April 23, 2024April 23, 2024 by L. L. Coble

Sightings on a Beautiful Spring Morning

Following a frosty night, sunny skies and a south breeze brought lots of action to the headquarters garden this morning. Take a look…

Mason Bee at nest box — Mason Bees are quickly depositing their eggs and a mixture of pollen and nectar called a “pollen loaf” within holes we drilled into blocks of wood in our bee houses. Each egg is laid in its own chamber within which the larva will hatch, feed on “pollen loaf”, and mature. The individual cells, including the outermost one in the hole, are sealed with partitions made of mud. It’s just like a mason using mortar. Early next spring, the new generation of adults will emerge to begin the process once again.

Black Vulture — This morning’s south wind helped propel some northbound raptors. This Black Vulture was the first we’ve seen from the headquarters garden since last fall. While Turkey Vultures remain common and roost nearby, Black Vulture are noticeably less numerous since being impacted by avian flu one year ago.

Cooper's Hawk — This Cooper’s Hawk is one of pair nesting somewhere nearby. It was quickly gaining altitude on a thermal…

Cooper's Hawks tangle. — …to intercept a transient Cooper’s Hawk (upper right) which it promptly escorted away to the north.

Broad-winged Hawk — Back from their winter holiday in the tropics, migrating Broad-winged Hawks are returning to breed in the forests of the north. Watch for them either singly or in small groups as they “kettle” in thermal updrafts above south-facing slopes and sun-drenched paved surfaces.

American Robin at Bird Bath — Many birds including this American Robin have been frequenting our water features. Remember to keep your fixture clean and change the water at least daily. Watch the temperature too. A late season freeze can leave you with a shattered bird bath.

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