This is my new blog address. I will update as much as I can!
About the Cerulean Warbler
Cerulean Warblers are enigmatic birds. Their preference for massive, mature hardwoods and foraging within the crown of these trees shrouds them in mystery. Males are a stunning azure color along the head and back, and, from below, show a tidy blue neckline, porky body, and very short tail. Females are drabber but emanate a sophisticated blend of green coloration; they show a trim very-light green eyebrow (supercillium) which disrupts a mid-green cap (top of the head) and mid-green cheeks (auriculars). More on Cerulean's:
http://www.rom.on.ca/ontario/risk.php?doc_type=fact&id=124
The Cerulean Warbler Species At Risk Project
Involves examining the current distribution and abundance of Cerulean's across the Frontenac Axis using standardized point counts (5 minute survey of birds by sight/sound, including tree basal area-by-species within the survey area, and survey effort (hours spent) per square (10x10 KM grid). Also, we are to determine the occupancy of Cerulean Warblers at formerly occupied sites since the last Ontario Breeding Bird Atlas (2001-2005)
Commentary
The past few days have been ROUGH. The weather here has not cooperated. Since the 21st of May, we have experienced 3 days of rain and 2 thunderstorms. Last night, May 23rd-May 24th, there were really strong winds that had us both worried about falling trees, especially after hearing one crash down some distance away.
Lianne Frontenac has greeted us on her terms, and, well, we accept that. The endless rugged topography, stunning stands of mature hardwoods, fish-filled lakes, and, Yellow-throated Vireos which are, in my opinion, one of the most intriguing birds in the area because of their stunning beauty, raspy voices, and mysterious disposition; they forage way up in the canopy and are hard to see. So, the ying of beauty balances with the yang; the nastiness of Ms. Frontenac's mood swings and temper tantrums.
We have found two separate Cerulean's so far; I'm happy to say that I was able to hear one myself. On the morning of the 23rd of May, I took to an old snowmobile and came out of the bush along the shoreline of a marsh. There were really large maples rimming the E side of the marsh. Just over 4 minutes into a 5-minute Point Count (survey by sight and sound) I heard a Cerulean sing, just once. I was beside myself and impulsively ran towards that side of the marsh, losing both L and R-foot Crocs in the guck in the process. I subsequently had to take off my shirt and dang-ol-dive right down into the mud in search of them. Luckily, I "felt" my way around the blurry, muddy water and found my shoes (and not the jaws of a Snapping Turtle).
Photo: Myles Falconer heard a Cerulean along this stretch of road, way up in the crown of one of those massive maples! (May 23, 2013)
Until next time!
Jon
No comments:
Post a Comment