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https://ebird.org/view/checklist/S44571754

As always, our April meeting is a very special one, with research grant recipients presenting their findings. These three folks are Master students in the Biology Department at W&M and their research is just fascinating.

Speaking first will be Jasmine Parham whose research was about “The Dietary Transfer of Mercury in the South River Floodplain”. Also speaking will be Robert Galvin, whose topic, “Investigating Wading Bird Use of Natural Fringing Marshes and Living Shorelines” sounds equally interesting. Finally, Rachel Davis will talk about “Mercury Exposure on Tissue-specific Reduction in Telomere Length at Multiple Developmental Ages in the Zebra Finch”.

Please come join us for an interesting and very educational evening. Our April 18 th meeting will be in Andrews Hall, Room 101, at 7:00 pm.

Don’t forget you’ll need your parking pass!

Participants were attentive and patient. The slower pace established a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. Some highlights were patiently observing Blue-Gray Gnatcatchers carrying nesting material and following their paths until the actual nests were observed. (see photo of nest)

Everyone enjoyed the squeal of a participant who observed a Prothonotary Warbler for the first time. Many reminisced about their own experience of seeing this species for their first time. Also, people were thrilled to see the Peregrine Falcon on the nearby Chickahominy River Bridge.

Other observed breeding behaviors and codes were:
Confirmed: -Osprey on nest
Probable: Rock Pigeon-Visiting potential nest site, Carolina Chickadee—Agitated
Behavior, Eastern Blue Bird—Copulation, Northern Cardinal—Territorial Defense, Red-
winged Black Bird—Pair in suitable habitat, House Finch—Pair in suitable habitat
Possible: Tufted titmouse, Carolina Wren, and Prothonotary Warbler—Singing Male

Thanks to Inge for being a great hostess and Matt for doing an excellent job in leading the walk and teaching lots of tips on breeding bird behaviors. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to learn, sharpen your observation of bird behaviors, and expand Virginia’s data on what is happening with our birds. Participate in the Virginia Breeding Bird Survey.

See eBird checklist