Signs of Spring- 20 February 2009

Our group of biologists at Kokopelli Wildlife Area have a kind of joke about one of the mitigation measures we commonly have to comply with during capital improvement projects. It's a measure designed to reduce impacts to nesting birds. The measure basically requires that any removal of trees associated with a project must be completed prior to February 15th because after that day, the breeding season has started. The joke is that on February 15th at 12:00 AM, all birds are now nesting. I know, it's not a great joke, but we're biologists, not comedians. Anyway, on my drive today, there were several birds beginning the nesting process, so maybe the magical calendar is right.

Most of the ducks are paired up, double-crested cormorants are at their nests, and red-winged blackbirds are setting up territories. The first example I got some photos of were these tree swallows using one of our artificial nest boxes:

There were several others competing for this attractive condo.

One nest box down the trail, this red-tailed hawk seemed to be a little confused. Not only will she probably not fit inside, she doesn't even nest in cavities.

I also encountered two different nests of one of our earliest breeders, the great-horned owl. This particular bird has taken over a nest that belonged to a Swainson's Hawk last year.

While these birds are already knee deep in the breeding season, others still haven't even returned to their summer ranges yet. These long-billed curlews are staying busy trying to keep fat for their return flight home.

I was able to follow this beaver around for several minutes before he got too busy for me. I snapped a few crummy photos as well as captured a little video.

And here is the video--the first ever video clip posted to Field Notes... This is an historic moment. Sorry if it seems a little Pattersonesque--it's my first try.