Nesting Has Begun!

The Cooper's Hawk nest that we watched while under construction, is now being used. I spotted the adult, likely sitting on eggs on April 9th. Cooper's Hawks will nest in any kind of tree, but they seek out trees located on flat ground in wooded areas. Their nests are typically 25-50 feet above the ground, usually in a tree fork or crotch in the trunk.

https://birdfeederhub.com/facts-about-coopers-hawks/

Canada Geese have been investigating this roof top in Canatara Park for a few years. This is the first year they have actually built and used a nest. At least they have done some nest engineering to keep the eggs from rolling off the roof. After the babies hatch, a grassed surface will be the landing pad below. Goslings have survived the drop from other elevated locations.

We saw 2 pairs of Wood Ducks investigating tree cavities for this year's nests. The trail we were walking on is well-used and it is unlikely the Wood Ducks will choose the area as they are very skittish birds. Unlike Canada Geese, Wood Duck ducklings have bodies specially designed to absorb the shock of jumping from tree cavities after hatching. They will leave the nest within 24 hours of hatching and walk to water, protected by Mom.

Despite nest preparation, snow has continued to fall in this cold spring!

White-breasted Nuthatches stay locally through the year and will nest in tree cavities.

 

Nuthatches are enhancing their winter diet of seeds with larva found in the leaf litter, previously buried in snow. This Nuthatch grabbed a rolled-up leaf, likely containing a yummy larva or caterpillar.

The Erie Trader headed south into the St. Clair River....

...then many Red-breasted Mergansers flew north into Lake Huron to get out of the freighter's path.

View of Lake Huron at a deck in Bright's Grove.