Did you know that over 200 different species of birds have been found at Eagle Marsh? With the dedication of our incredible members and volunteers we have been able to record the birds that live in and migrate through Eagle Marsh.
Birds are all around us and birding is an incredible activity to help you connect with nature, that almost everyone can do! Through the practice of birding one can become more observant to what is happening around them, especially the small details.
During this time [COVID-19] we encourage you to get outside and explore your backyard or a close natural public space with the people you live with. To help make looking for birds a little more fun, we've created an Indiana Backyard Bird Bingo game for you and whoever you live with to enjoy! Feel free to download this page and let us know if you have any questions.
Happy birding!
Billions of birds are on the move, heading south for the colder months. Want to find out when these travelers move...
Billions of birds are on the move, heading south for the colder months. Want to find out when these travelers move through your hometown? Try BirdCast! The Lab's BirdCast project uses radar to predict real-time bird movements. Watch this webinar on how BirdCast is helping us help birds during migration.
BirdCast Showcasing the spectacle of bird migration When, where, and how far will birds migrate? How many birds passed last night? Our tools help you explore the answers to these and many other questions about bird migration.
Check out the January Issue of National Geographic
The Year of the Bird
In 1918 Congress passed the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to protect birds from wanton killing. To celebrate the centennial, National Geographic is partnering with the National Audubon Society, BirdLife International, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology to declare 2018 the Year of the Bird. Watch for more stories, maps, books, events, and social media content throughout the year.
Observe nature from the comfort of your home and assist with a national citizen science project this weekend. Here's how you can be part of the Great Backyard Bird Count from our friends at Indiana Audubon. More details: https://www.birdcount.org/
Thanks again to WFFT-TV for a great story last night on the bald eagle we are treating for lead poisoning. We hope it will help raise awareness of the effects of lead on our wildlife. For those of you that missed the story last night or for our out of town friends, here is the link to the WFFT-TV story on the effects of lead and bald eagles: WFFT going-green-eagles-and-the-dangers-of-lead-poisoning
EXCITING NEWS: Soarin’ Hawk to release eagle after two years of rehabilitation
Fort Wayne – A young bald eagle that was found two years ago in emaciated condition has been rehabilitated by the northeast Indiana non-profit group Soarin’ Hawk and will be released back into the wild on Sunday, Nov. 11 at 2 p.m. at SalamonieReservoir
The public is invited to witness the release by Soarin’ Hawk volunteers at Salamonie Beach, 9214 Lost Bridge Road West, Andrews.
The eagle will be released at Salamonie Reservoir because several pairs of eagles are in residence there. After two years of recovery, the goal is for the young raptor to connect with other eagles.
In 2016, the then-six-month-old eagle was found at Madison Grant High School by Indiana Conservation Officer Cpl. Josh Kilgore and Soarin’ Hawk volunteer Lynnanne Dennison-Fager. The eagle had a broken leg, and mites had chewed the eagle’s feathers so severely it could not fly. Unable to hunt, it was weak and emaciated.
The injured raptor was brought to Soarin’ Hawk’s facilities in the Fort Wayne area to receive medical care. Fortunately, the broken leg had begun to heal, so surgery was not needed. The eagle was restored to health, but eagles do not molt and replace feathers every year, so the raptor had a long stay.
Finally in the spring of 2018, the feathers were good and the eagle was capable of flying. However, before a raptor can be released back into the wild, Soarin’ Hawk must make sure the bird has sufficient strength to fly and survive. To do this, Soarin’ Hawk volunteers use “creance” flying (controlled flying using a tether). There was concern that the eagle wasn’t gaining enough strength, so three months ago it was sent to the Illinois Raptor Center in Decatur, Ill., where it could fly inside a 100-foot-long flight house that is not yet available locally.
(Soarin’ Hawk is currently raising funds for a new center that will include a flight house.)
Soarin’ Hawk volunteers are driving to Illinois and bringing the eagle back to the area on Thursday, in advance of the release on Sunday.
About Soarin Hawk:
Soarin’ Hawk is a non-profit group established in 1996 to serve northeast Indiana’s injured or orphaned birds of prey. The organization rescues more than 250 resident or migratory raptors annually. After being rehabilitated by veterinary professionals and volunteers, the birds are released back into the wild. Soarin’ Hawk also cares for 16 education birds that cannot be released because of permanent injuries. These birds are used in more than 100 presentations annually by volunteer at schools and other venues to educate the public about birds of prey.
*FUN FACT FRIDAY* The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I clues is the Bald Eagle!! Here are some more facts about...
The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I clues is the Bald Eagle!!
Here are some more facts about this beautiful creature:
The adult male is about 90 cm (36 inches) long and has a wingspan of 2 meters (6.6 feet). Females, which grow somewhat larger than males, may reach 108 cm (43 inches) in length and have a wingspan of 2.5 meters (8 feet).
The bald eagle is the second largest flying bird found in North America, with only the California Condor having a larger wingspan.
It is the only eagle that is native to the United States.
Both sexes are dark brown, with a white head and tail. The bird is not actually bald; its name derives from the conspicuous appearance of its white-feathered head. The beak, eyes, and feet are yellow.
Nests are usually about 1.5 meters (5 feet) wide, but old nests can be almost twice this size. The two or three eggs laid within take slightly longer than a month to hatch. Both parents share in the incubation and feeding of the young. The immature birds are brown with whitish tails and wing linings, but the pure white head and tail plumage do not appear until the birds are four to five years old.
Besides live fish and carrion, bald eagles also prey on other birds, small mammals, snakes, turtles, and crabs.
The U.S. government’s Bald Eagle Protection Act of 1940 made it illegal to kill bald eagles because they were overhunted. This, however, did not fully remedy the problem of their decline because the pesticide DDT was being used agriculturally.
Did you know that our Rose Avenue Rehab site is home to a great blue heron nesting site? Observations of great blue herons during the Breeding Bird Survey have declined somewhat in recent years, and Save Maumee is thrilled to do our small part to protect these beautiful and majestic birds. Learn more about great blue herons in Indiana and what you can do to protect nesting sites here. https://www.inwoodlands.org/great-blue-herons/
Although Canada geese (not "Canadian"-unless they're from Canada ) are plentiful now, in the early 1900s they were thought to be almost extinct! Programs over many decades have brought them back to a desired (and then some) population. It's not uncommon to see Canada geese with bands on their legs, as researchers are still monitoring their migrations and lifespans.
ON THIS DAY // On March 2, 1933, the Indiana General Assembly adopted the cardinal (Richmondena cardinalis cardinalis) the official state bird of the State of Indiana.
Also known as the redbird, the cardinal is the state bird of seven states: Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Kentucky, Virginia and West Virginia. The bright red males are easily spotted, especially in the winter. Females cardinals are brown with a dull red crest.
Cardinals remain in Indiana year round and nest in thickets of brambles or low saplings. The eggs, 2 to 4, are bluish-white with brown markings.
Today 20 - 25 Cardinals could be seen at the Nature Center feeders throughout the morning and afternoon. Luci, our lucistic female cardinal, waits paitently for her turn on the feeder. Birds can sense low pressure approaching and will flock to a convenient food source in order to stockpile carbs. Other birds seen: Tree Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Nuthatch, Chickadee, Blue Jay, Song Sparrow, Downey Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red Bellied Woodpecker, House Finch and House Sparrow.
My favorite little bird, Lucy, has made a return to Fox Island Park. Got my first photo of the season today. There are apparently two of these leucistic cardinals out there now. I hope to see them together soon.
Josef Geisler shared the photos attached of a beautiful leucistic cardinal he saw at Eagle Marsh. You can read more...
Josef Geisler shared the photos attached of a beautiful leucistic cardinal he saw at Eagle Marsh. You can read more about leucisim (melanin reduction) in birds here: Abnormal coloration in birds: Melanin reduction
Due to its stunning color, Northern Cardinals were once prized pets. Early last century, it became illegal to own, harm, or kill one of these birds in the United States. Northern Cardinals are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918, which also banned selling Cardinals as caged birds.
1/11/24 Norfolk, MA
*FUN FACT FRIDAY*
The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I? post is the:
NORTHERN CARDINALS:
So, where’d the...
The answer to Talk To Me Tuesday's WHO AM I? post is the:
NORTHERN CARDINALS:
So, where’d the “Northern” in the bird’s name come from then? In 1983, the American Ornithologists’ Union—now the American Ornithological Society (AOS)—added this directional to the bird’s moniker to help differentiate the species from other, more southern species also bearing the name cardinal, including the Yellow Cardinal.
The photo of the cardinal sitting on a limb was taken at Fox Island County Park.
The photo of the pair of cardinals is from Adobe Stock.
The photo of male Cardinal in flight is from Adobe Stock.
Falcons
#FalconFactFriday In 1996, IDNR biologists built a Nesting Box on top of the Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) building and installed the webcam to help repopulate the peregrine falcons in the Midwest.
#FalconFactFriday In 1996, IDNR biologists built a Nesting Box on top of the Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) building and installed the webcam to help repopulate the peregrine falcons in the Midwest.
I got to witness egg #4 being laid..well at least I saw the motions❤️. Moxie has never laid more than 4 eggs since 2013...
I got to witness egg #4 being laid..well at least I saw the motions. Moxie has never laid more than 4 eggs since 2013 so it is likely that her clutch is now complete. Sending good thoughts her way for a successful hatching of all 4. Look for that to happen around April 22nd.
Good morning, Followers!
Season #12 is here. Jamie is back in the nest box and I caught him starting a scrape and calling out to Moxie!! Love is in the air😍
#indianamichigan
I&M Falcon Cam May 3, 2023 IndianaMichiganPoweron YouTube
For more than two decades, peregrine falcons have made their homes in a nest high atop the 26-story Indiana Michigan Power Center building in Fort Wayne, Indiana. You can watch nesting families of this raptor species via webcam, thanks our collaboration with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and Soarin’ Hawk Raptor Rehab, who work with us.
Season 12 of falcon watch is officially underway. For more than a decade, peregrine falcons Moxie (female) and Jamie...
Season 12 of falcon watch is officially underway. For more than a decade, peregrine falcons Moxie (female) and Jamie (male) have called the city skies their home, taking residence in a nest box on top of the Indiana Michigan Power Center (IMPC) building in 2013.
Hummingbird nests can be hard to spot! Peel your eyes for small lumps of lichen on tree branches - they're well-camouflaged, so they'll be difficult to pick out! We have more helpful tips to find nests on the NestWatch website: https://buff.ly/3bBQDAL
: Jim Figlar
Red-winged Blackbirds
Many people think of the American Robin as the harbinger of spring, however, they can be found in the Maumee Valley...
Many people think of the American Robin as the harbinger of spring, however, they can be found in the Maumee Valley region year-round. But when the Red-winged Blackbirds show up and start singing, it is truly a sign that winter is almost over.
Robins
It is a myth that all robins go south for the winter. Some American Robins do migrate, but many remain in the same area...
It is a myth that all robins go south for the winter. Some American Robins do migrate, but many remain in the same area year-round. Over the past 10 years, robins have been reported in January in every U.S. state, except Hawaii. The wintering range of American Robins is affected by weather and natural food supply, such as crabapples, hawthorns, holly, juniper, and others, but as long as food is available, these birds are able to do well for themselves. There is plenty of food at Deetz for the dozens of robins that are wintering there.
Sandhill Cranes
We have been hearing and sometimes seeing Sandhill cranes at Eagle Marsh again, but Jared Christiansen was a good enough photographer to grab this awesome photo of them!
We have been hearing and sometimes seeing Sandhill cranes at Eagle Marsh again, but Jared Christiansen was a good enough photographer to grab this awesome photo of them!
Barn Owls are found throughout the world. Up to 46 different races of the Barn Owl have been described worldwide. The North American form is the largest, weighing more than twice as much as the smallest race from the Galapagos Islands.
Check out some interesting facts about these beautiful birds:
Barn Owls are known to have the keenest hearing of all owls, assisted by their extremely well defined facial disk that gathers and deflects sound towards the ears like a radar dish. This acute hearing allows them to catch prey in total darkness or under deep snow with pinpoint accuracy.
There are six species of woodpeckers that live at Fox Island year-round. The least common of these, and perhaps the most striking, is the Red-headed Woodpecker. They breed in deciduous forests where they forage for insects, seeds, nuts and fruits. Skilled fliers, they often catch insects on the wing. This one was enjoying a suet snack outside the wildlife observation building window.
Once abundant, Red-headed Woodpecker populations have dropped 70% since 1966 due to deforestation and the removal of dead standing trees. They are now listed as near threatened.
The Downy woodpecker is the smallest (slightly larger than a Tufted Titmouse) and most common woodpecker in the U.S. at 6 inches in length.
The feather pattern on the back of the head of Downy Woodpeckers is unique to every bird and is used to recognize other individual downies.
We can help the Downy by simply allowing a few dead limbs to remain on trees. Even a stub of a limb only about twelve inches in length and the diameter of a tangerine can provide a home for a Downy. #downywoodpecker#bird#nature#highlightingnature#woodpecker
This pileated woodpecker was spotted outside the ACRES office this week! The pileated woodpecker is the largest...
This pileated woodpecker was spotted outside the ACRES office this week! The pileated woodpecker is the largest woodpecker species in North America, averaging around 16 to 19 inches in length and touting a wingspan of 26 to 30 inches.
Look for these birds in large, unbroken forests with plenty of dead trees or snags for nesting and foraging.
) are plentiful now, in the early 1900s they were thought to be almost extinct! Programs over many decades have brought them back to a desired (and then some) population. It's not uncommon to see Canada geese with bands on their legs, as researchers are still monitoring their migrations and lifespans.
See more on our Little River Wetlands Project page.
. Moxie has never laid more than 4 eggs since 2013 so it is likely that her clutch is now complete. Sending good thoughts her way for a successful hatching of all 4. Look for that to happen around April 22nd.
: Jim Figlar