I have recently taken on the quest for evidence of the legendary Ivory Billed Woodpecker.
The environment where such an elusive bird lived is the focus of today’s diary. I can attest, southern swamps are eerie places and appropriate for this time of year.
I have been reading all the printed reports on any Ivory Billed sightings, recordings, research and presentations available. One thing I have found in common (including the 1935 Tanner-Kuhn report) their locations are identical to the site I am exploring. Here are the comparisons.
Oxbows along side of larger river flows seem to be the preferred nesting and roosting sites for these large birds. Here is the aerial image of my exploration site (a mere ten miles from my home).
But friends, this is swamp land and full of all the surprises you’ve imagined on the ill-lit movie screens of Hollywood films. First, there is the lure of Paradise (my example).
Fast forward to my actions in the story. I took several days to scope out my ingress/egress to the observation site. I set up preliminary recording segments to “get a feel for the area”. Here is one morning (4 am) set of recordings.
The hum of the camera and drone of the insects did not capture the coyotes off in the distance or the rustle of large game walking by, but I’ll admit, the abrupt “squawk” of the Heron squeezed a little pee out of me. In the pitch black and smell of decay, the bird and I, blind to each other, got a little startled.
I was listening for the specific sounds attributed to the Ivory Billed Woodpecker. There are many similar calls and some that are currently unknown to me. Here are two examples. Neither call is the “Kent” call of the Ivory Billed, but Hawks and Blue Jays have a misleading similar call in their repertoire.
I know the woodpeckers in my area (short video of a Hairy and Yellow Bellied Sapsucker together Oct. 2020) as an example. I was hoping to record the “Double tap” indicating of Ivory Billed. Pileated Woodpeckers will also select the same hollow limbs to tap out their signals. I’ve heard the “Double Tap” on two different occasions at this site, but that is not enough verification for me.
One other danger is lurking in the woods this time of year. Hunters are after birds as well. A few of the species they are gunning for are shown below.
I’d much rather hear the yip of a Fox or screech of a Bobcat than the loading of a shotgun shell into a chamber while I’m in the swamp. The following video reminds me that danger lurks even in my back yard.
With the temperatures lower, the snakes, Snappers and gators are sluggish but the quicksand is still abundant. Soon reptiles will become dormant and moving around on foot will be safer. I plan to be sitting in my blind during the time that Woodpeckers are choosing mates and picking nest sites. That activity will happen between the middle of January and last until the end of April. The preparation takes time and fear is not an option for success.
My Bug of the Day is a slender Spreadwing Damselfly. This is one of the last insect carnivores flying this time of year. This one was found on my way out of the swamp. Sure glad it wasn’t four feet long like the Heron was tall. I’d had to change pants.
Thanks for indulging me. I’d like to hear what you have been seeing when you look to the sky, backyard feeder or when starring off into the wilds.
What chorus do you hear in your area lately?