birds in bunches

At this time of the year, local birdlife tends to resemble the tropics with the birds bunched up in feeding flocks and lots of quiet in between. Often there are several individuals of the same species, probably forming a family group. Adults travel with their young of the year even after they stop being fed by mommy and daddy; the young are undoubtedly learning what's good to eat and where to find it (and probably other things as well) by observing the adults. This morning I saw a cluster of five Downy Woodpeckers working their way along the dead trees at the edge of the marsh and pond, rapping on wood, flying about, even squabbling a bit; usually I see no more than one or two Downies at a time. Young Common Yellowthroats were also numerous in one particular area with at least one adult female; this bird does not usually show in numbers but there they were. Other birds that appear bunched up were Chickadees, House Finches and American Goldfinches (but these birds are flockers by nature).

And yet, in spite of dry sunny weather, I would not have called this a good morning for birds.

On the creek, Royal Terns staged something of an invasion, also marked by adults flying and diving for fish with their young in tow. Also a few Tree Swallows cavorting overhead and a Great Crested Flycatcher still active at the head of the marsh.

Eric Salzman