Tree Swallow fledging is in full swing in these parts. Due to rain last weekend and cool and windy weather last Monday, there were high mortality counts at both our research areas.
We also tally the number of times we hear or observe (including any mortalities) species in the research areas. While not focal species, it gives us an idea if certain species are in an irruptive cycle, etc.
Top species seen/heard so far:
Gray Catbird - see them quite a bit this year
Baltimore Oriole - not quite as high as last year, but still up for the last three years
Eastern Meadowlark - off season mowing of nesting areas has resulted in multiple years of high tallies
One species that we have only tallied twice this year are Wood Thrush. Conspicuously absent thus far in my woods - have not heard them once this year. My “guess” is that some of this is due to tree die-off that is accelerating due to Emerald Ash Borer. As understory cover thins out, nesting areas may no longer be selected. I miss their song.
Tick counts are very high this year.
Yes, the tick counts are far higher. Less birds.