Author Archives: beveritt

Science in the Backyard

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installing the netFor the second year, Stella and Jack Wissner have hosted representatives from the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Center and Neighborhood Nestwatch Program.  Stella is a master birder and an active member of Atlanta Audubon.

This past Sunday Adam Eichenwald and Julie Downs, Smithsonian representatives, arrived at 6:30 AM. Adam has a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Environmental Science from Bowdoin in Maine, and Julie is an Auburn graduate with a Bachelor’s in Wildlife Ecology and Management.

Cardinal in netThey went straight to work and set up two nets in Stella and Jack’s back yard.  The nets are a few feet off the ground, about 20 feet long and 6 feet high, and are made of very fine black webbing which makes them practically invisible.  Then everybody waits until a bird flies into the net.

BandingVery carefully a captured bird is extracted, measured, weighed, banded and released.  The results are recorded and entered into the Smithsonian’s Migratory Bird Program database and a copy is given to Stella and Jack.  Then all year, as they watch birds come to their feeders, they can tell if it’s one that they helped identify.  They forward information on their sightings back to the Smithsonian.

Releasing

As if that weren’t enough, two active nests were discovered in the shrubbery.  One in the back yard had two Eastern Towhee chicks, and a second in a shrub in their neighbor’s yard had three Northern Mockingbird eggs. Towhee chicks Northern Mockingbird Eggs

Being in the Wissner’s back yard is like being in a hardwood forest, full of bird song and activity.  Sunday morning the weather was perfect, and 5 birds were banded.  Great morning!  Thanks Stella, Jack, Adam and Julie for the opportunity to observe this remarkable activity.

Who’s That Humming?

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Native Columbine

Canadian Columbine

Local wisdom says when the Canadian Columbine (a native) booms the hummers are here.  It’s certainly true this year.  We have already been buzzed by a few, but no visuals yet.    Atlanta Audubon’s check list for Atlanta lists four Hummingbirds: Ruby-throated, Rufous, Black-chinned and Calliope.  Only the Ruby-throated is common here and only in the Spring, Summer and Fall; the rest are rare.  Enjoy them while they’re here, because in the fall they’ll be headed back on the long flight across the Gulf of Mexico  to Central America.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbird feeding on Agastache

Right now they are building nests and gathering fuel to recharge after their long flight.  Nectar from flowers and flowering trees, as well as small insects and spiders are the main food source.  Young birds are fed insects for protein since nectar is an insufficient source of protein for the growing birds.

They prefer flowers that are red or orange.  This is where, with a little planning,  you can have something blooming that will provide them with food throughout their stay.

If you decide to feed them with a sugar solution, do not color the water since the dyes are bad for the hummers.  Feeders should be checked frequently in warm weather, and daily if it’s really hot since the sugar water will ferment and make them sick.

We received this from Audubon two days ago: “Download Audubon’s Hummingbirds at Home app and join a network of citizen scientists working to help hummingbirds now and ensure them a bright future.”  There’s a link at the top of the page to download the app.