Dawn Chorus

When I first saw a young Bluebird, I didn’t know what it was. I was used to adult males flashing those electric blue and orange feathers during mating. The following photo is what I expect when I imagine Bluebirds. adult male Eastern Bluebird – Sialia sialis It was later in my birding education that I learned Bluebirds are members of the Thrush family. When I look at the title photo now, the markings and coloration makes perfect sense. My determination to learn all I can about birds is a continuance of the thrill when I first spotted a new species I didn’t know existed. Seeing a “Lifer” (a new species to the observer) can spur an obsession for the same “dopamine craving” achieved in that encounter. Most birders will describe the “Spark Bird” that led to the development of their birding passion. For me, it was catching Roseate Spoonbill on film. Roseate Spoonbill – Platalea ajaja It has been suggested that I was “goosed” into my birding (similar to the actions in the following 14 second video ). Once I began sharing my birding experiences (photos and tales) I got guidance from excellent, experienced birders. The information I received has been valuable in my quest to become a better observer and collector. Thank you each and every person that has helped me. Printing your names (and the tips you provided) would take volumes. ******** Now, I have the opportunity to explain some of the techniques I use to make birding more productive. I’ll begin with one species that eluded me for years; the Golden Eagle. I began by reading all the information about the bird from my references (Sibley Guide, Audubon and Cornell web sites, Peterson’s Guide, etc). I discovered there was a limited time period when Golden Eagles were in my area. I then discovered that birders (people I know and trust) had submitted their observations to eBird. The map from Mississippi (specifically the Coldwater River National Wildlife Refuge) showed the sightings. I was able to compile the times and dates of those observations by selecting each “red drop”. Here is a still screen grab of the Golden Eagle sightings. The observation tower of the refuge is indicated by a camera icon. I recreated ( as best I could) the circumstances of the sightings (time of year, time of day, location of bird, etc). I was able to watch a 2nd year juvenile Golden Eagle for several hours (some photos to assist in my id) while I made notes on behavioral indicators. Important notes for self: This species will soar with it’s wings level (parallel to the ground) unlike Vultures that have the typical “V” shaped soaring profile. This eagle will not “flap” often but will make adjustments by curling it’s wing tips downward to gain speed or adjust elevation. A long sweeping pattern over the hunting grounds instead of “kettle” flight of vultures (vortex circling) has been recorded. Finally, the markings of my bird showed species (coloration of animal and color patterns indicating age). I am secure that I have that species as part of my files. Sound is certainly a great indicator that you have the proper identification of a species. When you can’t recognize a specific song, a new species may be the reason. Sometimes (like the following example) it requires recording (or knowing the song intimately) to correctly id the bird. Several flycatchers that migrate through my area look too similar to id without capturing the vocals. Here is a short video of an Acadian Flycatcher – Empidonax virescens. The crisp, single note is only produced by this species (unlike it’s doppelgangers Willow or Alder flycatcher). 18 second video If you are familiar with the songs and calls of species in your area, BUT you hear a new song, that may be the time to locate the source of that call. If you are unable to physically see the bird (thick brush for instance) I have found a way to use electronic phone applications to pin-point the bird’s location. Here is my “triangulation” method. I’ll show a few “screen shots” of my phone app (Merlin) to explain my technique. The first photo shows that I have a positive “suggestion” for the Green Heron. The area to the right of the listing shows blank until the bird sang (which colored the area during the song). I saw the bird and could confirm the id. The next bird (Cape May Warbler) was not visible and there was a solid red dot indicating a strong suggestion that species was in the area. I didn’t see the bird but moved away to try a different angle of sound recording. I usually move about 50 feet (to my left or right) and try another new recording session. When I get a solid area on the app (like the Green Heron suggestion), I am sure that species is correct. I can then physically look for the bird. If I lose tract (no longer recording the bird on the app) I have a different technique. I will turn the phone (direction of the microphone) perpendicular to where I think the bird is located. If the signal diminishes (a half-red dot will show) I can rotate the phone back to the direction and try a new recording. Screen turned showing upland birds to my right and the Blackpoll Warbler recording a half strength. Screen turned to my left showing birds of the water source nearby (again half strength of the Blackpoll Warbler). At this point, I can determine proximity of signal (distance of the bird from the phone) by looking at the “read out” of the recording. In the recording screen below, the song of the Nashville Warbler song began at the faint red line. The “sine waves” shown on the screen are faint and indicating the bird was further away. The grey shading in the screen is ambient noise. I have another screen photo (and video to show my technique) of gauging distance of a different bird. The American (Common) Crow landed 50 feet from me when I started this recording. The strength of the signal is faint until the bird turned to face me. Ambient noise is shown by the amount of grey shading to the screen. In the 16 second video below, you will see me begin the recording (finger pushing the Common Crow line), the line turns yellow (indicating it is selected) and the screen revealing the “sine waves” of the Crow’s call. Audio begins to repeat the call I recorded. You’ll be able to see the intensity of the sine waves increase (definition of size and shade) as the sound gets louder. Technology has improved birding and can be used to expedite time spent in the field. There are birders that will record a bird and play back the results of that recording to entice the bird (that will seek out the source). Usually the bird will explore the new call (assuming it is another bird). I don’t use this method because I think it disrupts the natural system the animals rely on. A similar usage of Predator/Prey calls is used by hunters and biologist when considering a time constraint. Birding is more of a participation hobby for me and I want all the experiences I can get (including missing a target species) or (some days produce a huge success). The rest of this article includes birds that I used Merlin and found (with or without a recording). Merlin picked up the Magnolia Warbler – Setophaga magnolia. Black and White Warbler – Mniotilla varia sang during my photo. Worm-eating Warblers – Helmitheros vermivorum don’t sing after they have mated. Alarm calls are the best you can hope for. I don’t need Merlin to identify the regular visitors to my yard. I’ll show a few of those. male Northern Cardinal – Cardinalis cardinalis Blue Jay – Cyanocitta cristata Red-eyed Vireo – Vireo olivaceus Tufted Titmouse – Baeolophus bicolor White-breasted Nuthatch – Sitta carolinensis There will be birds that one can’t recognize until an aid (like Merlin’s app. for calls) is used. Below is a juvenile Chipping Sparrow – Spizella passerina. The parents were nearby and giving alarm calls as the youngling fed on the seeds in my driveway. Then there is a case where you think you know the species you’re seeing and Merlin will suggest a different bird. Below is a female Indigo Bunting – Passerina cyanea. Not even a smudge of blue on this non-breeding female. I feel this is enough information to get anyone interested in using modern technology to aid in their birding. I will continue to carry a pencil and small booklet to record specifics (like old-timers are known to do). I hope any method that helps you enjoy birding is the right choice. I’d love to hear your responses. Consider this an open forum.

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