On the longest day of the year, the summer solstice, I decided to take a hike on one of our longest loops at Schlitz Audubon. I headed out from the building to Teal Pond, and then out into the West Meadows. If you’re looking for solitude, and the feeling of truly being in the woods–muddy trails, secluded paths–the West Meadows is a great place to explore. Bird activity was high on this hike-I found at least four examples of breeding behavior. There were birds gathering nesting material, birds defending territory, parents feeding their young, and even some recently hatched Northern Cardinal nestlings. And our woods are suddenly abuzz with pollinator and insect activity.
Not pictured, but worth mentioning: A Yellow-billed Cuckoo calling, and multiple male American Redstart defending their territories through song. And a moment in which I was one click too late on the shutter…a BRILLIANT male Ruby-throated Hummingbird checking out some Foxglove Beardtongue. Maybe next time!
The weather looks lovely for a weekend hike, so stop by and explore!
Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) at Schlitz Audubon bringing food to its young. I love how the Song Sparrow’s scientific name contains “melodia.” They have a beautiful song.
Another Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) parent standing guard.
Teal Pond is hidden behind a wall of green.
Female Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) gathering nesting material in the West Meadows.
Recently hatched Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) nestlings. They are an example of an altricial species–they are born without feathers, rely on their parents for their food, and will take some time to fledge.
Woods Rose (Rosa woodsii)
