[obol] West Hayden Island birds

[Paul Buescher]

Obolers,

 

After having Red-Throated Loons around the moorage all winter I didn't think
backyard birding could be better.  However upon our return from our April
trip my NBS (nonbirding spouse) announced that I was going to be a
grandfather again. This time multiple births.  Mrs. Mallard was laying eggs
in a nest in one of our pots (yes it is a large pot).  On the 22nd of May 8
of 9 eggs hatched. I think that because the 9th egg (infertile) was not
hatching she sat on the nest until the morning of the 23rd.  While having
morning coffee I noticed her on the swim float calling the kids to jump,
about a 30" drop from top of the pot to the swim float.  Then another 20"
into the river and off they went.  I have not seen or heard of other
sightings since.  Something I was not aware of is that the ducklings eat the
down nest lining and the broken egg shells before they leave the nest. No
trace nesting.

 

Not a bad start to summer on the river.  Today at my sunflower seed feeder
my first, BLACK-HEADED GROSBEAK.  We have had TREE SWALLOWS nesting all 5 of
the summers we have lived on the river without any nest raiders.  This year
we have three nest boxes full at one time and an AMERICAN CROW was checking
out the swallow baby selection.  I did intervene, no need losing any more
feathered grandchildren.

 

Paul 

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