Bird Highlights 3 Yellow Billed Cuckoo

Links to previous wildlife profiles: Wrens, Frogs, Grey Catbird, Declining Songsters

Yellow Billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus americanus 

Adult photographed at Greenfield Lake, June 19th, 2020

The Yellow Billed Cuckoo is a fairly common summer resident in the Carolinas that is often overlooked due to its secretive lifestyle. This bird is distantly related to the more widely-known Common Cuckoo which is the bird that makes the "Cucc-KOO" call in namesake clocks, as well as being a brood parasite like our cowbirds. The cuckoo occurs in our region from Mid-April to October and is found in almost any habitat with trees and shrubs. They feed on caterpillars and other insects and congregate around tent moth, gypsy moth, or Giant Silkworm infestations during the summer and autumn. Cuckoos are often called "Stormcrows", or "Raincrows" because their calls are often heard before or during thunderstorms and the birds may time nesting cycles to rainy periods, which comes with an increase in insect prey.

Description 

Cuckoos are medium sized birds with a very slender profile and a long tail. These birds are about the size of a grackle or Blue Jay, and have pointed wings like an Accipiter Sparrowhawk (notably Cooper's Hawk). Adults are generally greyish brown or reddish brown on its back  with white undersides, and a black and white undertail. As its name suggests, this species has a long yellow bill with a hooked tip. The Black Billed Cuckoo is similar except with a less vivid tail pattern and a black bill. 

• Size: L: 30-33cm or 12-13" (around the size of a Common Grackle or Blue Jay)
• Plumage: Grey to reddish brown above with white underside, black and white tail
• Body: Fairly large bird with a very long tail, yellowish bill with a slightly hooked tip, slender profile 
• Flight: Comparable in shape to a Sharp Shinned or Cooper's Hawk, can also be mistaken for a Brown Thrasher, Mourning Dove, or Blue Jay. Long pointed wings with rapid wingbeats and long glides.

Calls

The Yellow Billed Cuckoo makes a wide variety of calls and is often heard during the heat of the day, around dusk, or before and during rainstorms. Its calls can be compared to frogs, barking dogs, bitterns, or even the sound of Mourning Doves. Cuckoos have several types of vocalizations. North American Cuckoos do not produce the hollow two-note call ("Cucc-KOOO!) that Eurasian Cuckoos make.

Rain Call: The most familiar call of the Cuckoo is a rather loud rattling sound that has an abrupt stop and is best compared to a noisemaker or a clapper (like those used in Spanish Flamenco music). Some variants of the call has a Morse Code like pattern, not unlike certain frog species.  

Cooing Call: The other common call is a hollow cooing sound that is often heard during nesting. This call is given repeatedly with a pause in between each call. It can be compared to a barking dog in the distance and might even resemble the "Cuckoo Call" 

Hammer Call: The third common call is a slower knocking sound that may sound like a door knocker or someone carpenter's hammer.

Listen to examples on Cornell All About Birds

Notes

Moth caterpillars are the main food for Cuckoos

Season: April to October, some birds linger as late as December

Range: Throughout the Carolinas, but rare at higher elevations in Appalachia 

Habitat: Deciduous or mixed woodlands with dense understory, hedgerows, copses, wooded countryside, swamps, parkland, and around gardens. Also found in hickories, oaks, and other shade trees around pastures, towns, villages, and in urban settings. Often found near water. 

Diet: Cuckoos eat mainly insects but occasionally take lizards and treefrogs. Butterfly and moth caterpillars make up a significant portion of their diet. Populations gather around trees with tent moth, silkworm, or gypsy moth infestations and time their nests around caterpillar cycles 

Nesting: Yellow Billed Cuckoos nest in dense shrubs, and decidous trees along woodland edges, hedgerows, or watercourses. They are most likely to breed in loose colonies in riparian buffers, lakeshores, and borders of marshes. Pairs can nest any time from May to September and raise 1-2 broods per year. As stated above, their nests are often aligned to caterpillar populations. Because of this, breeding can occur almost anywhere with webworm infestations, and there is no set time for breeding. This cuckoos occasionally parasitize the nests of songbirds but not to the extent of the Eurasian, Oriental, and African Cuckoos. Most pairs build a flimsy nest of twigs in tree branches and lay 1-2 eggs. Cuckoos develop rapidly and may leave the nest in three days  but generally do not leave the nest tree until 6-7 days.

Behavior: Cuckoos are generally slow-moving birds that walk or hop along branches in trees or thickets. They are most likely to be spotted flying over open areas, waterways, or woodland clearings as they dash from tree to tree. Their flight pattern is comparable to a Cooper's Hawk with stiff wingbeats and long glides. Cuckoos remain in dense cover and are difficult to find. Learn more at Cornell All About Birds.

Where to Find 

Cuckoos like semi-open areas bordering woodlands or marshes

Cuckoos can be found in virtually any habitat in the Cape Fear but are generally nomadic, and difficult to spot. They often do not stay in the same area for long. Look for these birds near trees with tent moth or webworm infestations (silk domes, defoliated leaves), or along hedges, willow/alder thickets, and woodland edges. Good places include along creeks, streams, or manmade wetlands, in residential areas, open countryside, and in city parks. 

Greenfield Lake, Burnt Mill Creek Greenway (Wallace Park to Princess Place Dr.), and Holly Shelter Boat Ramp area are good habitats for Cuckoos. 

Similar Species: The Black Billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus erythropthalmus), is a rare as an autumn migrant and generally occurs as a breeder in Appalachia. It has a black bill, subdued tail pattern, and is mostly found in more wooded habitats. 

Garden Information

Grove of Black Walnuts, Pecan, and Mockernut Hickories, habitat of silkworms and tent moths

Yellow Billed Cuckoos may visit gardens and residential areas any time from April to October and are most likely to be heard during rainstorms or around sunset. They are difficult to spot and rarely come out into view. Cuckoos are generally seen in deciduous trees such as hickories or in dense hedgerows, although they can also feed in tall perennials such as Swamp/Narrow Leaf Sunflower, Green Headed Coneflower, or in vine tangles. They will nest in any tree or shrub that has a forking branch or might choose climbing roses, wisteria, trumpet vine, or any other climber growing up a tree, wall, or wooded border. Eastern Tent Moth, Fall Webworm, and Giant Silkworm caterpillars are the main draw for cuckoos. Hickories such as Mockernut, Red, Pecan, Shagbark Hickory, as well as beeches, oaks, elms, and Black Cherries are host plants for caterpillars. Thickets of azaleas, camellias, wax myrtles, and deciduous shrubs provide cover and nest sites as well. Cuckoos do not visit bird tables and rarely use birdbaths. 

Bird Highlights 2, Wrens

Bird Highlights 2, Wrens

Link to the previous wildlife articles: Frogs. Grey Catbird. Declining Songsters.

Wrens: Family Troglodytidae 

Adult Carolina Wren near nest site 

The Wren family is a group of small or midsized passerines that occur mostly in the Americas although one species or group is cosmopolitan (present in most parts of the world). These birds are familiar to many people as small, nondescript birds that move like a mouse in coppices or brambles, or take up residence in mailboxes or flowerpots. In Europe, the Winter Wren or Eurasian Wren is simply referred to as Wren and is the stereotypical bird in this group, while in North America we have a total of nine species of wren. While the birds themselves are not that attractive with a few notable exceptions, wrens have some of the most beautiful songs and are quite loud for their size. In the Carolinas, we have five species of wren with all of them occurring in the Cape Fear and Grand Strand Region at some point in the year. As with Parulidae Wood Warblers, Old World Warblers, and other birds, there are wrens for almost every habitat with some birds being specialists. 

Brief Ecology: Wrens are generally insectivorous songbirds that live on or near the ground where they can be difficult to see. Aside from their secretive habits and some behavior differences, wrens are not that different from other songbirds. In our area, there are wrens in virtually any habitat from saltmarsh to high-elevation forests. Three wren species which will be described later are generalists that occupy a wide range of habitats, while two species are specialists found mostly in wetlands. Most wrens are short-distance migrants or nonmigratory altogether and generally fly short distances and maintain territories throughout the year. 

Wren Species 

Of the five species of wrens that live in our area, three of them are likely to visit or reside in our gardens, while the other two are dependent on wetlands or marshes. All wrens are common in our area and occur in good numbers within the right habitat and season. The first group of wrens will be referred to as the Woodland Group, while the second group are the species that occupy wetlands. 

Wood Wrens 

A Carolina Wren, notice the yellowish undersides and white eyeline
Curtis Downey, circa 2018

Carolina Wren Thryothorus ludovicianus: The Carolina Wren is the default wren in our area and is the one we are most likely to encounter. This bird is also the largest wren in our area at 15-17cm (6-7") long or about the size of a House Sparrow. Its reddish-brown back, orange or yellow undersides and fairly long bill is distinctive. While it is still a small bird and can be hard to see, Carolina Wrens are conspicuous and loud and often come out into the open to sing from posts or treetops. This bird also sings year-round and has a loud chanting song that sounds like "Teacher Teacher Teacher" as well as loud ratcheting sounds that are comparable to a turning crank or noisemaker (listen to song through the Cornell Link). This wren is found in almost any wooded habitat from forest interiors to hedgerows. They are common in wooded gardens, parks, and near older homes or masonry structures. This species does not migrate and breeds from March to August, raising 2-3 broods per year. This wren may come to bird tables for mealworms, dried fruits, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and suet. Carolina Wren Profile, Cornell Lab. 

House Wren in garden, this bird is usually found below waist level
Curtis Downey, circa 2012

House Wren Troglodyte aedon: The House Wren is a common and more "stereotypical" wren that is common across North America but is seen in our area mainly as a spring or autumn migrant. This bird is much smaller (10cm or 4" ) and is tan brown or greyish in coloration. Like its larger relative, it has a fairly long bill, long tail, and has very loud song. This wren's song is more like a descending trill or twittering song (song can be found on Cornell Profile). In its breeding range, House Wrens often nest near human habitation and will use birdhouses, gourds, or manmade objects readily. In our area this bird is secretive and difficult to spot. Look for them in ankle to waist high thickets, weeds, or around masonry or debris from August to November. House Wren Profile, Cornell Labs

Winter Wrens are darker than House Wrens

Credit: Wikimedia Foundation (Creative Commons)
Creative Commons License Page

Winter Wren Troglodyte troglodyte (or hiemalis): The Winter Wren is the smallest and least common of the "Wood Wrens" and as its name implies it is mostly seen during the winter. This is also the species that occurs in Eurasia although scientists have recently split this group into three separate species. This bird is tiny like the House Wren except with a shorter tail and beak. It is about 8-10cm or 3-4 inches long, which is shorter than our Ruby Throated Hummingbird making it one of our smallest birds, besides the Golden Crowned Kinglet. Adults can be dark brown or sooty grey in coloration. This bird nests in the Appalachian Mountains and is common around Mount Mitchell State Park where its ethereal song can be heard from meadows or woodland edges (song recording on Cornell Profile). They occur in our area from late October to March and are generally quiet, elusive, and difficult to find. This wren is mostly found in woodlands, and swamps although it can be found in almost any habitat including coastal jetties. In gardens where it remains in brambles, shrubs, or amongst rocks but may forage along home foundations. They may feed under bird tables or sample suet and may follow chickadee or titmouse flocks. Winter Wren Profile, Cornell Lab

Marsh Wrens 

Credit: Wikimedia Foundation (Creative Commons)
Creative Commons License page

Marsh Wren Cistothrous palustris: The Marsh Wren is a bird that lives in extensive marshes and is found throughout the year in the Carolinas. They are about the same size the House Wren but share the brighter colors of the Carolina Wren. They nest in colonies in cattails, Phragmites, or Spartina Grass and only visit gardens rarely if they are next to marshes. Its song is similar to a blackbird call and is difficult to hear. Marsh Wren Profile, Cornell Lab

Credit: Wikimedia Foundation (Creative Commons)
Creative Commons License Page

Sedge Wren Cistothrous platensis: The Sedge Wren is a fairly uncommon but likely underreported species that can be seen from October to March though it could be present at any time. This bird is small like the House or Winter Wren and can easily mistaken for either species. Up close this wren has a mottled pattern and slightly hooked bill. They nest in meadows and marshes and can be found in any grassy or damp habitat during migration including roadside ditches or sometimes gardens. Sedge Wren Profile, Cornell Labs

In the Garden

Wren fledglings circa 2013

While identifying wrens (and other little brown birds) can be difficult, we are fortunate that there are only three species that are commonly occur in gardens. The two "Marsh Wrens" often require a trek into the marsh and a good ear or eye to find. Carolina, House, and Winter Wrens are all fairly easy to attract to the garden as they like wooded, brushy, or landscaped areas, and often shelter, feed, or nest in masonry, buildings, or manmade objects. 

Traits: Wrens are most likely to be found in hedges, brambles, rose thickets, or wooded borders within or along the edges of neighborhoods, parks, and even certain urban habitats (dooryards and such). The mostly feed on or near the ground on insects, snails, and move through vegetation or debris like a mouse. With the exception of the Carolina Wren, these birds rarely come out into the open and are likely to be missed unless they are singing or you happen upon a nest. During the autumn and winter months, House and Winter Wrens are quiet and difficult to find even when the leaves and herbaceous vegetation dies back. Places to look for wrens include brush piles, stonewalls or masonry structures, garden sheds, uprooted trees, logs, as well as in flowerbeds and vegetable gardens. During cold winter nights, Carolina and Winter Wrens may shelter in birdhouses, under eaves, near outdoor lights, or in outbuildings. Filling boxes with pinestraw, putting out wicker baskets, and gourds can create shelter for these birds. 

Garden Notes: Wrens are good helpers in the garden as they eat garden pests including caterpillars, snail/slugs, and plant eating beetles. The Carolina Wren may nest up to three times in a season and each nest requires thousands of insects and snails. Because of their fast and agile traits, wrens are seldom prey upon by predators although cats, snakes, and weasels may get their nests, and a skilled sparrowhawk (specifically the Sharp Shinned Hawk) could catch an adult. Wrens often follow gardeners as they dig or go about their business, while nests may be found in old watering cans, boots, window screens, and even within ivy or Virginia Creeper on a wall. With the exception of birds nesting in inconvenient spots or occasionally entering homes or garages, wrens rarely cause problems in the garden.

Nesting: Carolina Wrens have a long breeding season that can extend from March to August and along with cardinals, mockingbirds, and robins they may nest two or three times during a season. The same is true for for the House Wren although it generally arrives on its nesting grounds in Mid-April. Carolina Wrens will nest almost anywhere that is protective and constructs a complex domed nest of pine straw, roots, grass, moss, and other materials that looks like a globe. The Winter Wren builds a similar nest that is a little smaller. House Wrens nest in woodpecker holes, tree hollows, birdhouses, or manmade objects and make a pile of twigs. Carolina Wrens typically build multiple nests sites and choose on or two for nesting, although unused sites may be used for roosting as well. They lay 3-6 eggs that are incubated for 12-14 days, while the young leave the nest after another 14 days. This species is quite secretive and most nests will not be noticed until the young hatch or they are happened upon. The incubating female also leaves the nest only occasionally.

Wicker finch basket with wren nest

Nest Sites: Carolina Wrens rarely use birdhouses for nesting. Instead they normally nest in brambles, vine tangles, tree holes, and natural crevices. These birds will also nest on the ground, in rodent burrows, Spanish Moss, or in old bird nests or squirrel dreys.  Their nests can turn up in manmade objects such as watering cans, old boots, cardboard boxes, hanging planters, mailboxes, or outdoor light fixtures as well as between window screens, dryer vents, or under overhangs. Carolina Wrens will nest in gourds, wicker baskets, open-sided nest boxes, or on shelves placed on buildings or in wooded areas. 

Feeder Tips: Carolina Wrens are the only members of the family that readily come to bird tables and most birds will become reliable visitors once they find it. They prefer suet, lard, mealworms, fruits, and peanuts but will also take sunflower seeds, safflower, table scraps, and anything else you put out. Resident pairs often bring their young to feeders and offspring from earlier broods while  neighboring pairs will gather during the late summer into autumn. Wrens will use any kind of feeder and often come to window feeders, open topped bird tables, tube feeders and suet cages. The House Wren rarely visits bird tables but may take suet or mealworms, while Winter Wrens occasionally feed on crumbs under feeders when they come with flocks of chickadees or other woodland birds. Wrens are gentle birds at the feeder but are bold enough to hold off more aggressive birds like House Sparrows, titmice, and goldfinches.

Garden Tips

Meadow Garden with Carolina Rose, Blue Flag Iris, and Bluestar 

The best way to entice wrens into the garden is to create a woodland or woodland edge habitat.  Forested neighorhoods and large parks likely already host Carolina Wrens and are suitable for Winter Wrens, while open yards or areas overgrown with brambles are ideal for House Wrens. Carolina and Winter Wrens enjoy wooded areas with canopy and understory, which can be created by underplanting trees or large shrubs with herbaceous plants, smaller shrubs, groundcovers, and by adding vines. Hedges, windbreaks, and tall perennial beds can bring these birds closer to the house and potentially to a bird table. Logs, rocks, tree stumps, and masonry walls add feeding areas, and nest/roost sites for wrens. For the House Wren, plant flowerbeds, low to mid-level shrubs, trellised vines/climbing roses, in open sunny areas or near hedges. This wren may also use nest boxes if you are within its nesting range. A bog garden, small water garden, or riparian buffers (shrubs or trees) along a creek could bring in a migrating Sedge or Marsh Wren. 

Plant Choices: Wrens are generalists and are not very picky about plant choices, instead, focus on creating an ideal habitat for the birds to live in. Most woodland trees such as oaks, hickories, sweetgums, magnolias, beeches, birches, and conifers will work for canopy, while dogwoods, redbuds, hornbeam, and birches work for subcanopy trees. Crepe Myrtles, Camellias, Gardenias, and Evergreen Azaleas are always good to mix in with native plants they offer shelter, and flowers for insects, readily available, and are hardy in the Cape Fear Region. In woodland gardens, plant ferns (Cinnamon, Sensitive, Shield etc), and woodland plants such as hostas, bird's nest fern, mayapple, partridgeberry, phlox, or similar plants for ground cover. Wrens also love vines and creepers  including climbing roses. 

In sunny gardens, almost any flowering perennial or annual will work. I love members of the aster family (zinnias, goldenrods, sunflower, coneflower etc) because these plants are easy to grow, have long flowering periods, and pollinator magnets, while the seed heads bring finches, buntings or sparrows during the autumn and winter.

Fruits: For Carolina Wrens add fruits such as pokeweed, mulberry, blueberry, blackberry, viburnum, beautyberry, dogwood, or magnolia as well as Virginia Creeper/Peppervine. These plants appeal to a wide variety of birds and are either easily found in nurseries or already occur in the garden. 

Other Habitat

A wren box in a rural garden in Appalachia/Blue Ridge Region

  

If you have the space or don't mind a little bit of disorder, allow some areas to become overgrown to start a meadow or old field. In smaller gardens, allowing hedgerows to grow up, and keeping a back area in a natural state can provide bird habitat. Rock piles, simple masonry walls, and the use of logs also adds to the appeal to wrens, treecreepers, and chickadees. 

House Wrens and in Appalachia, Winter Wrens may use birdhouses. Both birds use holes as small as 1.5cm or 0.75 inches in diameter. Carolina Wrens are more likely to use wicker baskets, nesting shelves, or repurposed flowerpots, teapots, or watering cans hung in sheltered places or amongst vines. 

For water, any simple birdbath or fountain design will work for any of the wren species, although they are more likely to use garden ponds, ground-level baths, or water features close to cover.

Feeder Problems and Pests

Common Bird Table Pests and Problems 

Sooner of later, bird lovers will run into problems at their bird tables and feeders. From hordes of squirrels devouring seed to disease, are just a few of the mishaps that could bestow a feeding station. This week we will go over some of the common pests that we may encounter and some tips and solutions on how to resolve or prevent them.

Squirrels and Rodents

Grey Squirrel 

Fox Squirrel

Squirrels: We all dread the day when a Grey or Fox Squirrel first finds a newly installed birdfeeder. At first it may be fun to watch one or two of these remarkable rodents eating seed or accepting peanuts on the ground, but eventually the entire family or local population may join the feast. In the Carolinas we have four species of tree squirrels, a chipmunk species, and a ground squirrel known as the marmot or woodchuck. In the Cape Fear Region, we have the Eastern Grey Squirrel that occupies deciduous and mixed forests with oaks, beeches, hickories or pines, while the larger Fox Squirrel is more at home in pinelands, treed pastures, parkland, and maritime forests with open grassy areas. Both squirrels occur in residential areas and towns although we are most familiar with the Grey Squirrel. We also have small Southern Flying Squirrel which is nocturnal and also present in the same areas. No chipmunks or woodchucks occur in the Cape Fear Region. Squirrels are fun and interesting creatures that are important for the forest ecosystem. Unfortunately, these animals are among the most difficult creatures to deter from your expensive foods. Any squirrel can easily climb a unbaffled pole, use a roof or branch to jump great distances and gnaw their way through a plastic or wooden feeder. With both species forming large colonies, a single feeder can host dozens of Grey Squirrels at once, leaving the feeders empty and can even destroy them. They love sunflower seeds, corn, peanuts, and just about any nut.

Solutions and Tips

• Use squirrel resistant feeders that have dropdown mechanisms, spinners, or other devices to reduce the chances of a squirrel getting to the food. These are available in bird speciality and big-box stores and are worth the added expense 
• Caged feeders can prevent or reduce the number of squirrels on a feeder 
• Avoid plastic feeders as these will be destroyed if they are in reach 
• Keep all feeders (baffled or not) away from tree branches, rooflines, or fences as squirrels can leap great distances and defeat a mechanism 
• Hot pepper could be effective, I also heard that rodents do not care for safflower or suet
• Provide squirrels food of their own in another area of the garden and increase natural food by planting oaks, hickories, beeches, and native fruit-bearing trees. 
• Second story window feeders are hard for squirrels to reach

Rats and Mice: The other rodents that may find a bird table are rats and mice. These rodents are smaller than squirrels and are usually but not always nocturnal. We have many species of mice and rats in our region although the ones that come to bird tables include Woodrats, Rice Rats, Brown Rats, Black Rats, House Mice, White Footed Mice, and occasionally Golden Mice. Like squirrels mice and rats can wipe out food from a feeder, come in large numbers, and damage or destroy feeders. These rodents could also contaminate food and give-rise infestations when they move on to trash or waste grain. Nonnative Brown Rats may also prey on the eggs of songbirds. While anti-squirrel mechanisms may defeat Brown Rats, the rest of the rodents are small, agile and do not trigger weight devices. They can climb, leap, and circumvent baffles. Despite their problems, mice and rats are important for the ecosystem and prey for hawks and owls, which are prone to rat poisons. Mice  and rats will eat anything but I found them to like suet, lard, table scraps, corn, and sunflower seeds as well as filler seeds in bargain mixes. 

Solutions and Tips

• Keep feeders away from wooded areas, hedges, or outbuildings if possible 
• Take in feeders at night as most rats and mice are nocturnal 
• Pepper dust may deter rodents from the food 
• Both mice and rats are reluctant to venture into open areas due to predators 

Other Mammals

Coyotes are among the animals that adapted to our towns

Our gardens and woodlands host a lot more than birds, lizards, and small rodents. At times animals such as racoons, opossums, weasels (such as skunks), deer, foxes, coyotes, and Black Bears will pass through our our neighborhoods and parks. In the Cape Fear Region, many of these animals actually live amongst our towns and cities, including Wilmington and Myrtle Beach and have adapted to human altered landscapes quite well. Large animals such as racoons and on rarer occasions opossums can destroy even well-built birdfeeders, get into trash bins, and will become a major issue. Foxes, coyotes, bobcats, and weasels may come if rodents are abundant. Black Bears are the least likely to visit your garden but the Eastern Carolinas has the largest population outside of Appalachia and have learned to thrive  in our cities. All of these animals can not only cause destruction to birdfeeders but pose a threat to garden nesting birds, as well as people's pets and property. Aside from foxes, coyotes, deer, and bears, all of these animals are nocturnal, so taking in your feeders nightly or limiting the amount of food put out each day can prevent these problems. Raccoons are also foiled by baffles if there are no branches near by. Remember these animals are part of the natural environment and should be respected and enjoyed for what they do for the ecosystem.

Cats: Feral and free-ranged felines are feared by many bird and animal lovers and chances are there are outdoor cats in your neighborhood. Domestic cats are not native and are opportunistic predators, even if they are fed. While some statistical information about bird mortality to cats may be overstated or limited to a few studies (i.e. on islands), cats can kill adult or young birds as well as rabbits, native rodents, and lizards. I found that cats are the biggest threat to ground or shrub nesting birds and newly fledged youngsters, while most adult passerines can escape from cats and other mammals. A bird table with lots of birds will eventually draw the attention of local cats. Additionally, cats may also try to ambush birds using nest boxes, climb into hedgerows. For human impacts, cats may dig up gardens to make toilet sites, bring fleas and ticks, while feral populations may have rabies. Thankfully, feral cats have natural predators including coyotes, and certain birds of  prey (notably Great Horned Owl), and in our area, we mainly deal with one or two cats from a neighbor rather than a feral colony with dozens. 

Solutions and Tips 

• Keep bird tables and ground feeders away from hedges, thickets or tall garden beds (at least 3-5m or 10-15ft). 
• Cats avoid roses, briers, brambles, and other thorny materials 
• Keep regular birdfeeders higher 1.5m or 5ft from the ground and use a pole baffle.
• Second story windows, and hanging feeders pose less of a cat threat 
• Chase off any cats on your property to reinforce fear and report feral cats to appropriate agencies (for their own good as well as for human safety)
• Educate neighbors, and friends about birds and how unleashed dogs and cats can threaten young
• Keep cats indoors, or in confined areas, especially during the nesting season. 
• Hot pepper on the ground might deter cats from sitting an an area.

Problem Birds

There are a number of birds that can become nuisances in our gardens or are a problem towards other birds. In almost every suburban or urban garden, there are highly adaptable and opportunistic birds that will patronize a bird table and wear out their welcome. Other birds pose a direct  threat to feeder visitors. While any bird can potentially become a nuisance, most of the problems relate to large flocks, aggressive behaivor, or how much food they eat. 

House Sparrows 

House Sparrows, note the male's reddish back

House Sparrows are nonnative and invasive songbirds that were imported from Europe in the 19th Century and are now cosmopolitan in range. These small birds are common in villages, towns, and cities as well as around farms, grain silos, and commercial complexes. While cute and relatable, House Sparrows are highly prolific and will out compete native birds for food, destroy the nests of hole nesting birds like bluebirds, chickadees, wrens, or flycatchers, and can cause problems in our gardens or to farmers. Bird tables are one of the leading ways to bring House Sparrows to a new area and low-end seed mixes with fillers, as well as millet, corn, and bread are likely to encourage these birds. In little time, feeders may become swamped by flocks (50+) of sparrows, and more expensive foods like safflower, sunflower seeds, or premium mixes will be devoured in short order. Do not encourage House Sparrows in the garden. Since these birds are not protected by law, they can be trapped, or removed but check local laws before doing any control measure. For bird table managers, it is best to minimize the habitat appeal to House Sparrows by avoiding grains or corn, fixing crevices in buildings, keeping sparrows out of birdhouses, and creating wooded habitat. I may discuss more about House Sparrows in a later article but for now I will focus on ways to mitigate sparrows at your birdfeeder. House Sparrows, are not related to our native sparrows such as the Chipping, Field, Song, White Crowned, and White Throated Sparrows that visit our feeders during the winter months. Native Sparrows mostly feed on the ground.  

Solutions and Tips

• Limit your feeder station to one or two setups as yards with too many feeders will attract House Sparrows 
• Avoid millet, wheat, barley, milo, and corn, or bargain seed mixes with a lot of red or yellow kernels. These seeds attract  more House Sparrows, cowbirds, and rats than native birds. 
• House Sparrows do not care for swinging feeders, window feeders and struggle to hang upside down. 
• Sparrows generally do not bother suet, large striped sunflower seeds, nuts, or thistle/niger seed
• Reduce House Sparrow breeding sites by plugging or repairing cavities or voids in buildings, using birdhouses smartly and not putting too many out in one area.
• Birdhouses with holes less than 3cm 1.5" cannot be used by sparrows while chickadees, wrens, bluebirds, and Tree Swallows can use them safely.

Cowbirds, Blackbirds and Grackles

Male Red Winged Blackbird "Redwing"

Another problem we may face are flocks of blackbirds that come from time to time. In the Cape Fear Region, blackbirds and occasionally starlings (another nonnative bird) are mainly a problem during the winter months. From September to March, Red Winged Blackbirds, Brown Headed Cowbirds, and Common Grackles pass through our area to winter and form flocks that may number into the millions. Starlings also form flocks. In the summer months, Common Grackles, Redwings, and cowbirds may visit feeders in rural gardens and return day after day. While these birds are interesting creatures and are native to our area, blackbirds will quickly get old. A flock of redwings or grackles can empty a feeder in minutes, while preventing all but the toughest birds from visiting the feeders. Common and Boat Tailed Grackles also occasionally prey on small birds, while cowbirds are brood parasites that have a major effect on local bird populations if they are over populated. On the bright side, blackbird and starling flocks often contain oddities such as Rusty Blackbirds or Meadowlarks and in most cases flocks move on after a few days. Blackbirds love grains, corn, and milo/millet, although grackles will eat virtually anything and can make short work of expensive blends, and suet. The unrelated Common Starling is a rather uncommon bird table visitor with most visits occurring during the nesting season and targeting suet. House Finches, and Pine Siskins may overwhelm bird tables during the winter.  

Solutions and Tips 

• Redwings, grackles, and cowbirds are most likely to visit bird tables, ground feeders, or hopper/tray feeders in open areas 
• Avoid corn, milo, millet, or grain if cowbirds or grackles are in the area 
• Don't put too many birdfeeders up as an abundance of food will lure in flocks
• Cage feeders keep grackles, and most larger birds out of feeders meant for chickadees, buntings, or finches. 
• Provide grackles their own food station or increase natural food sources with native plants and trees 
• Common Starlings are rarely a problem in gardens and mostly visit during nesting season

Mockingbirds

Mockingbird at cage with table scraps 

Every garden has its group of bully birds with Blue Jays, Common Grackles, Red Bellied Woodpeckers, and even sometimes nuthatches, cardinals, orioles, or goldfinches being rather bullish at feeders. However, the most problematic garden resident is the Northern Mockingbird which is a resident in most gardens, parks, and roadsides from the countryside to the city center. When a mockingbird claims a bird table, it will chase off all other birds, even if it does not eat the food. Suet, mealworms, and fruits are likely to attract mockingbirds. Additionally mockingbirds can be aggressive towards people when they nest in dooryards. Despite their problems, these birds are interesting residents with complex songs, and voracious appetites for garden insects and snails. There is usually one pair of mockingbirds per garden. Ruby Throated Hummingbirds can also cause similar problems 

Solutions and Tips 

• Simply chase off any mockingbirds that come to the feeder (easier said than done), or give them a feeder of their own  
• There are no feeders that deter mockingbirds as they can easily hover, hang upside down, or exploit a mechanism. The only way to "prevent" mockingbirds is to not offer suet, fruits, mealworms, and forfeit the warblers, orioles, catbirds, and wrens that visit 
• Mockingbirds are less likely to visit feeders in open grassy areas or wooded gardens and cannot get into caged feeders
• Move feeders away from shrubs with mockingbird nests 
• Provide natural food sources such as fruit bearing shrubs to occupy mockingbirds   

Crows, Geese and Turkeys

Canada Geese (top left) are generally rare at feeders

 On rare occasions a bird table may be visited by Common or Fish Crows  while geese, and turkeys are primarily a situational issue. Most hanging feeders and caged feeders are difficult for crows to reach. Fish Crows can become a problem in urban gardens or areas near water and raid bird nests, and may be attracted to table scraps, corn, or nuts on the ground or a open tray. Common Crows are mostly in inhabit the countryside or live near forests and generally avoid people although they feed on lawns. Crows usually move between food sources and rarely stay in one area for long. Wild Turkeys and Canada Geese occasionally come to birdfeeders and the excitement will quickly wear off if they become regulars. Aside from emptying or knocking over food, large birds can overwhelm smaller birds while geese leave droppings and other mess. 

Raptors

Cooper's Hawk juvenile  

Cooper's Hawks will sometimes visit birdfeeders to prey on songbirds. These medium sized sparrowhawks are abundant in the Carolinas and often breed in parks and towns. While these birds are fascinating to watch and keep populations in check, a hawk at the feeder means danger to the visitors. A pair of hawks can ambush songbirds from shrubs or trees, taking birds from warblers to grackles. When a hawk frequents a bird table, it is best to take it down for a few days or relocated it to another area of the yard. Feeders located near woods, hedges, or shrubs are more likely to attract  sparrowhawks. The smaller Sharp Shinned Hawk occasionally comes to feeders, while the large Red Tailed and Red Shouldered Hawks are more of a threat to squirrels and rarely come to feeders.

Additional Avian Problems

Aside from the examples above, observers may notice some other problem birds at their feeders. While minor, some of these issues can lead to problems down the road. The main issues in this category include crowding, seed-throwing, and birds that are ill. 

Crowding Feeding stations that are close together may become overwhelmed by visitors, particularly during the winter. This is most likely to happen with finches, House Sparrows, and persistent blackbird flocks. The best way to reduce crowding is to spread out feeders, offer different types of food, and avoid feeder designs that provide ample perches. A small window feeder and suet cage like my setup has a lower chance  of becoming crowded than a feeder station with multiple tube and tray feeders on a pole. Overcrowding can lead to disease, and may deter shier birds like wrens, thrashers, or native sparrows from visiting. 

Disease: Poorly cleaned bird tables can become disease hotspots. Bird droppings, seed husks, and just the crowding of birds in a small area can cause diseases to spread across the visitors. Diseased birds often look sickly, lethargic, and often do not fly away when approached. It may sit on the feeders for hours on end. Birds with certain bacterial disease disease often have crusty eyes (notably House Finches and House Sparrows) rendering them unable to see. Sick birds may eventually die of their ailment, succumb to the environment or get preyed upon. Cleaning feeders with dish soap, or a mild bleach solution monthly is the best way to prevent disease, while reducing overcrowding, cleaning up waste, and discouraging House Sparrows and Red Winged Blackbirds are other solutions. If there is a sick bird, take down the feeders and discard the remaining food. After cleaning the feeder, wait a few days or weeks or set up the feeder somewhere else. Moldy or damp birdseed, corn, or peanuts, can become toxic to birds as it contains bacteria. 

Seed Throwing: An commonly overlooked problem at bird tables is the waste of food due to birds raking through feeders to get what they want. This is mostly a problem with nuthatches, woodpeckers, chickadees, Pine Warblers, and Carolina Wrens as they are after specific items. Seed-throwing birds may empty a feeder and leave seeds on the ground to germinate, attract pests, or mold. While there is no direct solution to prevent his behaivor, seed-throwing can be reduced by offering feeders with different foods, or switching to a tray or hopper setup. Most of our birds will toss out filler seeds from low-end mixes, while switching abruptly from one seed type to another may cause certain visitors to search for their old favorites. A tray under a feeder can be used to catch fallen or tossed seeds. 

Other Problems

Ants: Ants are sometimes a problem at bird tables during the summer months. While largely a minor issue, ants can ruin the value of the feed by eating the insides of seeds, while Red Fire Ants can pose a danger to adult birds and ground nesting species. Never use pesticides near bird tables as it will also sicken the birds. Nectar and fruit feeders will almost certainly bring ants as well as hornets, yellowjackets  and honeybees. Keep these feeders away from doors, sitting areas, and parking areas. For other feeders, certain ants may infest corn, sunflower seeds, mealworms, suet, and seed mixes with fruits in them. A little bit of food-grade diatomaceous earth (DE) in the seed mix will deter ants outside and prevent granary moths from hatching in stored food. Pure food-grade DE is not harmful to birds but cuts the exoskeletons of most insects that get in the food. Move ground feeders away from active fire ant colonies if possible as the food source will only bring more ants. 

Mold: Mold is a common issue in the Carolinas due to our warm, humid climate and sometimes rainy periods. Mold infestations can render food useless to birds as they will avoid it due to its taste or condition. Birds that do eat the food could become sick from the mold itself or bacteria that may also be present. Some sources say that decaying corn and peanuts could be deadly to birds and mammals. The best solutions to mold is to keep seeds and suet from getting wet, removing moldy food and cleaning the birdfeeders, and limiting the amount of food offered on the ground. Do not offer corn, shelled peanut, or table scraps on the ground in rainy weather. Once mold gets in the food  it will need to be discarded. 

These are just some of the problems that we could encounter while managing a birdfeeder or bird table. Proper sanitation, a right balance of feeders and foods, and the use of preventative measures can keep a birdfeeder set up running with a little maintenance. Problems at bird tables often affect the surrounding environment and bird populations.      

Beyond Birdsong

Beyond Birdsong

As summer approaches, we may begin to notice a decline in bird activity. Migration is over for now, most year-round and summer residents are nesting, and dawn choruses are less dramatic than months ago. In fact, most mornings only bring the sounds of cardinals, catbirds, vireos, wrens, and a few of  our warbler. This is a good time of year to experience the other voices of our woodlands, meadows, and gardens. 

Songs of Nature 

Birds are not the only animals that sing during the spring, summer, and autumn months. In addition to our feathered friends, frogs, katydids, crickets, cicadas, and even certain mammals have calls and songs of their own. When birds go silent for the summer, these animals will take their place. In the Cape Fear Region, there are 23 species of frogs, 8 species of cicadas, and many  katydid, cricket, grasshopper species. While it will be difficult to learn all of these songs, it is still fun to experience the choruses of these often overlooked creatures.

Part One: Frogs 

Home Water Garden circa 2010, a good way to attract frogs

This week we are going to focus on our amphibian vocalists. Frogs and toads are already famous for their voices and nearly all species make some sort of sound. Most people know of the generic "ribbit" sound heard on cartoons, garden decorations, or toys. In reality, frogs have more complex voices and are arguably as beautiful and diverse as the songs of birds. Each of our 23 frog species have their own set of calls and with a good CD, online site, or some outings with herpetologists we can learn most of our common species in short order. Frogs and toads may sing any time of the day or night, but are most likely to be heard before, during, or just after rainstorms. In our area, frogs can be heard any time of  the year although each species has its own window. Like birds, frogs and toads sing to announce their territories, and attract mates. Some species can sing throughout the year, while others sing only when they are mating, allowing only a small window to experience their sounds. Frogs are a good starting place for beginners as our garden as many of the familiar species have distinctive calls.

Notable Frog Species in the Cape Fear 

A Copes Grey Treefrog in our garden 

Southern Toad Bufo terrestris: A familiar species of toad that is often seen in our gardens throughout the year. This is the type of "frog" that we dig up in flowerpots or garden beds during the winter. Breeds in lakes and creeks. Sound is a long trill call that lasts for 20-30 seconds or longer. During the spring and summer, entire groups of toads can be heard around lakes, ponds or puddles after heavy rains. Listen here 

Fowler's Toad  Bufo fowleri: A fairly large toad species that is similar to the Southern Toad except for its call. Found in similar habitat to Southern Toad including our gardens. Call is a loud screaming call not unlike a scream in a horror movie. Listen here  

Southern Cricket Frog Acris gryllus: A fairly common species that breeds in the spring and summer. This specie is likely to be encountered in wet meadows, ditches, and along lakeshores as well as home water gardens. Cricket frogs make a clicking sound similar to a cicada or katydid. Listen here

Cope's Grey Treefrog Hyla chrysoscelis: The Grey Treefrog is a common species in the Cape Fear and this is one of two species that occur in North America. The Cope's is the only species found in our area. Look for these frogs in shade trees, amongst lichens or around shrubs, tree, and planters in our garden. Song is a loud rattle that may be familiar due to its use in many jungle or creepy horror scenes in films. Listen here

Green Treefrog Hyly cinerea: The Green Treefrog is likely our most frequently encountered frog and is one of three species that readily occurs away from water. This fairly large treefrog can be seen any time of the year and is bright green with white stripes. They occur in virtually any habitat from marshes and meadows to urban dooryards. They breed in any permanent body of water including home water gardens. Song is a loud croaking sound that has a distinctive twang. Groups of frogs may sound like someone using a handsaw. Listen here

Squirrel Treefrog Hyla squirella: The Squrrel Treefrog is a smaller lookalike to  the Green Treefrog and but can change color, just like our anoles. This frog is much smaller than other species and can be lime green, yellowish, spotted brown, or even grey. This is the treefrog that often enters our homes at night, and is found in any wooded or marshy habitat in our region. They breed in both permanent and ephemeral ponds without fish. Their song is a loud "whawk whawk" call that sounds like a duck, or a faster chatter. These calls are often heard during the day or during thunderstorms. Listen here

Barking Treefrog Hyla gratiosa: The Barking Treefrog is our treefrog and is almost the size of a toad. This frog is found near lakes, ponds, or rivers in savannas, swamps, and forests. Most examples are bright green with spots or are darker green and may change color like the Squirrel Treefrog. It also occurs in gardens and parks with water. They make a loud barking sound similar to a distant dog. Listen here  

Pinewoods Treefrog Hyla femoralis: The Pinewoods Treefrog is another greyish or brown species that looks like the Grey Treefrog or a brown morph Squirrel Treefrog. This frog is mostly found in pinelands, wooded swamps, and peatlands with temporary  wetlands or ponds without fish and is rather common at Halyburton Park, Carolina Beach State Park, and Holly Shelter Gamelands. Its sound is a low pitched ratcheting sound that sounds like Morse Code. Listen here  

Spring Peeper Pseudacris crucifer: The Spring Peeper is our earliest species of frog to breed and is most likely to be heard during rainstorms from mid-autumn to spring. The frog itself is difficult to find outside of breeding and is a tiny (about 2cm or 1" long). Adults  are greyish brown or pinkish but vary in coloration. It occupies woodlands, hedgerows and marshes where it is found in leaf litter, under logs or stones. Ponds, lakes, and ditches are normal breeding areas although this species may use a garden wetland as well.  Song is a high pitched "Peep" that goes on continously and is comparable to nestling birds. Listen here

Southern Chorus Frog Pseudacris nigrita: The Chorus Frog is another small species that is more often heard than seen and is related to the Spring Peeper. This frog is mostly found in pinelands, baylakes, roadside ditches, or in depressions in wet meadows. It breeds from late autumn to spring and is often difficult to find outside of breeding season. The Brimley's Chorus Frog Pseudacris brimleyi is less common and is dark brown. Its song is a trill that sounds like someone turning a crank or other tool. Listen here

Grass Frog Pseudacris ocularis: The Grass Frog is our smallest species of frog that is around 1cm (or a half of inch") long and is dwarfed by many insects. These frogs can be seen during the warm season in wet meadows, peatlands, marshes, open forests, or pinelands as well as in gardens. Grass Frogs can be grey, brown, orange, or reddish. It breeds mostly in fish-less ponds or temporary wetlands including persistent rain puddles or depressions that last for at least 45 days.  Its call is a high pitched clicking sound "crik-it" that sounds like a cricket or glass bottles clinking together. Listen here

American Bullfrog Rana catesbeiana: The Bullfrog is the largest frog species in North America and is the generic frog depicted in cartoons, movies, children's books, or decorative garden statues.  The frog can be as large as 20cm or 8 inches long and will eat almost anything it can swallow, including small songbirds. The frogs can be green, grey, or brown with spots but are told from toads by its webbed hind feet.  Bullfrogs are found virtually anywhere with permanent water including ponds, creeks, depressions, and in garden ponds. They readily visit swimming pools and may be found in meadows or gardens away from water. This species is active year round. Song is a loud moaning call that sounds like a someone starting a lawnmower or distant foghorn and is often written as "Jug-o-Rum". Bullfrogs also make a whining sound when grabbed. Listen here

Green Frog Rana clamitans: The Green Frog or Bronzed Frog is another familiar species that is found near lakes and ponds. It is smaller than the Bullfrog and is green, brown or greyish with spots. This species is often seen along roadside ditches, wetlands, and water gardens and is often found away from water. Its calls include a squeaking sound that is often heard when they are startled, while the song  sounds like a notes being played on a stand-up bass (essential for any good jazz standard). Listen here  

Pickerel Frog Rana palustris: The Pickerel Frog is a fairly small pond frog that is brown or greyish with dark spots that are arranged in two rows on its back. It is found during any month of the year and is common in peatlands, ponds, ditches, and freshwater marshes.  Like the Bullfrog and Green Frog, they can be found away from water and may breed in garden ponds. This frog produces skin toxins when stressed that may kill other amphibians if kept in the same aquarium while captive. The call is a long snore that may be given underwater. Listen here

Leopard  Frog Rana sphenocephala: The Leopard Frog is a common species that can be seen any time of the year but is distinguished from the Pickerel Frog by its smaller spots, and yellow. They can be greenish, brown, or tan. This frog is found in virtually any wetland but is most successful in fish-less ponds, ephemeral wetlands, or in home water gardens and manmade wetlands. They are often found away from water and turn up in gardens or grassy fields at times. This species makes a chuckling sound that sounds a bit like a squirrel or even a calling Anhinga. Listen here

Carpenter Frog: Rana virgatipes: The Carpenter Frog is an elusive but fairly common frog that is associated with riverine habitats, peatlands, beaver ponds, and tea colored waters of the Cape Fear and other river systems. They may also be found in ponds, and other wetlands.  It is highly aquatic. This species is brownish or bronzed with green spots and is similar in size to a Leopard Frog. It breeds in the spring and summer and the tadpoles are tolerant of acid. Call is a two-note clacking sound with a hollow or woody tone. This frog was named because its song is compared to a carpenter hammering wood or perhaps a nail gun at a construction site. Listen Here

Thank you for reading. I hope to do a similar article about singing insects at a later date with Cicadas being the main focus due to their distinct calls. 

Good frogwatching Resources

Amphibians  and Reptiles of North Carolina. herpsofnc.org. 

Savannah River Ecology Laboratory at the University of Georgia. srelherp.uga.edu/anurans/index.htm

Books

Amphibians & Reptiles of the Carolinas and Virginia by Jeffery C. Beane, Alvin L. Braswell, Joseph C. Mitchell, William M. Palmer, and Julian R. Harrison III. 

The Ecological Summer

Ecological Summer

Carolina Sunset with sherbet skies, "A Thomas Kinkade moment"

June marks a major transition period for the Cape Fear Region and much of North America. Temperatures become summer-like with highs between 30-32C (86-90F), nights are warmer with a humid feel, and thunderstorms may form on any given afternoon. The days are getting longer with sunrises as early 6am and dusk well-past 8pm in the Carolinas. While astronomical summer is still weeks away, many consider June the beginning of summer. In weather and  climate "Meteorological Summer" begins  on June 1st and reflects the changes in weather patterns and air masses. Unofficially, I have coined late May and early June as the beginning of the "Ecological Summer". From the end of May until early September, hot summer days, warm nights, and long days will allow plants to thrive and the peak of insect abundance occurs during this time. For birds this means plenty of food for themselves and nestlings. Summer is also a downturn for birding as spring migration has concluded, dawn choruses are thinning out, and bird table activity slows. This is a good time to take advantage of other wildlife and botanical wonders in our gardens, parks, and wildlands. Today I will explain how to enjoy nature during the summer months and why birds seem to vanish from our gardens. 

Dates 

Astronomical Summer: June 20th to September 22nd, 2020

Meteorological Summer: The months of June, July, and August  

"Ecological Summer": 3rd Week in May to 1st Week in September (Unofficial) 

Summer in the Carolinas

Silky Camellia at Ev Henwood Preserve 

Summers in the Carolinas are long with warm or hot temperatures occurring from Mid-May to October regardless of the current season. Our geographic location, the sun's angle, and the weather patterns contribute to the hot and humid summers we experience in the Southeast. According to NOAA, Wilmington average highs in June, July, and August is between 30 and 32C (86-90F) with temperatures above 35C (95F) possible in any given week. With humidity and sometimes stale air masses, it could feel much hotter. Seabreezes and other weather features can affect the daily weather pattern and may give rise to isolated to widespread thunderstorms, as well as wide temperature variances. The seacoast is often a few degrees cooler than Wilmington, while interior counties are often warmer. With the exception of stalled fronts, tropical air-masses (not to be confused with tropical storms or cyclones), and other events that bring long periods of rain and clouds, the weather in the Cape Fear is rather consistent this time of year.

Ecology: Summer brings many changes to ecosystems in the temperate regions and is often associated with abundant food and resources. During this time, trees and shrubs are filled in, herbaceous plants and grasses are approaching their peak, and insects, or other small animals are prolific. This is also a stressful time for wildlife as high temperatures and spotty storms can lead to shortages of water. Just like us, birds and other animals need to take shelter during the hottest part of the day. 

Birding and Nature Activities in Summer: The summer months are the time of year when people are outdoors the most. Under normal circumstances, schools and universities have finished their terms, family holidays to theme parks, beaches, and wilderness areas dominate travel, and backyard cookouts and parties are the norm. Even with the  current situation, people are still finding ways to enjoy the outdoors. When we are outdoors, we come in contact with nature and it is easy to assume that birds and other animals are most abundant during these months. In reality, summer is one of the least productive times for nature activities. Animals harder to find due to vegetation or their focus on reproduction. Heat, unpredictable storms, and biting insects such as mosquitoes, biting midges, and deerflies can make summer hikes in woodlands or wetlands unbearable. 

Red Spotted Purple 

I often shift my attention to insects, reptiles, and wildflowers from May through early Autumn. My excitement for summer arrivals such as vireos, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, and hummingbirds wear off after a few weeks, similar to a few weeks after getting a new object for Christmas or starting a new term at university.  Even the eye-catching Indigo Bunting or the beautiful voices of Grey Catbirds, Wood Thrushes, and American Robins becomes mundane after a while. 

In the "absence" of birds, this is a perfect time  to enjoy other wildlife. Butterflies and moths peak in abundance from midsummer to autumn, while bees, wasps, ants, beetles, and other wonderful insects and spider provide hours of entertainment once the birds retreat to the hedge. Also take time to observe reptiles or amphibians such as Green Anoles, skinks, fence lizards, and treefrogs in the garden, or observe snakes, turtles, and alligators from a respectful distance at a park or lake. Wildflowers are also another way of enjoying nature 

Observations during the Summer Months

Birds

Ruby Throated Hummingbird at Coral Honeysuckle

Orchard Oriole singing, a familiar sound of neighborhoods and parks

• Most birds are raising young at this point, thus are more furtive 

• Birds begin to sing less frequently as nesting takes priority

• Dawn choruses begin to thin out at this point: As of the morning of writing, I heard mainly Carolina Wrens, cardinals, mockingbirds, American Robins, Brown Thrashers, Yellow Throated Warblers, and Pine Warblers singing. 

• Nearly all birds that are present in an area at this point are summer residents or nonbreeders that are staying for the summer 

• A few stragglers from migration may linger into June but most migrants have passed through

• Early nesters such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, starlings, grackles, and some woodpeckers are already finished breeding and have young out and about 

• Multi-brooded species like cardinals, Carolina Wrens, House Sparrows, and Eastern Bluebirds are on their second broods at this point 

• Bird activity dies down by midday (9-10am) and only a handful of birds sing during the summer. These include catbirds, mockingbirds, Red Eyed Vireos, some warblers, Indigo and Painted Buntings, and Orchard Orioles.  

• At our bird tables and feeders, we see significantly less activity although the lowest point for garden birds is between August and September. 

• Expect chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, House Sparrows, woodpeckers, and hummingbirds to visit all summer long and bring their young. Also keep an eye out for Orchard Orioles, Grey Catbirds, warblers, Indigo Buntings, and near the coast Painted Buntings at the feeder 

• This is a good time to watch birds of prey, swallows, seabirds, shorebirds, and herons. Mississippi Kites, Red Tailed/Shouldered Hawks, Accipiter Sparrowhawks (esp Cooper's) Eagles, and Osprey are overhead, while swallows and swifts gather around lakes or  rivers during hot summer days. 

Reptiles and Amphibians 

Cope's Grey Treefrog in our garden 

Green Anoles, Eastern Fence Lizards and several skinks thrive in gardens

• Summer is a peak time for herpetological activities as all reptiles and amphibians are cold-blooded. 

• Skinks, anoles, fence lizards, and various snakes thrive in woodlands, meadows, and gardens  and are often seen scurrying about in the morning or heat of the day  

• Alligators, pond turtles, and water-snakes are often seen in open water or even on land as they bask. On land look for Box Turtles as well as water turtles laying eggs

• Treefrogs, aquatic frogs, and toads are most abundant  and are easily heard during the nighttime hours or when storms approach 

• In a garden anoles, skinks, fence lizards, toads,  Squirrel, Green, and Grey Treefrogs are easy to observe. Remember that snakes and their lizard lookalikes (Glass Lizards) are important parts of the ecosystem and are generally harmless 

Insects 

Skippers and Solitary Wasps on Stevia plant in our garden

American Bumblebee 

• Bees, wasps, flies, and other insects visit flowers in gardens, meadows or high in trees. A flowerbed can resemble an international airport.  

• Aside from our familiar honeybees, we have 7-8 bumblebee species, hundreds of solitary bees (including carpenter bees, sweat bees, digger bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees)

• Paper Wasps (Polistes) are generally nonaggressive and are fun to watch when  they create their open combs on awnings, shrubs, or trees. Away from the nest, Bald Faced Hornets, and most yellowjackets are also docile. 

• Solitary wasps such as mud daubers, mason wasps, potter wasps, Cicada Wasps, and various burrowing species control insect pests and visit flowers 

• Look for beautiful butterfly and moth  species such as Red Spotted Purples, swallowtails, admirals, Painted Ladies, sulphurs, and skippers, while Monarchs are a summertime finale. At night the bird-sized Imperial Moth, Luna Moth, and smaller species like sphinx moths fly around streetlamps or visit flowers in gardens 

• Don't forget about the beetles, true-bugs (esp Assassin Bugs), various native ants (we have more than fire ants) and oddities such as mantises, robber flies, owlflies, and walking sticks 

• Orbwever spiders, wolf spiders, spitting spiders, and camouflaged flower spiders are important predators in any garden

Mammals

White Tailed Deer at Carolina Beach State Park

• Grey and Fox Squirrels are mostly seen in the morning and evening hours with both species nesting/littering in tree holes or stick nests during the summer 

• Like squirrels, cottontail and marsh rabbits can be seen in lawns or meadows during the summer. 

• Keep an eye out of nocturnal flying squirrels and our native mouse/rat species (Golden Mice, Rice Rat, Woodrat, Deer Mice) when hiking in woodlands, or in wooded neighborhoods 

• Opossums are common visitors to gardens and have many benefits to the ecosystem, weasels, skunks, raccoons, foxes, coyotes, and even bobcats may visit as well

Plant Life 

A wet meadow in SE NC with orchids, milkwort, pitcher plants, and others

• Southern Magnolia, Sweetbay, Red Bay, Loblolly Bay, Titi, Silky Camellia, Mountain Laurel, and Buttonbush are just some of the native trees that flower in the summer. 

• Crepe Myrtles, Hydrangeas and Gardenias provide the same insect resources in gardens 

• Trumpet Creeper, Coral Honeysuckle, Twin Vine, Cherokee Rose, and Climbing Hydrangea are examples of flowering vines. Many of these lure in bees, butterflies and hummingbirds

• Common summer wildflowers include fleabane, wild petunia, mountain mint, beebalm, coreopsis, coneflower, thistles, lady's tresses orchards, and various lilies. 

• In wetlands and bogs look for spider lily, lizard tail, pickerelweed, splatterdock, and even pitcherplants as well as nonnative water primrose, and alligator weed 

• Our perennial borders should fill in shortly.  Salvias, phlox, coreopsis, asters, swamp sunflowers, coneflowers, and countless other plants provide pollinator fuel, and bird habitat all summer long. 

At the Seacoast 

Distant shot of Skimmer Colony

Oystercatchers and Black Skimmers at nest sites

• While many of our garden and woodland birds are out of sight, seabirds and shorebirds are always easy to find in the right habitat. 

• Many seabirds and shorebirds such as terns, skimmers, oystercatchers, and certain sandpipers nest on open beaches. Please respect postings and watch your step in dunes or coastal prairies. Some songbirds also nest in grassy areas near beaches 

• Pelicans, seagulls, certain terns, and even a osprey or eagle can be seen along beaches or the Cape Fear River all summer long 

• Saltmarshes and meadows are often breeding grounds for Red Winged Blackbirds, the exotic looking Boat Tailed Grackle, and the more furtive Clapper Rail, Seaside Sparrow and Marsh Wren. 

• Ghost and Fiddler Crabs can be seen on beaches or mudflats