Posts Tagged: American Robin
More Warblers at the Horicon Marsh
Palm Warbler
The intensely gazing Palm Warbler makes only a brief stop before darting to his next perch. Palm Warblers are one of the northernmost breeding of all warblers. They winter in the south and they got their name when they were discovered on a Caribbean island filled with palm trees.
Blackpoll Warbler
The Blackpoll Warbler is the only warbler that breeds farther north than the Palm Warbler. The Blackpoll Warbler is one of the last warblers to arrive in the spring. “The Blackpoll is said to be one of the most beneficial of warblers, fairly gorging itself on cankerworms,” according to American ornithologist Florence Merriam. There’s a fun fact to share with friends.
Common Yellowthroat
This Common Yellowthroat flitted among the tangled branches of shrubs along the edge of the Marsh.
American Robin
This American Robin ate a few too many earthworms while he was watching the antics of the warblers at the Horicon Marsh.
You can still participate in activities for the bird festival continuing today and tomorrow.
Time for Nesting
An American Robin Builds Her Nest
It’s nesting season at the Horicon Marsh! This American Robin wants to make as few trips as possible to build her nest. She will make an average of 180 trips per day for 2-6 days. Avian Architecture: How Birds Design, Engineer and Build by Peter Goodfellow is a helpful reference book about different types of bird nests, if you would like to learn more about the fascinating art and science of nest building.
Boardwalk at the Horicon National Wildlife Refuge
The reconstructed boardwalk on the Egret Trail, on the auto tour off of Highway 49, is showing signs of progress. It is scheduled to open on July 1, 2017. The auto tour is now open to vehicles. There was a parade of us driving through and enjoying the warm weather today. A fellow birding enthusiast said there were several types of warblers in the woods near the parking area by the Egret Trail.
Painted Turtle on the Auto Tour
A painted turtle enjoys the sunshine. I like the symmetry of the branch and its reflection.
Black-necked Stilts
Numerous pairs of Black-necked Stilts waded in the water along the auto tour and in the water along Highway 49. They have the second-longest legs in proportion to their bodies of any bird. Do you know what bird leads the list? Tell us what you think in the comments area.
This Black-necked Stilt was as excited as I was to be out on the auto tour again.
First Flowers and Spring Birds
Crocus Blossom
Early blooming Crocuses signal the arrival of spring at the Horicon Marsh! The blossoms close at night or on cloudy days, like today.
Saffron, which is used to color and flavor food, is made from the dried stigmas of Crocus sativus. About 7,000 flowers are needed to produce 3 ounces of saffron, making it one of the most costly spices by weight.
Male American Robin
The quintessential bird of spring is the American Robin. The male has a darker head than the female. He has a brick-red breast. American Robins can have three broods in one year. They typically eat earthworms early in the day and fruit later in the day. If they eat honeysuckle berries exclusively, they may become intoxicated. Thankfully, I can’t say I’ve seen that!
Female American Robin
The head of the female American Robin blends in with the lighter gray back feathers. Her breast is orange with a bit of white. I talked to someone recently who lives in the city and he had no idea what a robin looks like. I was shocked. We are so blessed to have the Horicon Marsh with its plentiful birds and wildlife.
Ring-necked Ducks
Ring-necked Ducks swim in the water near the auto tour. The auto tour, off of Highway 49, is still closed to vehicles. I passed another photographer as I was walking along the road. She said, “I love this place.” I do, too.
Eastern Meadowlark
The photographer recognized the melodious whistle of the Meadowlark. He fans his tail as he sings. Eastern Meadowlarks can sing several variations of their song.
Red-winged Blackbird
The Red-winged Blackbird fanned his wing showing his colors as he sang.
Pied-billed Grebe
Pied-billed Grebes always look happy. They can trap water in their feathers, giving them great control over their buoyancy. They can sink deeply or stay just at or below the surface, exposing as much or as little of the body as they wish. They dive submerging their entire body to hide or to eat. He was spotted swimming alongside of Highway 49.
Killdeer
After checking out the auto tour, I headed to the Education and Visitor Center on Highway 28. This was a popular hang out for Killdeer today. This one found a bit of stick in the parking lot, which he ate. I’m guessing it didn’t digest too well.
Someone got their feathers ruffled.
Perhaps, it was because three can be a crowd.
Milkweed
This Milkweed was behind the building. I liked the texture.
Song Sparrow
I also liked the texture and color of the fence post the Song Sparrow used as his podium for singing. Often, Mondays are not our favorite day of the week. But if we get to spend it at the Horicon Marsh, it may be the best day of the week!
Waiting for Spring
Waiting for Spring
Several inches of snow fell on the Horicon Marsh yesterday. Snow fills this vacant nest which may have been occupied by an American Robin, judging by its size and design. Female Robins build the nest from the inside out pressing dead grass and twigs into a cup shape using their wing. Once the cup is formed, she uses soft mud from worm castings or puddles to reinforce the nest. It takes an average of 180 trips per day for 2-6 days to finish this marvel of architecture. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait long for the American Robins to return.
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