Summer is nigh, the Eastern Wood-Pewee has been calling. Migrants are still passing through, albeit less obviously than last week. And, some baby birds have begun to leave their nests.

A Canada Warbler was feeding in the elm above the bubbler, far more interested in feeding than bathing. So this photo is all I could manage to grab of it.

Canada Warbler 5-15-19

Last year, I had males that were more easily seen, such as this one. The most important thing is that it was here and finding food!

Canada Warbler #2 5-13-18

A Wilson's Warbler showed up early one morning, interested in the water and then foraged for caterpillars.

Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19 Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19

Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19
 

As I watched it, at one point it flew higher up in an oak and settled on a branch. Warblers are so quick and active, I was curious as to its purpose. Was it just looking for a new spot from which to find more food? It just sat there for a couple minutes and actually closed its inner eyelid, the nictitating membrane. It was taking a little catnap! Perhaps this bird has been here before.

Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19 Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19 Wilson's Warbler 5-16-19

Migrants fly overnight and then drop into areas with large trees to find food in the morning, staying a day, sometimes several days until the winds are right and they move on. Apparently, this bird was secure enough in its surroundings to feel safe and able to rest. This is the first time I've documented this behavior in a warbler. What happens right here in our little patch never ceases to amaze me!

Here is an interesting story about that extra eyelid:  If only I had eyelids like a bird
 

At the other end of the size spectrum, we've had a pair of Broad-winged Hawks circling over the yard, the male calling with its high-pitched whistle. They seem to be settling into the neighborhood to nest, not moving on as most of them do. One of the pair has been coming to the pond to bathe. I saw it briefly today, these photos are from a week ago.

Broad-winged Hawk 5-16-19 Broad-winged Hawk 5-16-19 Broad-winged Hawk 5-16-19

So, it's time to welcome the new neighbors. It will be interesting to see more of these hawks. They are smaller than the Red-shouldered but larger than a Cooper's Hawk. Mostly, they eat frogs, toads, and small rodents but their diet is varied. 

You can read more here:  Broad-winged Hawk

I heard a small flycatcher on Wednesday morning, calling 'chuwee-chuwee' several times. "Wait, wait...don't tell me." It was a Yellow-bellied Flycatcher, #112 for the year. I found it later near the bubbler and in a small dogwood.

FOY #112 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 5-22-19 FOY #112 Yellow-bellied Flycatcher 5-22-19

We make accommodations here for nesting birds. By that I mean, we do our best not to disturb them. We really want them to be successful here in raising their young. The Eastern Phoebes did build a nest under the gazebo in a protected place. I had photographed the nest back on April 17 when it looked nearly complete. I suspected the female began laying eggs shortly after that but I decided not to risk calling undue attention to the nest by getting on a ladder to check. After a few weeks, I could see feathered lumpkins. I would take a quick look at the nest with my binoculars, all the while the parents would chirp at the chicks as if to say, "Be still, we're here!" 

The last few days the chicks have been perching on the edge of the nest. They looked so plump and ready to fledge. Now the chirping parents seemed more emphatic, "Don't jump! Not yet!" It was important that we did not spook the birds at this point when they couldn't quite fly and would be vulnerable to predators. 

I had never been quite certain on the head count. Some days, it looked like four, some days like three chicks in the nest. Like I said, it was in a well-protected spot, and it had even less light as the leaves filled out on the trees. 

Eastern Phoebe nest 4-17-19

Thursday, I checked about 11 am and saw 3 chicks. After I filled the hummingbird feeders, I looked again and saw just 2 chicks. One of the adults was foraging in the garden and came up with a larva of some sort about 1:45 pm. 

Eastern Phoebe adult with insect 5-23-19

Dan checked the nest about 3:00 pm and said it was empty! Today was definitely fledging day! I found the sweet little things on low branches in a buttonbush (Cephalanthus occidentalis). This shrub gave them perfect cover. Four were in one area when a parent came close to check. Then, I found a fifth chick on a slightly higher branch! What a successful nesting!

4 of 5 Eastern Phoebe fledglings 5-23-19 Eastern Phoebe adult 5-23-19 5th Eastern Phoebe fledgling 5-23-19  

The parent came back with some food for a ready babe. They are flycatchers, but I have also seen them eat earthworms. The heavy rains have made them available. With five mouths to feed, every resource is utilized.

Eastern Phoebe feeds fledglings 5-23-19 Eastern Phoebe feeds fledglings 5-23-19 Eastern Phoebe feeds fledglings 5-23-19

After feeding, these two napped. The three siblings started to fly, approaching the other waiting parent. The fourth soon followed.

2 of 5 Eastern Phoebe fledglings 5-23-19 5th Eastern Phoebe fledgling 5-23-19 2 of 5 Eastern Phoebe fledglings 5-23-19

Yes, almost unbelievably, these little wings were ready for takeoff. All five adventurers were now on their way, exploring their new world.

Time to fly! 5-23-19

Habitat = Food, Water, Places to Rest and to Nest

They all need somewhere to be, for a day, for the summer, all year. Why not your yard?

To view all the photos from this last week, begin here:  May 15, 2019