Local Bird News
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A group of us went bird watching along Ivylog Gap Road near Hiawassee this weekend. We were looking specifically for breeding warblers and were able to find ten species - American Redstart, Black-and-white Warbler, Blackburnian Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler (above), Hooded Warbler, Kentucky Warbler, Ovenbird, Tennessee Warbler and Worm-eating Warbler. We were hoping for Cerulean Warbler, but did not see or hear any on this trip. We did find several Indigo Buntings, Scarlet Tanagers, Red-eyed and Blue-headed Vireos, a few Wood Thrushes and a Yellow-billed Cuckoo. We also located a Willow Flycatcher in the Ingles parking lot in Blairsville! It just goes to show that great birds can be found anywhere if you just look!  Julia Elliott kicked off her MAPS season at Berry College with a bang yesterday and banded 16 species, including the female Blue-winged Warbler pictured above. It's obvious there are still migrants passing through the area, since other species of note included Swainson's Thrush, Veery and Magnolia Warbler. This is Julia's third year participating in this breeding bird survey on Berry's campus. MAPS is a standardized, national banding program and stands for Monitoring Avian Productivity and Survivorship.
Are you crazy for bird cams? Kennesaw customers
Bob and Deb Zaremba
have one set up on one of their many bird baths, and it has captured a huge variety of birds this spring! Check out all the buntings!!! We'll share a few more images on our
Facebook page - make sure you visit and take a peek!
Bob Zaremba also shared his photo of the Chestnut-sided Warbler above, and quite a few other images we've used in past newsletters.
Thanks, Bob!!!
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Hi Birdwatchers!
It's baby bird season again! The time of year when we cringe every time we see someone coming in the door with a panicked look and a shoebox. And we give them the best possible advice we can - go put it back!
People mean well, and when they see what appears to be a helpless fledgling, their instinct is to try to help. But in reality, these birds don't need us to interfere. Most fledglings leave the nest unable to fly or fly well. They hop or fly short distances as they stretch and strengthen their young wings for the first week or so. They are still being cared for by their parents, who often have babies scattered all over the yard. It is extremely difficult and time-consuming to care for young birds (not to mention illegal without proper permits), and should only be done if absolutely necessary by a licensed rehabilitator who has been properly trained.
How can you tell if the baby bird you've found is a fledgling? Here's a simple test. If the bird is able to grasp your finger or a branch, it is a fledgling and should be left alone.
Occasionally, we do need to help a little. Just today, we moved a young Robin out of the middle of the road to the safety of a viburnum in the yard. Its parents could still hear his cheeping and relocated him quickly, and he was out of danger from cars.
The best thing you can do to help young birds is to watch out for them when driving or cutting the grass, keep fire ants under control, keep dogs and cats away and tell your kids to give fledglings a little space so they can safely feed and learn to forage from their parents. Feeding live mealworms is another great way to help busy bird parents provide for their young!
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We Have Teacher's Gifts!!!
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School will be out soon, and we have a nice variety of items under $12 for that very special teacher! Choose from coffee mugs, candles, stained glass, Zen chimes, small florals and even word plaques for inspiration or just as a simple reminder to breathe! We've got plenty of ideas for you! |
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 Kennesaw * Roswell * Buford * Marietta * Canton
 
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