Nature Journal

Notes about birds, mammals, wildflowers, insects, and more




Sunday, March 30, 2003

I've been listening to the crows over the past several weeks and observing their behavior. A small flock of crows has been flying around in the vicinity of the house every day for quite a while now. They've been very vocal - much more so than during the winter. I don't hear them all day, but mostly in the mornings - and then for briefer periods later during the day. Over the past few days, their vocalizations have not been as loud or as frequent. I'm not sure why crows become more vocal at certain times of the year, but I've read that they become very quiet during the nesting period. So, I'll be listening for that quiet time.


Saturday, March 29, 2003

There've been reports that the black bears are coming out of hibernation now. The male bears usually emerge from their dens first. The females and their cubs leave their dens a little later. The bears are pretty hungry this time of year and they're on the move - looking for food.


Friday, March 28, 2003

The wild turkeys came by for their first visit since last fall! They were wandering around scratching in the leaves - which is typical foraging behavior. There was at least one male and about six or seven females. The male turkey's beard was quite long - which is supposed to be an indication of its age. Although mating season hasn't begun yet, the male's head and neck were conspicuously red. The beginning of turkey breeding season never goes by unnoticed. The sound of the male turkey's gobbling will fill the woods - especially at night.


Thursday, March 27, 2003

Saw a good-sized flock of juncos when I was out walking today. Haven't seen much of them at all this winter. I just learned from The Birder's Handbook (by Ehrlich, Dobkin, &
Wheye) that, for many species, the color of a bird's eye changes with age. For the junco, the eye color changes from gray (or gray-brown) to red-brown. So if you see a reddish-brown twinkle in eye of a junco, you'll know it's not a young bird.


Wednesday, March 26, 2003

Since the bluebirds are beginning to arrive in New England, you might want to check out the website for the North American Bluebird Society. It includes nest box plans, bluebird facts, and information about bluebird trails. A mailing list for those interested in bluebirds is also available.