February 2010 Wild Bird Center e-Newsletter
Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator) were once spread across the North American continent, but the species almost became extinct as the result of intense hunting during the 1600-1800's. During this time people were so envious of swans' beauty that they killed them to make elegant clothing from their feathers . In addition, the Trumpeter Swan became known for growing feathers that made the highest quality quill pens. In the 1930's it was estimated that fewer than 100 Trumpeter Swans lived south of the Canadian border. Since then habitat restoration projects, reintroduction of breeding pairs, and bans on hunting have resulted in a population growth to approximately 15,000 Trumpeter Swans today. The first Missouri breeding pair (Livingston County) in 140 years was seen in 2005 with four young.
Trumpeter Swans are the largest North American waterfowl. They prefer to breed in freshwater marshes and along ponds and lakes. In response to loss of freshwater habitat, many have adapted to living in salt water along the Pacific Coast. An open-bowl nest is made of aquatic vegetation that is lined with down and feathers. Nests are constructed on top of small islands or mounds surrounded by water--beaver of muskrat lodges are often chosen for this purpose. The female incubates 1-9 eggs while the male protects the nest by swimming around it. Incubation lasts for 32-37 days. The young can swim and feed within 24 hours of birth, and can fly in 3-4 months. Trumpeter swans pair when 3-4 years old, but don't mate and begin nesting until years 4-7. Pairs generally stay together for life, unless one is killed or they are separated during migration. Many males will not choose another mate if the female dies. Aquatic vegetation is the primary food of Trumpeter Swans. They use their long necks to pick grasses and other plants from under the surface of lakes and streams, and they are able to tip (dabble) in deeper water. Young swans supplement their plant diets with insects and small crustaceans, but turn to vegetarian diets as they mature. Trumpeter Swans will also eat field grains during the winter months when water vegetation is limited or the surface is frozen. Trumpeter Swans are year-round residents in the St. Louis area. Throughout the year they are frequently seen at the Riverlands in Alton. The largest population of breeding pairs lives in Alaska and migrates to/from the Pacific Coast every year.
The IUCN conservation status of the Trumpeter Swan is LC (Least Concern), but they are are still considered to be on the verge of extinction in Minnesota. In addition to loss of wetland habitat, Trumpeter Swans are challenged by the introduction of the Mute Swan to North America and by hunting. Mute Swans are native to Europe, and were introduced to America to live in parks and community lakes, and their aggressive behavior challenges Trumpeter Swans for wetland habitat. Although they are no longer legally hunted, Trumpeter swans ingest lead pellets from the hunting of other waterfowl (thinking they are grit). Only three pellets can kill an adult swan, and the young are even more vulnerable. The long coiled trachea of the swan's neck enables them to make a deep, resonant, or trumpeting call. Male Trumpeter Swans are called Cobs, females are Pen, and young are cygnets. Trumpeter Swans live to be old in the wild--up to 24 years, and captives have lived as long as 32 years. Trumpeter Swans are similar in appearance to other swans, but can be identified by looking for a black head and bill (Mute Swans have orange bills). Tundra Swans are smaller and have a yellow spot in front of the eyes. See YouTube video of a Trumpeter Swan sounds, preening, and parents and cynets. See a Missouri Department of Conservation informational video.
New Products and Special Savings in February!
Do you want to enhance your backyard birding experience and also help neighborhood wildlife? Our birding and habitat authority will visit your yard and assist you with planning and selecting the elements to enhance your backyard birding experience. Shortly after the visit, the Wild Bird Center will provide a complete plan for placement of feeders, baths, and other features to enhance your enjoyment. Consultation fee is $15. Call the store and make an appointment: 314-842-1496.
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The February Products of the Month are nest boxes. When you start thinking about what birds to attract during nesting season, let us help you choose the appropriate nest box and suggest the proper placement in your yard. During February, all nest boxes are 15% off the regular price for our e-news subscribers. Print this page as your coupon. Wild Bird Center, Birding Number of the Month: January is the time of year in the St. Louis area when we go out in the cold in search of eagles. How many species of eagles are there in the world? What types of eagles primarily inhabit North America?
The answer to the December Species Quiz (left picture) is the Hooded Merganser. What is the species in the picture on the right? As an added hint, this species is a winter visitor to the St. Louis area, and it forages with a vigorous "double-scratching," or kicking backward, in ground litter with both feet to uncover food. Answer in the March e-Newsletter. February Birding News. February typically brings us the most snow of winter. Snow cover means that birds will have a hard time finding the seeds and berries they need to nourish them during the cold winter weather. Add to this the fact that natural food supplies are dwindling now and you’ll find birds relying more on feeders to find the high-oil seeds that they need to maintain their body temperatures. Insect-eating birds like Robins, Mockingbirds, and Bluebirds survive now by eating berries from bushes, trees, and vines. As the number of berries dwindles, look for Bluebirds to approach feeders for suet or hulled sunflower. Many of you have already noticed the bane of late winter – flocks of Starlings invading backyard bird feeders. Juncos are still plentiful, as well as the White-Throated Sparrows. Enjoy them now, for they will move on later in the Spring to their northern nesting grounds. Keep Your Bath Ice-Free: Don't have a deicer yet? During February we are discounting all deicers and heated birdbaths by 15% while supply lasts. There is plenty of cold weather left, so hurry in and improve your water habitat. Birds to look for in February include Cardinals, Chickadees, Woodpeckers, House Finches, White-Throated and White-Crowned Sparrows. Our recent birding trip to the Riverlands resulted in sightings of Bald Eagles, Common Loons, and Trumpeter Swans, all winter visitors to the area. There have been reports of Yellow-Rumped Warblers in the area as well. All birds will flock to ice-free water in the cold weather, so be sure to offer a bath with a deicer in it and watch to see the great variety of birds you have in your own backyard. Best Seeds to feed in February: Black Oil Sunflower is always the preferred seed by the majority of feeder birds; all mixes should list this as the first ingredient. Your main feeder should have a rich mix of black oil sunflower, with peanuts, millet, and safflower in the mix. If you have a separate ground feeder, feed millet on the ground or use a mix rich in millet for the ground feeders. Don’t forget the suet feeders. Birds need the fat found in suet to help them keep warm – and you will find many birds attracted to suet, including Cardinals, Chickadees, Titmice, Woodpeckers, Nuthatches, and Bluebirds. High quality suet will have fewer grains (seeds) in it. Look for high-fat suets that will last much longer than those with seeds, while providing the birds with the energy they need. If you are one of the unfortunate bird feeders whose backyard has become a magnet for Starlings, it is worthwhile to make an effort to rid yourself of these pests. They can take over a feeder, preventing your songbirds from eating, and drain it of seed in a relatively short time. Understanding what attracts Starlings gives you a head start on getting rid of them. They are particularly attracted to peanuts in your bird seed mix or in suet. If you have a flock of Starlings, you should first replace all seed with pure Safflower seed. This is a seed that is unattractive to Starlings and Grackles. Although you may still have one or two invaders that will eat the Safflower, most people will lose the large flocks that can overtake a backyard. If you enjoy Woodpeckers and don’t want to give up your suet, try using pure suet with no grains or peanuts in it. Again, this is usually unattractive to Starlings. Keep your finch feeders full now. If you see Goldfinches in the winter, you usually see a large flock of them. They are very attracted to high-fat nyjer seed. You may also see House Finches and Purple Finches at your feeders. This Month’s Hint – Prepare for Nesting. It may surprise you to know that some birds have already started nesting. Great Horned Owls, for instance, have already hatched their babies and are watching them grow as they prepare to leave the nests. If you are interested in attracting Bluebirds to your yard, now is the time to start thinking about providing them a nesting place. Bluebirds will start scouting out nesting places within the next two to three weeks. Make sure you have a good chance now by getting a quality bluebird box built to the exact specifications Bluebirds desire. If you want to be sure, look for the endorsement of the North American Bluebird Society. Put your box on a pole in an open area at least ten feet away from the edge of trees. Make sure your box remains clean until you see Bluebirds checking it out. If House Sparrows try to take over, you must take action to remove them before they have a chance to nest. Talk to us at the store, we can tell you how to recognize sparrow activity and stop it. If your habitat is not right for Bluebirds, there are many other species that can be attracted to nest in most suburban yards. We’ll help you choose a target species and provide you with the right nest box to attract that species. Kids’ Activity for February. Let the kids try attracting some of the insect-eaters with bread soaked in bacon grease (they will need a little help from Mom or Dad in acquiring the grease). Soak both sides of a piece of bread in the grease, lay on waxed paper to cool. When the bread slices are cool, transfer them one at a time to a large dish or potting saucer and set outside in an open area. Birds will love this high-fat flavorful treat. Mockingbirds are especially attracted to this snack. Store unused slices in the freezer until you are ready to replenish. The Birding Number of the Month. According to globio.org there are 59 species of eagles living around the world. Some are small, and others (living in South America and the Philippines) are large and strong enough to capture and carry away monkeys! The primary species in North America are the Bald Eagle and the Golden Eagle.
Free Delivery--Not everyone enjoys getting out to run errands in the cold weather. If you would like to have your seed delivered to your home, give us a call. We'd be happy to help! Want to attract more birds to your yard? Have a birding question? Visit Birding Tips on the Wild Bird Center site and Ask Denise. |
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