Date: 8/31/26 5:23 pm From: Fred Kaluza <fredkaluza...> Subject: Re: [birders] Group Check and Roll Call
Ebb and flow…Yes…weird observations. Having had two clutches of Bluebirds here this year (from the same pair of parents), got me making assumptions about other birds around here. After each clutch, the adults (and their offspring) depart the nursery area, and only have a few months to educate their offspring. They need to show them viable habitat, expose them to threat awareness, find reliable sources of open water and prospective habitat for population expansion. In short, kind of a “Rumspringa” for birds. I’m no longer surprised when the “regulars” cease to be regular. In fact, I often see members of species that are regulars but these particular birds seem like they’re seeing this place for the first time. They perch awkwardly, they take cover in places that have proven to be not-so-safe by the old timers etc. in short, I think they are “from somewhere else”. Also, many of the young have to transition from a diet of insects to a diet of seeds. In short, the small parcels we call home don’t supply these world travelers all they need to live. Their world of wings and weather (for some species) is probably truly continental in size. I remember hearing that flocks of Passenger Pigeons were landing in New England with seeds in their stomachs that only grow in a small region is South Carolina. With the right wind, birds, butterflies and dragonflies can move a thousand miles in a day or so. Even our Chipping Sparrows, Titmice and Chickadees are probably ready to wander a mile away if their favorite haunts get burned, go depleted or become a hot-spot for hawks. Plus…I believe the variability in weather has provided a “false start” to migration for many species this year. Probably best for the long-term survival of their species. Some go early, some go late and some don’t go at all. Many baskets for different eggs. Just my thoughts.
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From: Mag Tait <magtait1...>
Sent: Monday, 31 August 2026 10:55:50
To: Melissa P <mpappas53...>
Cc: Dody Wyman <dody...>; Sandpiper <alesemannelliott...>; <birders...> <birders...>
Subject: Re: [birders] Group Check and Roll Call
Melissa,
I was telling my grandsons about the large number of hummers that you had with your amazing habitat just down the road last week. I wonder about the decrease. I now have 4 draining the one favorite feeder every couple of days. I had only occasional visits earlier and I also think it is because of all the feeders around me.
I have had fewer woodpeckers and not seen the frequent visits of flickers in the past week or two.
Mag
On Mon, Aug 31, 2026 at 10:44 AM Melissa P <mpappas53...><mailto:<mpappas53...>> wrote:
I, too, would dearly love to send you some chipmunks! My yard looks like a haibitrail. Our bird-life hasn't been what it has in the past. The number of hummingbirds has diminished to almost non-existent. I am hoping that this is due to so many others putting up feeders in the area. We are back in the woods, so not as easily accessible. The numbers of blue jays and goldfinches has grown exponentially the past few weeks. We do still have our "resident" turkey hen. Our deer population has added two late fawns who are very happy and rambunctious. Our water features were hosting lots of migrants the past few weeks. We've allowed the large one in the front yard to be rather overgrown, but the birds seem to really enjoy the cover. Late fall, we'll trim it back and get it ready for over-wintering birds.
On Sun, Aug 30, 2026 at 7:49 PM Dody Wyman <dody...><mailto:<dody...>> wrote:
Hi there, thank you - I did identify it from my years of working with them. You obviously know your young raptors also! These little guys make it difficult for someone to say “they are ugly birds”!!
Not sure if Dody can see my message, but someone should let her know it's a young Turkey Vulture :)
On August 29, 2026 7:17:06 PM EDT, Mag Tait <magtait1...><mailto:<magtait1...>> wrote:
I don’t know if this email just came to me, but I’m including the group in my reply. I’m going to be the first to admit that that looks like something from a Dr. Seuss book and I’m not sure what it is! Definitely a bird of prey give him the little mouse hanging out with it.
On Sat, Aug 29, 2026 at 7:04 PM Dody Wyman <dody...><mailto:<dody...>> wrote:
I also love the chatter in this group. Gotta say all of you are very dear to my heart because of this common interest.
OK, here’s what I have to offer:
[IMG_1495.jpeg]
As most of you know, I’ve been working with raptors (rehabilitation and outreach programs) for many years. I *thought* I was retired when this call came in. My protege called to see if I could pick up this youngster since it wasn’t far from me. By my calculations, he’s about two months behind in the season.
I still enjoy the bird News of this group and the conversation!
I can send you some chipmunks if you like. I have a ridiculous amount. I’ve never had a weasel in my yard that I have seen anyway, that’s a cool addition.
The excitement of my grandsons with all the nature in my yard is so rewarding. They remind me that the usual birds are actually beautiful. They love the grackles, for example.
Currently, there is the usual increased activity of Hummers fattening up for migration, the return of the Orioles to their feeder and all the usual yard birds.
We have a higher number of sandhill cranes in the neighborhood than years past and I haven’t seen the turkeys, but the kids have found several turkey feathers in the yard so I know they’re coming through.
I also have the biggest groundhog I’ve ever seen traveling through the yard. There’s a giant hole up near a ravine on my yards edge. My dog sometimes makes a half hearted attempt to chase it, but he completely ignores the squirrels and rabbits. The rabbits have completely finished off my hostas and trimmed my dahlias.
Mag
Sent from my iPhone
Haven’t seen much/any message traffic from members here lately so I’m just hoping you’re all having a good summer. Here near Port Huron I had my first-ever double clutch of Bluebirds so a total of seven new Bluebirds added to the world (and about 21 House Wrens). Currently still have a few orioles hanging around and four or five hummingbirds squabbling over the feeders as they fatten-up for migration. Still waiting for Birdweather to get “bat-detection” to work with their first-generation PUC units. Other than that…it’s been pretty slow here with wildlife since I saw my first-ever Weasel right outside the kitchen door three weeks ago. Sadly, it’s really put a dent in the exploding Chipmunk population but…I’m happy to know there are Weasels around. What’s new at your places?
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