|
The Daily Bucket is a nature refuge. We amicably discuss animals, weather, climate, soil, plants, waters and note life’s patterns.
We invite you to note what you are seeing around you in your own part of the world, and to share your observations in the comments below.
Each note is a record that we can refer to in the future as we try to understand the phenological patterns that are quietly unwinding around us. To have the Daily Bucket in your Activity Stream,visit Backyard Science’s profile page and click on follow.
|
A stand was taken and the result is the nest site (formerly held by the long term resident Red-headed Woodpeckers) is claimed by the Northern Flicker couple. The piercing “yelps” (an excellent description of a Flicker’s alert call) are a clue that one or the other adult is approaching the nest. From my garage, I can see the movement of a head from the entrance as the calls intensify. Which ever adult is in the nest will poke a head out to listen and observe the approach of it’s mate.
male inside the nest looking out
I filmed the activity of “House Cleaning” while the air was filled with drizzle. The Red-heads had left sunflower seed hulls in the bottom of the nest (a result of feeding while egg sitting). The male Flicker did a thorough job of cleaning up before his mate returned to check his progress.
The following video is one of my longer films; 3 minute duration. I decided to decrease the time where the male is collecting and tossing debris from the entrance. That action lasted 30 minutes. I increased another segment (by slow motion) to show the male leaving and the female taking his place. The transition is smooth and fast but I wanted to highlight that detail.
I also abbreviated the end of the film because the female took a few minutes before she entered the nest cavity.
My Bug of the Day is a Spicebush Swallowtail. These butterflies will choose Sassafras around my home as a egg laying site in lieu of Spicebush — Lindera benzoin, Camphortree — Cinnamomum camphora or Red Bay — Persea borbonia. The larva are also known as “leaf rollers”. When it is time to pupate, the larva will weave two leaf halves together with silk strands and create a cradle of protection from predators.
Spicebush Swallowtail — Papilio troilus Linnaeus
This was a diary of circumstance that I hope was informative and entertaining. I hope you’ll share comments of your own natural events.
