#86 Sapsucker Holes

Did you ever wonder who created those neat rows of tiny holes on the bark of a tree?  This is the clever work of Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers, a member of the woodpecker family, and uncommon winter resident in our area.

The birds drill into the bark in order to release the sap from inside, hence their name. These interesting hole designs - that also can be rows of squares - do not damage the tree.

Hummingbirds are attracted to sapsucker holes not to consume sap, but to feed upon the insects that are also drawn to the sweet liquid. The insects provide a valuable source of protein for Ruby-throated Hummingbirds as they migrate northwards to their breeding grounds.

It's amazing that the efforts of one sapsucker can have such wide-reaching affects!

photo © adrian binns

#85 Field Tip: Irruptions

In the birding community, "irruption" is the word used to describe an irregular, migratory movement of a large number of birds that does not normally occur in a given area.

Irruptions do not apply to all species, but are known to occur with crossbills, siskins, purple finches, redpolls, bohemian waxwings, red-breasted nuthatches, and also some owls.  By definition, irruptions are irregular, but studies show that they occur in cycles of approximately 2-10 years.

Species irruptions occur when food sources are poor on their wintering grounds, compelling the birds to spread out more widely than usual, and in larger numbers.  Finches and other seedeaters move in as a result of poor crop production.  Owl irruptions coincide with cyclical crashes of rodent populations, which happen to rely upon seeds.

Interestingly, irruptions do not always involve the same species at the same time, and are not related to cold winters.  While last winter there was an irruption of Saw-whet Owls, this winter we are currently experiencing an irruption of Snowy Owls, which are being reported in unexpected areas throughout the Delaware Valley region, much to the delight of birders!

photo © adrian binns

#83 Field Tip: Gumballs and Goldfinches

Walking a stretch of road through my local patch, I came across an expansive stand of Sweetgum Liquidambar styraciflua. This common, deciduous tree of the east-southeast grows straight and tall, reaching 100 feet in height, thriving in moist areas. 

Their picturesque, star-shaped leaves have long dropped by this time of year, exposing numerous spiky "gumballs" that attract birds, particularly finches in winter.

Gumballs are the fruit of the Sweetgum tree, and each one holds up to 50 small black seeds, a favorite of American Goldfinches, Carolina Chickadees, and Pine Siskins.  Their small fine bills adeptly pry open the prickly gumball to get to the food inside.  

I marveled at the amazing acrobatics of birds hungrily searching for seeds, often hanging upside and jumping quickly from gumball to gumball.  Look for them this winter at your local park or woods - they are great fun to watch! 

 photo © adrian binns

#81 Old Names, New Names

I have been looking through records dating back to the 1950's of bird species seen on my "local patch" - John Heinz NWR at Tinicum, in Philadelphia. Of interest were the names that some of these birds were known as, only 50 years ago.

Whistling Swan, Pigeon Hawk, Sparrow Hawk, Upland Plover, Long-billed Marsh Wren and Short-billed Marsh Wren were what Tundra Swan, Merlin, American Kestrel, Upland Sandpiper, Marsh Wren and Sedge Wren, respectively, were called in those days.

Myrtle Warbler was, and still is, an abundant migrant here in the east, but that was the old name given to Yellow-rumped Warbler, which was once 'split' into two species, the other being Audubon's (in the west). There is talk that they may once again be 'split' in which case it would go back to being known as Myrtle Warbler.

One bird that did regain its old name (from the 1950's) is Common Gallinule (above). Until recently this was known as the Common Moorhen. The naming committees are in the process of straightening out all the common names of birds around the world, so that no two species have the same name, as was the case with this bird.  So the North American bird gets its old name back, Common Gallinule, and its European counterpart (a seperate species) now goes by the name of Common (or Eurasian) Moorhen.

photo © adrian binns

#80 A Murmuration of Starlings

During the winter months flocks of black birds can be seen congregating in large numbers, well into the thousands, especially late in the day before they go to roost.

These aerial displays, produced as they twist and turn in unison, can be nothing short of mindboggling. As the formation dances, and the cloud of birds lightens and darkens, it reminds me of watching the northern lights, another of natures truly spectacular wonders.

What's in a name? A group or flock of starlings is known as a murmuration, from the word murmur, meaning to utter a low continuous indistinct sound. This describes the rustle of thousands of pairs of starling wings perfectly.

#79 What's in a Name: Kiskadee

I recently visited the Rio Grande Valley of south Texas, where I was delighted to become reacquainted with beautiful birds that I don't see in SE Pennsylvania.  Several common species seen foraging around feeders have peculiar names related to sounds that the birds make!

The Great Kiskadee, distributed widely from southern Texas through South America, is named for its distinctive, three-syllable song, 'kis-ka-dee.'

The large and gregarious Plain Chachalacas are also named "onomatopoeically," meaning that their name imitates the four-noted cackle that it makes. Central American Indians gave them this name upon hearing the same loud, screechy sounds that birders do!

photo © adrian binns

#77 Field Tip: Scratching Sparrows

My wintering sparrows have returned in full force. White-throated Sparrows and Dark-eyed Junco's in particular seem to be all over the backyard. 

While many birds feed by pecking the ground, sparrows have a slightly different method. If you watch them carefully you will notice that they use both legs to move backwards, enabling them to scratch the surface, in order to unearth or expose a seed. 

photo © adrian binns

#74 Field Tip: Connecting Kids to Birds

There is nothing more wonderful than a kid's smile when he/she is really looking at birds. From the first sighting to the hundredth, kids are amazed by the interesting behaviors of our feathered friends.

From majestic Bald Eagles soaring in the sky, to brightly-colored American Goldfinches feeding on sunflowers, birds are easy to see and watch all year long in a variety of habitats.

Birding is an accessible hobby to kids in every location, demographic and background. It requires little money (a simple pair of binoculars to start) and only a willing and enthuasiastic mentor to guide the kids along. Take a kid out birding today and start a lifetime connection to birds!

photo © adrian binns            

#72 Field Tip.... The Warbler that acts like a Flycatcher

The American Redstart is the most active of our wood warblers, with boundless energy, hovering, flitting about with wings half open, pirouetting,  conspiciously fanning its tail, flashing its bright colors (orange in males, yellow in females) as it darts from limb to limb, all in an effort to flush potential prey.

The way it acts while foraging could be interpreted as flycatching, and this is not the only unique feature of the American Redstart. It also has long rictal bristles at the base of the broad bill, suggestive of a flycatcher. These bristles act as sensors to help the bird catch flying insects and protect the eyes from debris and damage.

photo © adrian binns

#71 What's in a Name? Booby

Boobies are pelagic seabirds associated with tropical warm waters. There are several species, that can be found within United States waters - Masked, Blue-footed, Red-footed and Brown, which has yellow feet.

We recently had a Brown Booby Sula leucogaster along the New Jersey coast, this being well north of its range.

The name Booby comes from the Spanish "bobo" for stupid. On the nesting grounds boobies were considered stupid or "boobies" for acting / walking awkwardly on land, as well as for just hanging around when sailors came to harvest them for food.

The scientific name Sula comes from the Icelandic for foolish or awkward person, while leucogaster is from the Greek "leukos" for the color white and "gaster" meaning belly, as noted on the adult Brown Booby.

photo © adrian binns

#63 Field Tip: Binocular first, Field Scope second

Just about every birder enters into the hobby (passion? obsession?) using binoculars.  They are easy to handle, light to carry, and generally cheaper than fieldscopes.  Some birders will eventually add a field scope to their equipment list, to provide that extra magnification handy for looking at distant shorebirds, waterfowl or raptors.

Even when birding with a scope at hand, it's best to start scanning with binoculars first, before using the scope.  You'll cover more territory looking through your bins, and will be able to locate birds more quickly.  To get the desired view, first set the scope on wide angle - zoomed out - and pan to find the bird.  Then zoom-in slowly to bring the bird closer, adjusting the focus while you do so.  Keep in mind that a zoomed-in view is not always the best one, as this magnifies heat waves and motion, which could make the image blurrier.  You may prefer a farther-away but sharper view.

photo © adrian binns

#62 What's in a Name? Yellow Warbler

I am going to begin this series, What's in a Name? with one of my favorites - Dendroica petechia, the scientific name of the ubiquitous Yellow Warbler.

Birds, like all living creatures and plants, are given a two part scientific binomial name that is Latinized.

Whereas the common name can vary depending upon whether it is in English or the language of a certain country, the scientific name always remains the same.

The genus, describes something pertinent to the family, and a species name, usually suggests something about the bird.  Dendroica means "tree dwelling", which warblers certainly are! The second part of the name, "petechia" is a medical term and comes from the strongly marked dark red streaks on the breast, which reminded the person that named this species, Carl Linnaeus, of a rash on the skin!

yellow warbler © adrian binns

#61 Field Tip: Join a Bird Walk

Instead of going out on your own, try joining an organized outing. Group bird walks offer excellent opportunities to learn about a new birding location, see a large number of species, and meet like-minded birders who are usually always willing to share information. You might be surprised at how much more you’ll see, with many eyes to spot things, and people to call them out.

To find bird walks, check out local bird clubs, nature centers, local parks and other wildlife-oriented organizations.

photo © adrian binns

#59 Field Tip: Birds at 2, 5 and 10 o'clock!

"Check out the Oriole at 2 o'clock!" Does this mean to go home for lunch and come back in a few hours?  Of course not!  Clock directions provide handy points of reference to share the location of a bird in a tree.

Make sure everyone is looking at the same tree, clump of shrubs, or even an obvious building - and use a conventional clock to describe the spot.  For example, 12 o'clock is the very top of the tree in front of you, and 6 o'clock is the lowest visible branches (not necessarily the ground). 3 o'clock and 9 o'clock are located as expect on the 'face' of the tree.

Clock directions can also be useful to give angles from a particular point.  For example, "the bird is at 7 o'clock, about 10 feet down from the highest point on the dark green tree."

photo © adrian binns

#57 Field Tip: Basic Birding Equipment

Be prepared! This is a good motto to follow to maximize enjoyment and productivity while out birding.  Binoculars, field guide, notebook and pen are essential.

In addition, I suggest a hat, sturdy footwear, layers of outerwear that can be added or removed as conditions warrant, and a compact umbrella for unexpected rain. Sunscreen and insect repellent are also useful to have on hand. I never leave home without a water bottle and a snack!

All of these items can be stored in a grab-and-go daypack, or in the trunk of your car (except binoculars, which should be stored at room temperature), so that you always have them on hand.

photo © adrian binns

#56 Field Tip: Study the Bird, Not the Book

Out in the field, when you see a bird and you do not know what it is, it is tempting to immediately look in your field guide and try to identify it. Don't do this! Instead, study the bird in your binoculars or scope for as long as possible, before opening a book or IPhone.

Note the head, bill, wings, tail, legs and overall shape and structure in much detail. You'll need a clear picture in your head before the bird flies away. Then you can look in the book! This will also give you a better understanding of what you are trying to identify.

photo © adrian binns

#55 Keeping an Eye On.... Waxwings

They are beautiful and sleek, with pointed crest, striking black eye-mask, and yellow-tipped tail.  There is rarely just one - they are most often found in flocks. Distributed widely across the United States, Cedar Waxwings inspire awe and intrigue.

Unique to this family of birds are the red waxy-looking "droplets" found on their secondary wing feathers, extending beyond the feather veins.  This characteristic is most pronounced on adult males. It is from their eye-catching, red, wax-like feather tips that Waxwings get their name.

Look for these lovely birds in neighborhoods, parks or locations with abundant fruiting trees, their favorite diet.

 photo © adrian binns

#54 Field Tip: Use Naked Eye before Bins

You’re out birding with a friend, when he/she exclaims out loud with an exciting find.

You are eager to see what they are seeing and might be tempted to pan around with your binoculars. But trust me, it’s far easier to find the bird with your naked eye before lifting binoculars to your face for a closer view.

Your eye naturally has a wider field of view, enabling you to locate a small bird in a large area, especially if it is moving.

Always be ready! Keep your eye on the bird, hands on your bins, then lift your bins up to your eyes, this way the bird should now be in view in your binoculars.

photo © adrian binns

#52 Field Tip: Always Prepare for Foul or Fair

Be prepared for all types of weather. Temperatures and conditions can change drastically and quickly, in wilderness or suburban areas. Temperature fluctuations are greatest during Spring and Fall; last weekend’s lows can be this weekend’s highs, and visa versa.

Basic birding necessities include hat, sunscreen, bug spray, water bottle and plenty of layered outerwear. I never go anywhere without gloves and umbrella – they live permanently in my car!

photo © adrian binns

#50 Field Tip: Following Fast-Movers

Birding along a wooded hedgerow during migration season can feature an exciting array of species. But it can be frustrating when the warblers, kinglets, and vireos are moving through at break-neck pace, making it difficult to get on them. Don't despair.

First, pre-focus your binoculars on the foliage so that you are ready when a bird comes by. Use your eyes to spot movement, and keep your eyes on the target while bringing binoculars up to them. Once you've locked on the bird, it's easier to follow it through the trees. If it flies out of sight, lower the binoculars, and re-find it with your naked eye.

photo © adrian binns