Sunday, Nov. 01, 2009

Winter visitors begin to congregate along Strand

A number of great birds continue to make their way into and through our area as they make their way to more tropical climes for the winter season.

Black-throated blue, Northern parula, black-and-white and common yellowthroat warblers along with red-eyed vireo were all observed where I live in Conway last week.

Many of our winter resident bird species continue to arrive in the area. A small flock of white-throated sparrows has begun to accumulate here, and yellow-bellied sapsuckers along with Northern flickers and ruby-crowned kinglets are increasingly seen and heard.

An occasional yellow-rumped warbler makes an appearance here, while a few Baltimore orioles and an extremely tolerant gray catbird are making sporadic visits for a snack of grape jelly.

A number of folks continue to host hummingbirds at flowers and feeders in our area. These miniature marvels start to disappear toward the end of October, although some will remain throughout part or all of winter.

There are yet some hummers to make their way into the area, so keep a feeder maintained with a solution of one part sugar and four parts water (no other additives, please) and let me know of the hummer activity in your yard.

Seasonal viewing

As many as 6 roseate spoonbills were reported from the causeway area at Huntington Beach State Park last weekend. In addition to the spoonbills, a number of wood storks were present, as were great blue, little blue and tricolored herons, great and snowy egrets, black-crowned night-heron and white ibis.

Several folks have been happy to report observations of bald eagles of late. This is the time of year our breeding eagle pairs start their courtship rituals, and many will soon be incubating eggs at traditional nest sites in the area.

A number of butterfly and moth species are still on the wing in our area. Among the species observed recently are monarch, gulf fritillary, cloudless sulphur, sleepy orange, checkered-skipper, long-tailed and clouded skippers, spotted grass moth, red-bordered emerald, large maple spanworm, bent-line and somber carpets.

At 6:30 p.m. on Nov. 3, Conway Feed and Garden Center will present their annual winter bird feeding program. There will be door prizes, refreshments, presentations on attracting and feeding our feathered friends as well as special pricing on bird feeding products.

If you plan to attend, RSVP Conway Feed and Garden Center at 248-4344 so Walt Smith and his staff may plan accordingly.