Posted by ppeery on May 23rd, 2010

Male orchard orioles are declaring their territories along many “edges” and from clusters of trees in Bundoran Farm. The mature adult male has a deep chestnut body with a black head and wings.   The yearling male is bright yellow or yellow green with a black throat.   There is a vociferous yearling male singing along Hightop Drive just beyond the turn off by the sign for Homesites H- 04, H-05 and H-06 (some of available Virginia rural real estate availabe for purchase at Bundoran Farm) .  He especially likes the clump of trees further along on the downhill side of the road, but also sings from the single trees on the uphill side.   His appearance is quite striking.   The song is lovely.  Go to: http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Orchard_Oriole/sounds

There are several Louisana Waterthrushes singing along the small streams, several wood thrushes, many scarlet tanagers and field sparrows singing these days (as well as many others).  A thrush seems to be nesting very close to the Foraste’s homesite.  Tree swallows are nesting in some of the bird boxes: they eat millions of mosquitos and other “pests”.

Dorothy Tompkins – Master Naturalist and Bundoran Farm Steward

Filed under: Education and Inspiration, General, Nature/Environment