|
The Chestnut-backed Chickadees and the Black-capped Chickadees in our yard are once again fighting over the birdhouse on the side of our house. We have seen two Black-capped and 3 Chestnut-backed squaring off and chasing each other. Why the 3rd Chestnut-backed? For now the Black-capped seemed to be building a nest. There are several other houses around the yard for them to all set up family raising but they fight over one and I suppose the territory in general.
The pair of Mallards are also back this year. They fly in everyday to the small pond we built. Better they not misjudge the size or they'd hit the rocks instead of the water. I can't seem to keep a water lily in the pond. Between the ducks knocking it over and the raccoons eating them, it's a loosing battle. The Mallards check the pond edges (for what know, I know not), eat millet from the ground platform feeders and generally just sleep in the pond. It is fun to watch the pair because truly, they are a pair. The female usually gets to eat first while the male is on the look out then they trade places while he eats. Then it is back to the pond for a rest.
I know they can take off in a flash if danger seems imminent but I have watched as they seem to get antsy feet with necks stretch up and feet and bodies dancing before they took that final step and they both rose for flight. It is amazing the communication between species in the animal world. As you watch a flock of shorebirds wave in unison, going this way and they a reversal, then repeating the process before one of them decides it is time to land. No rehearsal they just seem to do it. Try getting a hundred of more people to follow the leader. It would take much practice before we would get it down and then there would always be that one that went the other way!
As you watch the birds in your backyard, local refuge or park. Think of joining the VAS Birdathon (see the enclosed form and checklist) and help us map out the birds in early May in Clark County and make a donation to help with our general fund of running VAS.
|
|
