showing their colours.
Bill reports a pair of White-breasted Nuthatch around the residence with a third present and more individuals in the woodland.
A single male Purple Finch turned up a few days ago while House Finches have been present all winter.
Around the Balkwill residence, dwarf croci, tulips and hyacinth has emerged in the gardens.
Two patches of Garlic Mustard are now visible at the east end of the drain under a Shumard Oak.
Bill Balkwill reported recent spring sightings on April 6, 2010. A Tree Swallow was observed on April 1, 2010. The next day, on April 2, 2010, five Tree Swallows were seen flying over the garden.
Bill noted two pairs of Eastern Bluebirds were guarding boxes on April 4, 2010. One pair had taken over a starling trap with both the male and female together chasing any bird that came near the trap.
Four Vesper Sparrows were noted in front of the Balkwill residence. Two pairs of Killdeer are looking for nesting sites. A pair of Black-capped Chickadees are checking out a birdbox. A pair of Brown Thrashers are in the flower bed behind the house. Chipping Sparrows are coming into the bird feed. Fourteen Wild Turkeys were in the field behind the garden.
Bill reports that Trout Lilies and Dutchman’s Breeches were in bloom on April 6, 2010 along with apricot blossoms.
Field Sparrows and Brown Creeper were observed on April 10, 2010. The next day a pair of Wood Ducks arrived. A pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers are at the feeder every day.
A pair of Eastern Bluebirds have taken up residence in the starling trap. A European Starling investigated the sparrow trap on April 11, 2010 which caused a Bluebird to chase the intruder away with a direct hit to the top of the starling’s head.
A Cooper’s Hawk was seen by Jack at the brush pile on April 14, 2010. A second Cooper’s Hawk emerged from the bush pile, followed by a Northern Flicker that flew into the compost pile beside which Jack was standing.
The first Barn Swallow of the season was seen in the Balkwill’s yard, along with White-throated Sparrows on April 24, 2010. On April 27, 2010, Barn Swallows were observed in the Balkwill’s barn.
Bill Balkwill reported a House Wren on May 2, 2010 which has taken up residence in the backyard. A pair of Gray Catbirds and a Rose-breasted Grosbeak were observed the same day.
White-crowned Sparrows were back by May 5, 2010.
Two male Indigo Buntings were seen on the edge of the woodland on May 9, 2010. Bill Balkwill observed a small bird fly from the woodland to a nesting box at the pond. This individual has been identified as a Black-capped Chickadee which appears to have taken over the nesting box.
As of May 12, 2010, there are numerous Northern Orioles about the Balkwill Lands. Bill Balkwill reports hearing a Scarlet Tanager at the woodland edge on May 9, 2010.
The brush piles along the woodland edge have been renewed and have proven to be attractive to many birds such as a Palm Warbler observed May 9 and May 12, 2010.
During an early morning walk on May 12, 2010, Bill Balkwill reported hearing a Wood Thrush and a Great Crested Flycatcher. As Bill Balkwill and Jack Balkwill work around their lands they note small mammals such as the tiny Least Shrew and the Short-tailed Shrew. Another species, the tiny Masked Shrew, has not been seen lately. This species can be identified by its long tail and ability to hop.