Fall Migration Notes

Fall Migration, and Bluebirds

Fall Migration is underway, and it is making birding fun in the Mid-State! While birding along the Cumberland River this past weekend, I spotted several Great Egrets working the marshy sections off the main channel. Whilst exploring a pull-off near Cheatham Dam, my attention was drawn to a large Cyprus tree where I noticed several Yellow-rumped Warblers flitting between the roots. These are just a few of the numerous species that are passing through our area every day. Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Chimney Swift, Common Nighthawk, Summer Tanager are also being seen and heard daily.

Tennessee Warbler

Photo by Eli Haislip

Lights Out Program:

Did you know that many species actually migrate under the cover of darkness? According to BirdCast, the list of expected nocturnal migrants for this area includes Yellow-rumped Warbler, Summer Tanager, Eastern Wood-Pewee, Black-throated Green Warbler, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, and many other species. In Davidson County alone on the night of October 1st into the morning of October 2nd, BirdCast, using weather radar, was able to detect an estimated 8,900,000 birds flying overhead! But how are these birds able to traverse distances of thousands of miles, mostly at night? Certain species, such as Indigo Buntings, have been proven to navigate using the stars! There is also evidence showing that thanks to short-lived molecules found in the bird’s eyes, known as radical pairs, they are actually able to visualize Earth’s magnetic field! Unfortunately, despite these incredible adaptations, birds migrating at night are extremely susceptible to light pollution. They can become disoriented and confused by bright lights, and with many song birds flying between 500-2500 feet, this can lead to collisions with buildings and electrical/communication towers which usually prove fatal.

Fortunately, there are things we can do to help. During peak migration months (September-early November) turning off non-essential lights from 11:00PM-6:00AM can greatly help. In addition, closing your blinds at night, dimming or pointing outdoor lighting down, and turning off outdoor decorative lighting can all have a positive impact in helping migratory birds reach their destination.

Bluebirds Exploring Boxes

Yesterday morning as I was getting into my car, I noticed a flurry of activity at my bluebird box. There was a pair of bluebirds taking turns perching on the box and looking inside it. This is actually quite a common occurrence this time of year, with us receiving multiple reports each fall of Bluebirds checking out boxes. We are not entirely sure what causes them to do this, although it could be a variety of factors; similar amounts of daylight to the spring, searching for prospective future nest sites, or identifying suitable spots to shelter on cold winter nights. Remember, it is always a good practice to clean the box after each nesting, so clean those boxes and keep your eyes peeled for this throwback to spring.

Eastern Bluebirds checking out a bluebird box on an October morning

Photo by Eli Haislip

End of Summer Hummer Sale!

With hummingbirds continuing to pass through the mid-state into October, there is still time to attract and enjoy Ruby-throated hummingbirds. However, with that being said, we can confidently say that peak activity is behind us. With that in mind, ALL Hummingbird Feeders and Accessories will be on Sale 25% OFF starting this Saturday, September 21st through Wednesday, September 25th.

There is a common misconception that you should never leave a hummingbird feeder out late in the season because it will discourage the hummingbirds from migrating. We can assure you this is not the case. A few ounces of sugar and water will not overcome thousands of years of instinct. Not only is it fine to leave your hummingbird feeder out late, it also opens you up to the exciting possibility of attracting a western species, like the Rufous, Black chinned, or Anna’s hummingbirds to name a few! The chances are extremely slim, but almost every year there are a few reports of western hummingbirds, usually the Rufous hummingbird. This photo of a Rufous was taken at a customer’s home right here in Bellevue in December of 2020.

Rufous hummingbird feeding on Bird’s Choice 12oz Hummerfest feeder, December 2020, Nashville, TN.

Attracting the “non” Feeder Birds

Fall Migration is getting underway and while your seed birdfeeders will typically slow down now through October, birdwatching in the area will become significantly more interesting. Have your binoculars with you and ready because Warblers, Tanagers, Orioles, Grosbeaks, and Flycatchers are pouring through middle Tennessee stopping to feed in the mornings on insects and berries.

Mornings are the best time to see lots of different species because many of the migrants are traveling at night. They settle down to rest and feed in the morning. And mornings after a storm tend to be even better. Make time to visit one of the many great local birdwatching areas this fall to see some birds you may not have seen before. The usual local hot spots include:

Habitat, of course, is the main attractant for these traveling birds so to attract these typically “non” feeder birds to your yard key elements like native plants and trees which produce appealing berries must be available. Native plants also attract native insects which are an especially important food source for these long distance travelers. Water is another key element to attracting more variety of birds and relatively easy to offer. Reliable, clean, water sources are a sure way to “catch” a new bird in your yard. Eli caught this threesome of nonbreeding male Scarlet Tanagers enjoying a fountain in his yard.

While water in a traditional birdbath is attractive, moving water is irresistible. Dripping, rippling, gurgling, and splashing means cooler, fresher water is present. The birds will definitely notice. Adding the element of moving water will make your birdbath even more appealing. There are many ways to add moving water to your existing birdbath, such as drippers, water wigglers, misters, and small solar fountains that circulate water. These items are in stock at the store.

Keep in mind some basics of offering water in your yard for best results.

  • Remember to refresh your birdbath every couple of days.

  • Place your birdbath near trees or shrubs if possible. In summer, shade is always a better option than sun. A birdbath in full sun and in an open space usually equals very warm water and little or no bird activity, and more maintenance due to algae growth. A shady location slows evaporation and keeps the water cooler and fresher longer. With available cover nearby birds can escape to cover if interrupted by a potential threat.

If you are interested in offering birds a source of water, but don’t want to refill it daily due to evaporation, we have a solution for you! The Switch ‘n Swap 48oz Water Feeder essentially acts in the same way as a hummingbird feeder, however with a base designed simply for water. They are extremely easy to clean, self filling, and with the 48oz reservoir, they will last days in between refills. They are also a great option if you travel often for short periods but want to provide your birds a clean source of water. Not to mention, they are also generally easy to keep mosquito larvae out of. Simply dump it and let it refill itself! Price is $14 before tax.

Wood Thrush Notes

Hummingbirds on the Move

As we all know the reason hummingbirds feed so heavily now is because they are preparing for the long journey back to Central and South America.  They will nearly double their weight during this time and store energy in the form of fat which is held in a series of pockets under the skin in the belly and throat area.  When a bander holds a hummingbird and blows back the feathers you can actually see these little pockets in varying degrees of fullness.  Keep your feeders going with clean fresh nectar as it is very important to them in the coming weeks.  In middle TN we will continue to see Ruby-throated hummingbirds well into October even though their numbers will be fewer with each week that passes.

This Saturday, the Warner Park Nature Center will be hosting their annual Hummingbird Celebration from 9AM-2PM. There will be hummingbird banding, venders, and our own Eli Haislip will be manning the Wood Thrush Shop’s booth, well stocked with hummingbird feeders and accessories! If you want an up close look at these tiny birds, or just want to come hang out and observe their aerial antics, the Nature Center this Saturday is the place to be.

Warbler migration is very busy right now, too.   With cooler temps coming we should see lots of warbler activity as they move through on their southward journey.  Keep an eye on the birdbaths and water sources in your yard especially in the morning hours.  With such dry conditions water will be of utmost importance.  Warblers seen this week at Edwin Warner Park include;   Yellow-throated Vireo, Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Golden-winged Warbler, Blue-winged Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Tennessee Warbler, Nashville Warbler, American Redstart, Northern Parula, Magnolia Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Swainson's Thrush.                

Keep your binoculars close because without them you aren’t birdwatching. 

Lastly, as summer draws to a close, a number of our outdoor gift items will be 25% off starting Saturday, September 7th. These items include our large mason bee houses, Cardinal and Bluebird weather vanes, hummingbird solar mobiles, red Parasol hummingbird feeders, and more!

Wood Thrush Shop Notes

Tips for offering water to the birds

Birds need water to survive and though they extract some moisture from their food, most birds seek water every day. Birds use water for bathing to clean their feathers and remove parasites. After bathing, a bird usually perches in a sunny spot and fluffs its feathers out to dry. Then it preens each feather, adding a protective coating of oil secreted by a gland at the base of its tail. A dependable supply of fresh, clean water is very attractive to most all birds. A birdbath will even bring birds to your yard that will not visit your feeders. Providing water for birds improves the quality of your backyard bird habitat and should provide you with a great opportunity to observe bird behavior and more species.

 

To attract a variety of birds keep your bath full of water at all times. Consistency is the key. In the natural environment, reliable pools are rare and birds will travel distances to visit them. Remember to refresh your birdbath every couple of days, more if the bath gets a lot of sun. Don’t let the water become stale. If you’re trying to make your backyard a better place for birdlife, few things are more attractive than a well-maintained birdbath. Just add water and watch the fun.

 

Placement of a Birdbath

Pedestal type birdbaths do not represent a natural source of water for birds so one must put a little thought into where one should be placed.   Place your birdbath near trees or shrubs if possible, and shade is always a better option than sun.  A shady location slows evaporation and keeps the water cool and fresh longer.

Birds often have their heads down while they are bathing and can’t fly very well when wet so they are more vulnerable to predators.  With available cover nearby, they can escape quickly if approached by a predator—and they’ll be more likely to venture into the water. A birdbath in full sun and in an open space usually equals very warm water and little or no bird activity, and more maintenance due to algae growth.  

One of the best ways to make your birdbath more attractive is to provide some motion on the water’s surface. Water dripping into the basin catches the attention of birds. We carry several products that spray or agitate water. For a DIY dripper, use an old container you have and punch a tiny hole in the bottom, filling it with water, and hanging it above the birdbath so the water drips slowly down.  Not only are you providing movement, but adding water as well.  Sometimes when customers bring home a new birdbath they notice the birds are reluctant to visit.  Try leaning a multi-stemmed branch up against the bath to offer a perch allowing the birds to investigate the new water source.  I’ve had success with this simple, temporary strategy. 

For the project lover, imitate a natural pool. Birds seem to prefer baths that are on or just above ground level. Dig a shallow depression in ground and use a plastic liner (available in hardware stores) with rocks and a few branches to provide a very natural looking water source.  It’s a good idea to put some gravel in the bottom of the bath to enhance the natural appearance.  Use a pump, or a dripper-mister product to provide movement.  Give it a few days for the birds to realize it’s there then watch as more and different species begin using it with regularity.  We’re sure you will add some new bird species to your yard list.

The Appeal of Moving Water

Adding the element of moving water will make your birdbath even more appealing. There are many ways to add moving water to your existing birdbath, such as drippers, misters, water wigglers.

Easy Mister: The Easy Mister attaches to your garden hose via a female hose attachment and creates a small constant water mist that birds love to fly through and sit under and bath. These misters can be mounted to your bird bath with an included S hook, and can even be attached to a large tree limb or zip tied up the side of your current shepherd’s pole with your bird feeders.

Water Wigglers: The Water Wiggler will agitate the water and help cut down on insects and make your birdbath more attractive to birds. Instead of using a fresh water source from your garden hose it runs on two D batteries and simply agitates the water causing constant water ripples. We find the water wiggler to be the most effective option when running power cord or a fresh water line to your birdbath is not a viable option.

Solar Bubblers: Last but not least, solar bubblers provide the benefits of a true pump, but with a catch. They must be in direct sunlight to work. For some folks with open yards and not much shade, this is an excellent solution. However, if your space is very sheltered with lots of shade and cover, these are not going to be an effective option for you.