Sandhill Cranes: First Visit

I heard them coming last night. I could hear them even in the house. The sun set only a few moments before. I rushed outside with camera and scope. The platoons arrived from the north, circled, and landed in the shallow "lake" next to my property. They began feeding-- probing in the mud for fine arthropods and more.

This is why we must preserve habitat. Migrating birds depend upon areas in which they can safely stopover on their journeys for food, shelter, and water. Various species require various habitats. Some may require wetlands, others forests, prairies, grasslands, etc. 

The first group had 71, the second group 65, and the third group was 25. 
161 Sandhill Cranes migrating southward spent the night to rest. 

Sandhill Cranes Arrive in Morgan County, Indiana

Sandhill Cranes Prepare to Spend the Night

I awoke at 6:00 am and prepared to venture out to photograph the cranes. Based on past experience with Sandhills, they wait until the sunlight illuminates them and then they take flight. It was chilly this morning-- 28 degrees. I carefully walked to where I would have a clear view and sat down in the frosty grass between a cedar and a sapling. It was 7:15 am. I photographed occasionally in the dim light awaiting the sun. It was scheduled to rise at 7:59 am. Finally it began to break through the trees, slowly illuminating the cranes which were more northerly along the water's edge. It crept. The cranes were awakening-- shaking feathers and exercising their wings. At 9:10 am, I left my spot and walked slowly around the bend to get a closer view. I kept myself between the cranes and the sun so the light was in their eyes. Better for hiding my movements. 

I set the tripod down and began photographing. The cranes began talking to each other and the conversation became louder. I knew it was time. In a flash they began taking off in groups-- gaining altitude, circling, and then winging to the south. Many miles awaited them. Safe traveling my friends. 

Sandhill Cranes Waking Up in Sunlight

Sandhill Cranes Before Taking Flight-Morgan County, Indiana

Sandhill Cranes Taking Flight-- Morgan County, Indiana

Sandhill Crane Flying Overhead--Morgan County, Indiana

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Let's Talk About "Who-cooks-for-you?"

Let's talk about the owl whose call sounds as if it's saying "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you al-l-l-l-l!" I heard a Barred Owl (Strix varia) last night across the lake. It is one of the sounds in nature that I treasure.

Barred Owls (BAOW) are the nocturnal counterparts of Red-shouldered Hawks. Barred Owls dwell in moist bottomland woodlands, ravines, and swamps. Crayfish, water snakes, rodents, insects, small birds, and frogs are examples of their prey. 

Barred Owl (captive)   ©Joni L. James

They range in size from 16-24 inches with a wingspan of  38-50 inches. They are not the largest of our owls in Indiana, that distinction belongs to the Great horned Owl. Barred Owls are next in size. They have a rounded head with no ear tufts and are gray-brown in color. They have large liquid black eyes-- at a distance the iris looks brown; at close range they appear blue-black.

Barred Owls nest in tree cavities and abandoned nests of crows and hawks. Nesting season is during the winter months (as it is for most owl species here). Courtship is a noisy performance. They are particularly vocal during late fall and early winter when trying to attract mates. They will call throughout the night especially under a full moon. You can often hear them on cloudy days especially during the winter. 

BAOW usually lay a clutch of 2-4 eggs. Incubation is mostly by the female taking 28-32 days. Fledging takes place 40-45 days. Barred Owls are not migratory so they are here all year round.

Barred Owl (captive)   ©Joni L. James

If you hear the calls of a Barred Owl, you will never forget it. I encourage you to listen to the link below to hear the maniacal calls, barks, cackles, and wails of this wonderful raptor.
Listen at night, dawn, dusk, and on cloudy winter days . . . you just might experience the hair on the back of your neck rise!

A Cornell Lab of Ornithology youtube link to hear a recording of BAOW calling:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y5zc-NHIipw

{Note: The Barred Owl in these images is Elmo, an owl who is a permanent resident at the Indiana Raptor Center. The IRC rehabilitates injured raptors and provides educational programs on bird of prey. They are dedicated individuals at the center who do tremendous work. Consider booking them for programs and/or donating to their passion & cause. Link: www.indianaraptorcenter.org}

You can always leave comments at the end of each post. Let me know what you think of Barred Owls & experiences you may have had!

Winged Angels: Part III

This is Part III-- sharing another sampling of my photos from my divine experience with Great Egrets almost a week ago . . . and a juvenile Great Blue Heron. 

All photos © Joni L. James

Winged Angels 42 Part II

As I work my way through the images I captured the other evening, I will post them to share. The images will continue to tell the story of the Winged Angels 42.

(Remember you can go to my Flickr photostream via the link on the right side of the page).

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

                                                                           ©Joni L. James

Winged Angels 42

Imagine sitting among winged angels. That was my experience last night. 

After observing 42 Great Egrets for several days, I knew the time and exact site in the shallow lake to set up. I planned to photograph these beauties before they moved on. I know their patterns of feeding during the day and how they move as the sun drops lower in the sky. They typically feed at the ponds and then move to the shallow lake to forage until they gather at the back side for roosting. I had to set up at a south-southwest angle to keep them in the sweet light of the setting sun. 

                                                                         ©Joni L. James

 I loaded my photo vest with phone, notebook/pen, cushion, and clipped a five gallon bucket to the back. With my camera/200-500mm Tamron lens mounted to the tripod, and the hat blind strapped to the tripod leg, I headed out. I wore my NEOS boots (which are fabulous!) since I anticipated mud after the blessed heavy rains. After a long walk, I found my spot in the mud and made my nest. It was 6:15 pm.

                                                                              ©Joni L. James

My chair was the upside-down bucket with the hunting cushion. I splayed the legs of the tripod to the perfect arrangement for photographing and then put the blind over me and the equipment. I could not move or it would frighten the birds. So I waited and sat still.

Wood ducks flew in and out as well as several shorebirds. They were too far away for appropriate photos. About 6:45 pm, the first few egrets began flying into the lake. My heart raced as they began foraging within my view.

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

More and more began to fly into the pond as the sun made its way to the horizon. Excitement! What a satisfying feeling to have planned and set up properly so the birds would not recognize me as human and feel safe to be so close. 

                                                                          ©Joni L. James

Soon the area in front of me was filled with egrets.  The warm sunlight illuminated them against the rich green of the grasses. White birds are difficult to photograph in sunlight. I did not want to "blow out" the highlights yet underexposing could be tricky. I preferred shooting when their heads were turned to be bathed in light, but this did not always happen.

As the sun dipped below the dam, they took flight and wheeled above the lake to prepare for roosting through the night. Once they settled, I took a few more images then gingerly prepared to leave. I did not want to disturb them, but knew it was unavoidable. My body was cramped from sitting motionless for nearly three hours, but I slowly walked away.

                                                                            ©Joni L. James

What a satisfying evening. As they flew about and foraged on small fish, I was filled with  contentment. It was a privilege to be allowed into their world and to spend those hours together. Listening to their soft conversations with each other and watching their tussles for space, I was reminded again of how life plays out in all forms each day and night. We are a part of it. We share this space. As Henry Beston stated so eloquently in The Outermost House, "For the animal shall not be measured by man. In a world older and more complete than ours they move finished and complete, gifted with extensions of the senses we have lost or never attained, living by voices we shall never hear. They are not brethren, they are not underlings; they are other nations caught with ourselves in the net of life and time, fellow prisoners of the splendour and travail of the earth.”

More to come.

All Want Water

It has been eventful lately. We are coming into August-- we are in an extreme drought and there are not many water sources available for wildlife. I usually have Great Egrets migrate through at and around my property due to the ponds. Within the last week though, the largest number of egrets has gathered. Twenty Great Egrets as well as 20 Great Blue Herons (a rather high number also but not a record).

Nine of Twenty Great Egrets                          ©Joni L. James

Yesterday, I discovered a beautiful moth fluttering outside of the local Subway restaurant. I collected it in a cup and brought it home to photograph it. During the moth's fluttering it revealed the gorgeous reddish-pink hind-wings with black bands. I hoped it would extend its wings so I could capture the rich color. It did not. Below is one of the photos-- the only one that allows a peek within. As it grew dark, this nocturnal beauty, called The Sweetheart (Catocala amatrix)  flew off.

The Sweetheart (Catocala amatrix)                  ©Joni L. James

This evening a large flock of juvenile Eastern Bluebirds flew to the bird bath and battled to drink and bathe. An adult showed up also. There were seven in all and interestingly, a Carolina Chickadee and female House Finch all decided to come to the ole swimmin' hole at the same time. The bluebirds dominated the water source. The quality of the photos are not the best since I was shooting through a window inside the house.

Four Juvenile Eastern Bluebirds and a Female House Finch
©Joni L. James

While the bird bath was full, several were waiting their turn.

Waiting                                                            ©Joni L. James

Then there was dominance . . . hierarchy . . . bullies in the bird bath.

Bird Bath Bullies                                                  ©Joni L. James

Everyone wants refreshing water . . . especially during a drought.

Speaking for Grassland Birds & Their Habitat

Let me speak for grassland birds. I do not profess to understand the intricacies of farming/managing land for the harvesting of hay . . . but I have been doing much reading lately to learn more about it. Perhaps we can all develop an awareness of our land. Grassland birds are declining significantly across America. Just within the last 30 years, the populations of these birds have declined 70-90%.


A grassland area in our county was home to many species of birds earlier in the summer. Dickcissels, Eastern Meadowlarks, Grasshopper Sparrows, Red-wing Blackbirds, etc. filled this area with song and life. Not long after I discovered this rich area, the field was mowed. Gone were the birds. What is not known is how many nests and young were lost also? The area was then quiet. Lost habitat.


What if we could share the land and be aware of our neighbors who dwell with us? What if we managed land for grassland species too? Not only birds benefit from these habitats but also many pollinators--butterflies, bees, as well as dragonflies, and other wildlife. Grassland birds such as those mentioned above and Eastern Bluebirds, Wild Turkey, Bobwhite, Savannah Sparrows, Sedge Wrens, Bobolinks, Northern Harriers, and American Kestrels depend on these unique habitats. These birds eat many insects especially during their breeding season.

Grassland Habitat                                          ©Joni L. James

The ideal grassland sites are at least 10 acres of continuous open fields (no woody vegetation),  but preferably more than 15 acres. Old hayfields, overgrown cropland, and abandoned fields are suitable for grassland bird habitat development. If as a landowner you have less than 10 acres, you can still consider developing and managing it for these species.


Grassland species benefit from varying grass heights. Planting native grasses and plants can enhance the habitat with a mix of warm and cool season grasses. Warm season grasses include Little Bluestem, Indiangrass, Big Bluestem and cool season grasses include Kentucky Bluegrass, Timothy, Red Fescue, and Redtop. Most grassland birds can tolerate a moderate forb content (weeds & wildflowers such as goldenrod, daisies, asters, etc.), however if forbs equal or outnumber grasses, the habitat is less attractive to them. Fields are best if they contain no more than 25% other plant species than grasses.


Farmers and private landowners can adopt various management strategies:

• Delay mowing until after the breeding season (birds usually begin the breeding season in late April/beginning of May)--although weather and the presence of certain species can create variables-- usually waiting until after August 10. 
• Fields will benefit from being mowed at the end of the breeding season (after August 10) at 4-6 inches high, but before fall. Autumn mowing risks spreading seeds from undesirable plants. 
• Rotational mowing can be utilized-- dividing an area into strips that are separated from one another by 50-85 feet and then mowing is done on a rotational basis.
• Hayfields should be mowed  from the center outward to allow birds to escape to adjacent fields.
• Mowing should be done during daylight hours. Night mowing impacts roosting birds.
• Rotational or deferred grazing of livestock can be conducted to benefit both forage quality and grassland bird habitat.
• Limit the amount of herbicides and pesticides.

There is much more detail to understanding these practices and the needs of grassland birds. Helpful resources abound on the internet and I would be pleased to share those sources with anyone who wants to know more. 

My purpose is not to tell landowners how they should manage their farm or land. I simply invite readers to stop and consider the possibility of adjusting your management practices for better stewardship. Increase your awareness of your land to know what species live there. 

As Aldo Leopold stated, "Conservation is a state of harmony between men and land."

Last Fledging of Tree Swallows

Today the last two plastic gourd nests of Tree Swallow nestlings fledged. One nest  had two nestlings and the other had four. It is always bittersweet when the day comes for the last brood(s) to leave. I am always happy and relieved that they successfully fledged their nests but sad that the nesting season for them (and me) has ended. It has been a strange nesting season here. The early spring/summer, the heat, and the severe drought has taken its toll. We still have had no rain. 


Best wishes to all "my" Tree Swallows for a safe migration to your wintering grounds and a safe return in March 2013.

Tree Swallow-Adult                            ©Joni L. James

     Tree Swallow at Nest-Adult            ©Joni L. James

"Yuk!" said the Phoebe!

While sitting on my patio a couple of weeks ago, I observed an Eastern Phoebe fledgling hanging around the wall of my sand garden. I began photographing it as it came in close to eat the flying insects.

In a series of photos, I caught the young bird after it had eaten a bee. Whether it needed to expell the bee in order to eat more or that the bee had caused a problem . . . I don't know. After inspecting the remains, the bee was recognizable but not by much.




 "Yuk!" said the Phoebe!







Eastern Phoebe Fledgling  ©Joni L. James


Phoebe Coughing Up Bee  ©Joni L. James





Fowler's Toad, Eastern Cottontail, & House Wren

Today was another day of fun encounters with wildlife. The weather has turned warmer and definitely humid. Thankfully it stayed cloudy though which helped to keep the temperatures down. While strolling around the house during late morning, I discovered a Fowler's Toad hiding in the leaves and grasses. It cooperated while I took several photographs. They are uniquely spotted and their eyes are like jewels when viewed closely. Fowler's Toads are common amphibians of our patios and porches at night when the lights have been left on. The lights attract the insects which then attract the toads.

                                           Fowler's Toad  ©Joni L. James

In this close-up, you can easily see the beauty in the eye and the nasal area.

                                           Fowler's Toad Close-up  ©Joni L. James

An Eastern cottontail rabbit has been busy feeding in the mowed section of the yard. It usually pops out of the field into the mowed area and enjoys the white clover and plantain.I believe they were nesting in a clump of day lilies in my east yard.

                                          Eastern Cottontail Rabbit  ©Joni L. James

All day a recently fledged house wren has been singing its heart out on the back side of my home. It has been perching on the railing of my small deck singing and fluttering its wings-- often typical of begging behavior. No parents seem to be present. I will keep watching to see what transpires the next few days.

                                          Fledged House Wren  ©Joni L. James

Notice in the photo above the tail feathers-- just a few are developed. Also, take notice of the primary feathers-- they also are not fully grown.

                                          Recently fledged House Wren  ©Joni L. James

Anyone else have experiences with toads, rabbits, or house wrens?

(I invite readers to post comments to any of my posts. If you have questions, similar encounters to share, or simply comments, please join in for conversation. Also consider signing up to be a "Follower". Check out the right margin).

CAWR Nest, TRES Egg, & Traces

I spent some time cleaning out a few of my nest gourds this morning. I always place nest boxes and nest gourds out for cavity nesting birds. I especially enjoy my tree swallows (TRES). Each nesting season I have several families of tree swallows nest on my property. This year I have had TRES, Carolina wrens (CAWR), house wrens (HOWR), and Eastern bluebirds (EABL). Each year I  participate in the citizen science program, NestWatch, by Cornell Laboratory of Ornithology. Anyone can participate. You simply become knowledgeable about cavity nesters (plenty of information on Cornell Lab's website: http://www.birds.cornell.edu/), monitor your nest boxes/keep data, and then submit that data to NestWatch via online or mail. (TRES, CAWR, etc. are codes used in bird banding to identify bird species--it allows an abbreviated usuage rather than writing out the full common name).

In one of my tree swallow nesting gourds, one egg did not hatch. Below is a photo. As you can tell the eggs are very small. This pair laid 6 eggs and 5 fledged. Tree swallows feed on flying insects and some berries. They nest in tree cavities or nest boxes. Mine love my white plastic gourds for nesting. Nests are made from grasses and feathers. The feathers help to keep nestlings warm and reduce the presence of ectoparasites. They are one of the lovliest nests with all the downy feathers added to the bed of dried grasses. They always look inviting!

                                           Tree Swallow Egg-unhatched   ©Joni L. James

                                          Male Tree Swallow
I also cleaned out the Carolina wren (CAWR) nest gourd which hung inside an open-sided "shed". I pulled the globe of grasses and leaves from the gourd in order to photograph it. CAWRs are very small birds with surprisingly loud voices. They definitely make their presence known! Males and females bond for life and will travel their territory together eating insects and spiders all year round. They typically lay 3-7 creamy white eggs -- finely spotted with brown. This nest produced 5 eggs and they all fledged.

Incubation takes usually 12-16 days and the nestling period lasts 12-14 days.

                                          Carolina wren nest.  ©Joni L. James


In this image the nest is sitting upright on a stone wall-- it is globular in shape with the opening on the front side. This is the positioning it had in the plastic gourd. It is an interesting nest of dead grasses, fine hair, and dead leaves.

                                          Carolina wren    ©Joni L. James

I searched  the trunk of an old maple tree outside the my home this morning hoping to find gray treefrogs hiding in the grooves and folds of the lichen covered bark. Instead I found evidence of the feeding by either a tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, or white-breasted nuthatch. These birds snatch sunflower seeds from my feeder and fly off to the surrounding trees to open the hulls to enjoy the meat within. They will frequently lodge them in crevices and then hammer open the sunflower seed. Seeds will also be cached for later.

                                                        Sunflower Seed Hull  ©Joni L. James

As always, interesting discoveries are awaiting if you only take the time to observe closely. Look up, look down, and look around. What might you find if you look carefully?

Nesting Ending & Junior Naturalists

Summer Solstice has passed. Summer has "officially" begun. All of my nesting birds as of this week have fledged their young. The Eastern bluebirds safely raised their young. My tree swallows (all three families) fledged a week or two ago. Yesterday the Carolina wrens fledged and the house wrens are gone.

I am enjoying the cool weather. I am not a creature who is most comfortable in hot and humid weather conditions. I thrive in low humidity and temps below 75 degrees. As I stood at the door noticing the absence of adult birds diligently delivering food to noisy begging nestlings, I heard the soft warbling song of a male bluebird. Sitting on top of the nest box in the front yard was a colorful male. They are ready to attempt brood number two. Later I checked the box and discovered the beginnings of a nest. I still have company.

Today was the final day of Junior Naturalist Camp. I had a fun and rewarding three days with 14 kids ages 9-12 (and the other two staff members). We learned to identify several of the most common Indiana frogs & toads by their calls as well as their life history. Exploration of the creek brought study of  macro-invertebrates. Nocturnal bird-life included learning about three of our most common owls, Eastern screech owls, great-horned owls and barred owls, their adaptations, and how to identify them by their calls.  We also dissected owl pellets to discuss anatomy and the prey of owls. On our last day we discussed what to look for when tracking mammals, followed by making flash cards with track replicas and stamp pads then creating actual plaster casts. Our days also included environmental education games, sit spot time, saunters, and journaling. The young people enjoyed their time. Hopefully seeds were planted which will continue to be nurtured to flourish into adults who care about nature and our environment.

It is growing dark and the indigo buntings are singing  . . .

A Reminder Why Bearing Witness Is Important

Photo used with permission
Copyright Steve Gifford

The posting was one among many that arrived in my email a couple of weeks ago. The Birding Listserv consists of posts bird sightings within Indiana. This one was different and it caught my eye.

The posting came from a resident of southern Indiana. He wrote of sightings but included a lamentation about the loss of breeding territories for Bobolinks near his home.  A few years ago, he had discovered four breeding locations for these beautiful birds of tallgrass prairies, fields, and grassy pastures.This represented some of the most southern breeding territories for Bobolinks in our state. In subsequent years he discovered two of the four areas devoid of the nesting birds.  The land owners had released cattle or cut hay during the breeding season. Gone were their warbling, bubbling songs.

A couple of years later, two immense churches with large parking lots, were built and an adjacent field planted in winter wheat. No Bobolinks. There is now only one location left of the original four. The Bobolinks, Grasshopper Sparrows, and Savannah Sparrows found these areas unique enough to meet their needs for nesting and raising young. But no more.

 Loss of habitat. It continues. Perhaps for some it is simply a lack of knowledge. What if we educated the public about the seasonal activities of wildlife in their areas and how human actions can impact the flora & fauna? What if the landowner was aware of the species his/her land supported? It likely would not halt the construction of churches, subdivisions, and strip malls. But what about the farmer or landowner? Would the farmer or landowner wait to mow? Could he/she wait a few weeks to release cattle? Could they afford to alter their schedule or methods? Would the education make a difference?

I replied to the poster the following-- "You are bearing witness to those local areas that are priceless in a way few recognize. It is important that you record, share, and continue to bear witness . . . for when they are gone, you will have made them at least a part of your history & with those you share the story."

In these current times, the pursuit for "more", the swell of greed, and the disconnect from the earth, the one hopeful act we can choose is to bear witness. I believe in education and bearing witness. What about you?

I invite those who read this blog to participate in dialogue. Feel free to comment.