The Beak Report: Northern Flicker

We have hit a bit of a birding lull in the Harris home. This was to be expected as most of the spring migratory birds have left the area; however, we are continuing to enjoy regular visitors to the back yard especially  a couple of northern cardinals (male and female) that share the bird feeder together. Common Grackles are numerous and bully the other birds but are less of a nuisance after we switched to safflower seeds in our bird feeders and jury-rigged the suet feeder to only allow birds that like or will hang inverted to eat, like woodpeckers and Tom Cruise up against a MIG fighter- is anyone reading this!  Ahem, The lull was broken yesterday when a Northern Flicker visited the yard. Tara was really stoked as was Olivia and myself.  Timothy is on location in TN and he will be providing a report on the birds that he has enjoyed very soon...

The Beak Report

Great day birding. Began at the eastern border of the Great Dismal Swamp in North Carolina. Spotted several great birds today including one the rarest birds in the area! The unassuming Swainson's Warbler. Thanks to the IBird app we were able to call this pale olive, small, elusive warbler to visit 3 times for a few snap shots. We were all very excited and fortunate to view this bird. What a treat! Downy Woodpecker also paid a visit. Continued more birding from the back yard and had several encounters with a couple of Eastern Towhee's ("drink your tea" song), a pair of Carolina chickadees, and a Great Crested Flycatcher! Also had  visits by some regulars such as the Red Bellied Woodpecker, Tufted Titmouse and female Northern Cardinal. Stellar day!

welcome to Great Dismal Swamp visitor center!

today's Birders

calling the Swainson's Warbler

swainson's warbler

downy woodpecker

backyard nest check

backyard love birds

day 4

Day 3:So far  today the family has seen a red bellied wood pecker and even though it has nothing to do with birds we saw a turtle.You can see pictures of the turtle at our gallery.

day 3

Day 3: The family begins day three. The family see's nothing due to our dad being on duty.

From the "flight" deck

Bird Report by Paul Harris

Transmitting from the " flight" deck of the USS Theodore Roosevelt CVN71- seriously! Got to spot some cool birds while on duty to add to the list. No photo's allowed in the shipyard so I used my memory to check against the field guides. At any rate spotted a brown pelican an osprey perched high on a crane and several different Gulls. Many variants in the Gull  family that fly around the ship and poop everywhere, thus making them difficult to ID, albeit the laughing Gull is unmistakable because, well the "laughing" noise it makes (in addition to its reported range and markings).  Just have to examine the other Gulls a bit more on my way into work before confirming them for the Beak List. "Over and out."

Day 2

 Robin (male)

 Robin's nest

Robin's nest
Day two: Our low budget family big year continues as the family spots 7 birds. Consisting of  a blackbird,robin's,cardinal,morning dove,brown thrasher,laughing gull,and a carolina wren.The family also saw a robins nest and eggs.

red headed wood pecker

The Bird Report

Bird Report by Olivia

Red Headed Woodpecker

The red headed woodpecker is common in dead trees (or hollow trees.)it is also common in wet areas like swamps.the red-headed woodpecker's length is approximately 9 1/4 inches and it weighs 2.5 oz . It is like all woodpeckers, it makes a hole and digs inside for bugs.it also eats nuts and corn.

scientific name: melanerpes erythrocephalus           

length: 9 1/4 inches

identification: broad -winged woodpecker.pure white underparts. bright red head ,neck and throat blue-black back.

Reference: The Encyclopedia of North American Birds , Sibleys Field Guide To Birds                                

Day one:American Robin nesting in the back yard.In the picture you might see the nest right in the middle.

great dismal swamp birding festival

Spotting something rare

 looking for Red Headed Woodpecker

 family birding

 crossing bridge

 black bear hair

 black bear scratches

 800 year old Cyprus tree

 photographing caterpillar

 caterpillar

 caterpillar

 spotting a bald eagle

 family birding at lake Drummond

 on the birding bus

 lizard

Day one of  family big year.Armed with binoculars and a field guide we begin our low budget family big year.We know it is already the middle of the year but we still have plenty of time to see many birds in our area.