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“Endless forms most beautiful and most wonderful have been, and are being, evolved.” –Charles Darwin
August 19, 2023: What was that white bird? Albino vs. Leucistic Birds
In late June, a Yardley resident noticed a “white” bird at her bird feeder, took some photos and sent them to us asking “Is this a white house finch?” This seemed to be a random observation as the bird has not been seen since the original sighting.
But what was this “white” bird? Birds with “abnormal” plumage are quite rare and both leucism and albinism are easily recognized and more commonly reported. The condition has been estimated to occur roughly in 1 in 30,000 birds. Further, of 100 birds that show this abnormal plumage, 82 are leucistic and only 3 are albinistic. 
In a recent survey, blackbirds (such as crows) and house sparrows seemed to demonstrate a high frequency of abnormal plumage, but it has also been seen in cardinals, white-throated sparrows, purple finches, and even hummingbirds.
Telling the difference between an albino bird and a leucistic bird is not always easy. Genes determine true albino birds. A bird is a true albino if all its feathers are white or pale as well as its feet, legs, and bill. But the tell-tale trait is the pale pink or red eye color. However, birds with pale feathers but normal-colored eyes have a condition known as leucism. Unlike albino birds, which completely lack the natural melanin pigment, leucistic birds produce melanin but can’t deposit it into their feathers and they tend to have normally colored legs, feet, bills, and eyes.
SO, what was this “white” bird seen in Yardley? Based on the description and photos, I believe this was an albino house finch although the eyes in the photo appear black and not the expected pale pink or red color.
Be on the lookout for strange or unusual bird/wildlife sightings. Take photos if possible. And do let us know what you have found.
And above all, Be Respectful of Nature!!
Wilbur B. Amand, VMD
August 7, 2023: Ladybugs: The Gardener’s Best Friend
Who has not seen that small red-winged insect with numerous black spots? And who does not remember the Mother Goose rhyme:
Ladybug, ladybug fly away home,
Your house is on fire and your children are gone,
All except one,
And her name is Ann,
And she hid under the baking pan.
For most of us, when we think of ladybugs (or more correctly lady beetles), we think of the small red insect with black spots. But some are yellow with black spots or even black and white or dark blue and orange. There are approximately 5,000 different species of ladybugs of which 450 live in North America. Some species use camouflage coloration to match the vegetation when they are in hibernation and later develop the characteristic bright colors to warn off predators during their mating season. In our area, the most common ladybug is the 7-spotted ladybug. (Also, of note is that the ladybug is the state bug of our neighbor state, Delaware.)
Ladybugs are considered a gardener’s (and farmer’s) best friend as they are beneficial predators of plant pests. They feed on soft-bodied insects such as scale insects, whiteflies, mites, and aphids. This makes them valuable allies for gardeners and farmers and significantly reduces the need for chemical pesticides which harms the environment and potentially contaminates soil and water sources. Beyond their pest control abilities, ladybugs also serve as essential biodiversity indicators. Be aware that there is a similar-looking insect, the squash beetle (a type of ladybug). This is a yellow or orange beetle with seven large black spots on each wing covering.
Ladybug populations appear to be facing population declines. Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss all contribute to this decline. Climate factors (such as rising temperatures and heat waves) and changes in landscape composition effects ladybug habitat, while pesticide use further threatens their numbers. Ladybugs, the tiny yet mighty beetles, deserve our attention and protection. Conserving ladybugs starts with individual actions such as restoring their habitats and avoiding the unnecessary use of harmful pesticides.
Remember: Be Respectful of Nature!
Wilbur B. Amand, VMD
June 25, 2023: Jewels of Summer Nights
As we enter the summer season, thoughts go to warm summer days and those
mysterious insects that suddenly appear at dusk or early evening. Fireflies (aka lightning bugs/glow worms) are really not flies but beetles. The glow is the result of a chemical reaction that occurs in photocytes in the insect’s abdomen. The main purpose of the light show is to attract a mate. Males flash their light very quickly as this is what attracts females. The fireflies’ light can also serve as a warning to predators.
And did you know that the firefly was adopted as the official insect of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in April 1974? There are about 134 different species of fireflies illuminating our summer nights. Fireflies are carnivorous, spending most of their lives as larvae and feeding on soft-bodied invertebrates (slugs, earthworms, etc.). Practices that affect firefly prey can diminish firefly food sources and in turn, harm their populations.
So, what can we do to enhance, and create supportive habitat for fireflies and
protect the species from extinction? The Xerces Society recommends the following:
- Avoid pesticide use.
- Set aside some natural areas that provide important habitat.
- Plant native grasses, shrubs, and trees of varying heights.
- Provide/enhance moisture availability.
- Eliminate unnecessary lighting that is distracting to fireflies.
Enjoy and respect nature. See how many of these jewels of the night you can see this summer!
Wilbur B. Amand, VMD
June 13, 2023: From A Patient Gardener
Look what I did! It took months, as these Anemone virginiana (Thimbleweed) seeds don’t germinate quickly like marigolds or zinnias. The seeds came from our Native Plant Garden. I “winter sowed” them in January in a milk jug after watching a YouTube video to learn how. And they grew! 
I am keeping them in my little seedling nursery until fall when they will go into the native plant garden behind my garage.
Did you sow seeds from an NPG packet? Email us at hersheysmillnature@gmail.com and show us what you grew!
Barbara Crispin
March 29, 2023: Special Treats for Bluebirds
Hershey’s Mill Nature Group has kicked off the 2023 Nest Box Monitoring season. Approximately 15 volunteers have signed up to oversee the 110 nest boxes installed around the HM campus. We have been inspecting and repairing or replacing those boxes.
We often get questions about feeding mealworms to Bluebirds. We have been advised by our past chair, Wilbur Amand, DVM, that it is not a good idea to do so on a regular basis.
The North American Bluebird Society also offers the following note of caution regarding feeding mealworms: “Because they do not provide complete nutrition, mealworms should be used as a supplemental food only. They are calcium-depleting, which can leave young birds with weak bones or cause egg binding in laying birds. Feeding mealworms should be considered a “treat” much like candy for us.”
Eggshells can be an excellent substitute. During the nesting season, female Bluebirds need extra calcium to produce eggs. That’s why eggshells could be what they actually require! You can save the shells in your freezer until you’ve accumulated 6 or 8. Once you have enough, place them on a baking sheet and dry them in the oven for 15 minutes at about 250 degrees. You can then crumble them and place them in a dish. (I use a pie plate.) If you like, mix in just a few mealworms and the Bluebirds will love it.
Happy Blue Birding!
Jado Foot
March 2, 2023: Red-headed Woodpecker
It was suggested that I post a picture of a Red-headed Woodpecker to compare with the recent Spotlight article on Red-bellied Woodpeckers. A very unusual visitor to our area, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the adult as having a bright-red head, white underparts, and a black back with large
white patches in the wings, making the lower back appear all white when perched.
The Red-headed Woodpecker is one of only four North American woodpeckers known to store food, and it is the only one known to cover the stored food with wood or bark. It hides insects and seeds in cracks in wood, under bark, in fenceposts, and under roof shingles. Grasshoppers are regularly stored alive, but wedged into crevices so tightly that they cannot escape.
Several sightings in Hershey’s Mill have been reported. If you are lucky enough to see one, please try to get a photo and report the sighting to the Nature Group so we can have a record. We submit all our monthly bird sightings into eBird for Cornell.
Happy birding!
Jado Foot
February 28, 2023: Red-headed or Red-bellied?
A lot of confusion exists when trying to identify our woodpeckers. A common woodpecker who may visit your feeder is a Red-bellied. While they do have red heads, if you look closely you can see a red wash on their bellies. The males are more brightly colored and have red on the top of their heads and down the back of their necks.
Female Red-bellied Woodpeckers only have red on the back of the neck and not on the top and front of the head.
Though this bird mainly eats insects, spiders, and other arthropods, it eats plenty of plant material, too. In particular, they eat acorns, nuts, and pine cones, as well as seeds extracted from annual and perennial plants and (particularly in fall and winter) fruits ranging from grapes and hackberries to oranges and mangoes. Red-bellieds will also occasionally eat lizards, nestling birds, and even minnows. And of course, they love the suet cakes that we provide!
Happy Birding!
Jado Foot
January 15, 2023: A Nice Surprise!
It’s been a while since I’ve been out checking on the wintering birds. We have a Great Blue Heron frequenting the Number #9 pond, and a Red-Tailed Hawk often visits the community garden area. Many of you have seen the hawk and have had occasion to snap a photo like the one here.
However, one of the best additions to the Native Plant Garden was put in
place on Thursday. Thanks to the hard work of HM Residents Sam and Barb Crispin, we now have two substantial picnic tables located in the Garden Area.
I hope many of you will take a walk to the end of the garden area and join with friends and family to enjoy a nice lunch, or just make use of a wonderful place to gather.
Sam plans to cut holes in the tops so that umbrellas can provide shade in the summer. We will be able to have speakers and activities there as well as welcome visitors to stop and stay awhile. There is a suggestion to add signage that says “pack it in/pack it out” so folks understand that there is no trash can and they must keep the area tidy.
Happy New Year to All and Happy Birding!
Jado Foot
October 11, 2022: Painted Turtles
The Painted Turtle is the most widespread native turtle in North America. These turtles have long, oval, smooth shells with little grooves where the large scale-like plates overlap, and a flat bottom. Painted turtles have very distinctive heads. The face has only yellow stripes, with a large yellow spot and streak behind each eye, and on the chin two wide yellow stripes that meet at the tip of the jaw. Painted Turtles mate in spring and autumn. Females dig nests on land and lay eggs 
between late spring and mid-summer. I was lucky enough to find a female very near my deck, where I watched her dig her nest and lay five eggs.
While my camera clicked away, she covered the nest with mud and grasses. After she completed the whole process, she took off at a fast pace and headed toward the lagoon. My neighbor and I stared in amazement as she disappeared into the water.
All of this happened on June 8th. Throughout the summer I would check out the nest. The grass was mowed often, and several foxes passed through the area regularly. It was hard to tell if something was going on down under.
On September 23rd, I notice a ball of mud over the nest area. I moved it away and sure enough—there was a baby turtle with its eyes open ready to crawl out. I could see another one and lots of eggshells. My camera was again clicking away. The first turtle headed into the grass, a second was slowly moving, and I thought I could see another one.
Darkness set in. The next morning, I checked and there was still a third turtle working its way out. And finally, on Sunday Morning, the last picture I took was of an empty hole. I feel truly blessed to have witnessed the whole process!
Since the videos are best viewed at a larger size, click this link to access them. Nature Videos and Articles
Happy Turtle-ing!
Jado Foot
October 1, 2022: Bald Eagles
Every now and then I’ll see a Bald Eagle in flight here at the Mill. The Bald Eagle is a large, powerful bird that has been the national symbol of the United States since 1782 when it was first placed with outspread wings on the country’s Great Seal as a sign of strength. Bald Eagles don’t actually have bare heads. Their name is derived from the old English word “Balde,” which means white—a nod to the snowy-white feathers that cover their heads and tails.
I hope some of you will join us on the Nature Group’s bus trip to observe Bald Eagles at the Conowingo Dam in Maryland. Information about the trip is listed in the October Guide and Digest and in the Bus Trip section of hersheysmill.org. We leave at 11 am on November 17, 2022. It will be an interesting day of bird watching and experiencing the Dam.
Please contact Jayne Lytle at 610-692-2245. Trip payment checks should be made payable to “Hershey’s Mill HOA” sealed in an envelope (noting trip name and date) and placed in the maroon “Customer Service” mailbox next to the Security Center in the exit lane of the Main Gate.
Happy Birding!
Jado Foot
September 24, 2022: Goldenrod
Goldenrod on the lagoon berm has finally burst into splendid bloom. This abundance of flowers is providing late-season pollen and nectar to native bees and other pollinators—but that isn’t all. Solidago is the top-ranked genus for hosting caterpillars that are food for resident and migrant birds. After the bloom is gone, the seeds are sustenance for winter birds as well as for the voles and mice that hawks, owls, and foxes depend on. 
Goldenrod roots not only prevent erosion, but their structure uniquely provides for the build-up of topsoil and encourages infiltration rather than rainwater runoff. And no, goldenrod does not cause hay fever—ragweed does–see this illustration that demonstrates their differences.
Enjoy the display!
Christine McCormick
September 4, 2022: Monarch Chrysalis Watch!
The Native Plant Garden is proud to announce that we are on Monarch Chrysalis Watch! This little caterpillar is one of several discovered on the milkweed behind the fenced community gardens.
We have been waiting all season for monarchs to decide our milkweed patch looked like a good place to raise their family. Now they are here! We will be tracking their development and hoping to see a chrysalis or two before long.
Would you like to participate in the Monarch Watch in the future? Plant a variety of milkweed suitable for your garden. Monarch caterpillars only eat the leaves of milkweed plants. If you’re unsure which variety is suitable for your garden, check the HOA-friendly Native Plant List here https://hersheysmill.org/2021/03/31/plant-and-tree-resources/ on the website to find your best milkweed match!
Happy chrysalis watching!
August 5, 2022: American Goldfinch
I met a resident the other day who said he was happy that the Bluebirds had a successful nesting season. He had enjoyed watching a nest box close to his house, but was a little sad that the young had fledged and activity was over. Then, he said, the yellow birds showed up.
“Yellow birds” – the American Goldfinch is the bird he was referring to. American Goldfinches are about 5 inches in size. Males change from a yellowish brown in winter to a bright yellow body, with a black cap with light yellow on their faces and chins during the breeding season. Their wings and tail have black and white bands. The females are yellowish green with black wings and tails.
Goldfinches are seed eaters and can easily be attracted to a special type of feeder filled with thistle or Nyjer seed. I’d read that they are also very attracted to yellow feeders, so I visited Amazon. Sure enough–my new little yellow feeder is busy all day.
Happy Birding!
July 31, 2022: What’s Blooming in the Native Plant & Pollinator Garden?
The Garden is in full bloom this time of year, with many beautiful native and pollinator plants to admire. Recently, Barb Crispin 
spotted a real beauty: Allegheny Monkeyflower (Mimulus ringens). According to wildflower.org: “This delicate blossom is said to resemble a monkey’s face. It is a host plant for the Baltimore butterfly (Euphydryas phaeton) and the Common Buckeye (Junonia coenia).” Clearing the slope to the soggy bottom of the Native Plant Garden gave two Mimulus plants room to spread a bit. Now we can enjoy watching their growth and spying to see if they do 
host a few caterpillars this year. Fingers crossed!
It’s also the time of year for summer flowering Phlox as you can see in this beautiful shot of an Eastern Swallowtail on Phlox captured by Derek Stedman. Take a stroll through the Garden soon to see what else is blooming!
July 12, 2022: What’s Happening to the Sedum??
I have been watching a large patch of sedum growing near my deck, and the leaves are looking chewed and wrinkled. I looked closely for insects and didn’t see any.
Mystery solved! Nature Group member Deb Charlesworth asked me if I had seen birds eating the sedum. No, I replied but headed to Google to check it out. Sure enough, I found the answer.
“If your sedums are getting ragged-looking like this, you can blame the birds. In summer, birds seeking water will begin eating the juicy, succulent leaves of sedum. Maybe they like the taste too because the damage has been seen with available water in close proximity. Fortunately, the birds usually leave the flower buds alone to bloom in late summer, but the whole plant certainly looks worse for wear for the rest of the summer.” Source: newgarden.com
One solution is to cover your sedum with bird netting for a good part of the summer. Spray-on repellents don’t work on birds since they have little or no sense of taste or smell.
No taste or smell? Well, that’s a question for another day.
Happy (maybe a little ragged) birding!
May 10, 2022: Surprise Surprise!
I was out monitoring my Bluebird boxes this morning, anxious to see if our baby bluebirds survived the nasty weather. Sure enough, all intact, as best I can tell. We have two active nests with at least 9 young. I breathed a sigh of relief. Linda, my fellow birding friend came along, taking lots of pictures.
We thought since we were close to the small retention pond on the south side of the lagoon, we should take a look. We were in for a big surprise! Linda found a brood of baby Wood Ducks—13 of them! Then for a second surprise. Another birder found a second brood, this time out on the main lagoon. We may have counted 8.
The HMNG has undertaken the restoration of many of our Wood Duck boxes, with volunteer Rod Heckman refurbishing, cleaning, and taking inventory of the boxes. Wood Ducks use both natural cavities and manmade boxes. You can learn more about Wood Ducks and their nesting habits at our Wednesday, May 18, 11 AM Zoom presentation. Just send a request for the Zoom link to hersheysmillnature@gmail.com
Happy Birding!
May 5, 2022: Birds and Turtles!
Snapping Turtle
Spring bird migration is in full swing. The House Wrens are singing their lovely tunes, and Catbirds are out there trying to imitate many other birds. Everyone is searching for a mate and nest material and getting ready to raise a family.
Eastern Painted Turtle
So, what does that have to do with turtles? Basically, the turtles are doing the same thing. Our resident turtles are emerging from the bottom of our small ponds. Many are traveling into the open waters of the lagoon and larger ponds, searching for a mate, and continuing the cycle. This means they must cross Chandler Drive and Mill Road.
Red-eared Slider
Recently, Hershey’s Mill Nature Group placed three new turtle crossing signs in the Springton pond area, two on Chandler and one on Mill approaching the three-way stop at the intersection. These are in addition to the existing signs located near the tennis courts. I’m hoping drivers will be aware and allow our turtles a little time to cross the road.
Northern Red-Bellied Cooter
Our most common native turtle is the Snapping Turtle, but many others reside here at Hershey’s Mill, including Painted Turtles, the non-native Red-Eared Slider and the threatened Northern Red-Bellied Cooter. The latter was discovered by residents and verified by PA at the Mill in 2020!
Happy Birding (& Turtle Watching)!
April 16, 2022: Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
Male & Female Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
I’ve been checking the rare bird alerts for our area, and it’s time to get your feeders out! Many PA counties are reporting hummers. I looked back over the spotlights and found that in 2021, they arrived the second week of April.
An easy mix of 1 cup of sugar to 4 cups of water will do. Make sure you boil the water, then add the sugar, as boiling helps keep the mixture from spoiling. There is no need to use food coloring or store-bought feeder food.
I haven’t heard of any being seen here at the Mill, so if you see one, please report it to hersheysmillnature@gmail.com.
On another note, I’ve had a few reports from residents of Great Blue Herons being seen, both wading in one of our ponds and fly overs. Please let us know if you see any.
Thanks and Happy Birding!
April 4, 2022: Eastern Phoebe
A rainy, chilly and damp spring did not stop one of our early migrators. I listened carefully and heard the quiet, lovely sound FEE – BEE, FEE – BEE repeated again and again. A quick look, up into the maple tree outside my window and sure enough, an Eastern Phoebe, a member of the flycatcher family.
According to Audubon, despite its plain appearance, this flycatcher is a favorite among eastern birdwatchers. Seemingly quite tame, it often nests around buildings and bridges where it is easily observed. Best of all, its gentle tail-wagging habit and soft fee-bee song make the Eastern Phoebe easy to identify, unlike many flycatchers.
Later the Eastern Kingbird will be seen around our lagoon. It’s also a flycatcher, but that’s a story for another Spotlight.
Happy Birding!!
March 22, 2022: A Very Unusual Bird
On Monday of last week, I was out for a nice walk and ran into a fellow birder. We exchanged sightings, and she said there was an unusual duck on the Lagoon. We headed for a nice bench and put our binoculars on the ducks floating in the middle of the water. Sure enough, we found this unusual bird and after much discussion agreed that it was a Long-tailed Duck.
The Long-tailed Duck is a small, slender sea duck with a rounded head and a small bill. The male has long tail plumes most of the year. A very active diver, they spend most of their time underwater and dive down as far as 200 feet. I discovered that we are in the migration path as this bird makes its way north to the tundra for nesting season. My friend and fellow birder, 
Linda Kane took these pictures. Notice the very long tail!
Happy Birding!
March 13, 2022: Nesting Material
Now that some nice weather has returned, we’re out there walking. Please keep an eye out for that green plastic netting used by landscapers to hold seed in place. Now I understand it’s bio-degradable. However, these pictures demonstrate what happens when birds use the broken pieces as nesting material.
Unfortunately, the size of the openings in this material makes it easy for birds to get trapped. Last summer, I disentangled several birds (often babies) that I was able to reach–a job I will do willingly. So if you see loose pieces while walking in Hershey’s Mill, please retrieve them.
If you need help freeing a bird, contact Hershey’s Mill Nature Group at hersheysmillnature#gmail.com.
Happy birding!
March 6, 2022: Be Careful: It’s Canada Goose Nesting Season!
Spring is just around the corner, and I see more people out walking and enjoying the nice weather. Some of those walks might include wooded areas or along Ridley Creek or our ponds. I know we have a lot of Canada Geese, and it’s now their breeding season.
Geese couples are showing up in many areas, so here are some things to know:
• Both sexes look alike with the male being 10% larger.
• Canada Geese usually roost on the water and will sleep there, taking turns to be on the lookout for predators.
• When a goose feels threatened, it will stretch out its neck and honk loudly. It may also hiss, bite, and slap at the perceived threat with its wings.
• Males are very aggressive towards anything or anyone that they see as a threat to their nest.
You should always be cautious around geese in the spring, as they have been known to attack humans trying to defend their territory.
Safe Birding!!
February 18, 2022: On a Sad Note
I’m sure that many of you who walk around the lagoon or on the nature trail have seen a Great Blue Heron. Actually, we had two in residence—an adult and a younger bird who was probably this past year’s young.
Our adult bird was found dead along the northern part of the Nature Trail, and I found the other in Ridley Creek recently. Both birds walked and stalked prey in the rocky and sandy shorelines of the lagoon and creek, and the edges of the ponds.
We do not know what caused their demise but suspect the very cold weather may have played a part. We have good habitat for the Great Blue Heron and hopefully, another one (or two) will choose to call Hershey’s Mill home.
(A little unhappy birding)
February 13, 2022: Mourning Doves
I was out for a walk yesterday, enjoying the nice, warmer weather. As I stepped off my porch, I heard the quiet “coo” of a Mourning Dove–the first coo of the upcoming spring migration and breeding season. A holly tree close by provides a lovely nesting area and an opportunity for me to observe their activities.
After doing some research, I discovered that the male is responsible for the cooing, a mournful love song to attract a mate. Doves mate for life, and the male brings twigs and sticks to the female for nest building. The female lays two eggs (apparently only two), and both parents incubate, feed, and protect the young.
They gather in small flocks and can easily be seen foraging for seeds under a bird feeder. Another distinctive sound of the Mourning Dove is the “whistle” you hear when they fly. This sound is produced by air rushing through specialized wing feathers and serves as an early warning mechanism for the flocks if danger is sensed.
I hope some of you stop and listen to the cooing and wooing of our resident Mourning Doves!
Happy Birding!
January 19, 2022: Great Blue Heron
Winter has settled in at the “Mill.” Ice has been forming on our lagoon, and only a few waterfowl are feeding in the small open areas. The Mallard Ducks have been foraging in the weeds along the shoreline. Perhaps some of you have noticed the Great Blue Heron walking around in the rocks.
Now we all know there are NO fish in our lagoon. So, what can that Great Blue be looking for?
Check this out:
photo credit: Bruce Piecukonis
I was lucky enough to see this bird in action. In addition to fish (and voles!), Great Blues eat mice, snakes, and chipmunks.
Happy Birding!
December 14, 2021: Vultures
As we walk around the open areas of Hershey’s Mill, a quick scan of the sky almost always includes spotting a Vulture. We have two species, Turkey Vulture and Black Vulture.
The Turkey Vulture’s distinctive slow, teetering flight style probably helps the bird soar at low altitudes, where it is best able to use its nose to find carrion. Large with long wings, its black body contrasts with grey flight feathers and tail. Also, look closely for a naked bright red head.
By contrast, the Black Vulture has broad wings, a short tail, and a very small black head. If you watch closely Black Vultures fly higher, above the Turkey Vultures. The greyish feathers on the underside of their wings are only at the tips.
I’ve been told that TVs (as some call them) hunt by smell and the Black Vultures hunt by sight. Apparently, the birds feed cooperatively as well, with the Blacks taking over a carcass and leaving the scraps for the Turkey Vulture.
Happy Birding!!
November 18, 2021: Wintering Waterfowl
Cold weather is beginning to settle in over Hershey’s Mill. The fall colors have been especially bright, with lots of yellow, gold, and red foliage. But the leaves are dropping, and it’s only a matter of time before snowflakes start to fly.
The wintering waterfowl have begun to arrive at our Lagoon, so be sure to bundle up and check out the following birds:
Ruddy Ducks
Bufflehead Ducks
Ring-necked Ducks
And I spotted one Coot the other day!
There’s also a group of about 7 or 8 Mallard ducks. Look closely
for the one that is much smaller in size. That’s not a female Mallard—it’s a female Green-winged Teal who has chosen to spend her time with the Mallards.
Happy Birding!
October 10, 2021: Early Fall Flowers
The shorebirds we have been enjoying have headed south. Bird migration is at its peak. As I walk around the lagoon these lovely fall days, I can’t help but notice the colorful flowers that are in full bloom. One of my favorites – Asters.
Here at the Mill, we have white and violet or blue varieties. They are about 1 to 2 feet in height, bushy with many small daisy-like flowers. While they are difficult to identify precisely, my Peterson Wildflower Guidebook gives me several possibilities.
We have pictured the New England Aster and Small White Aster.
Many pollinators and small birds can be found among the flowers and leaves. Several types of Goldenrod add to the color mix, and soon the trees will begin their fall transition.
Hope to see you out there, happy birding!
September 10, 2021: More Shorebirds
Shorebird migration continues to be a highlight around our lagoon. The water level remains low, and the muddy edges provide a perfect feeding ground for our visitors. Spotted Sandpipers and Least Sandpipers have been joined by Lesser Yellowlegs and Solitary Sandpipers.
The Lesser Yellowlegs is a graceful, slender, medium-sized shorebird recognized by its bright yellow legs and distinctive “tu tu” call. It is an active forager, often running in shallow water to catch invertebrates, especially snails, flies, beetles, and dragonflies of all life stages.
Described by The Cornell Lab as “natty,” the Solitary Sandpiper—with its olive-gray wings, black-and-white tail, and bold eye-ring–is a distinctive exception among the many lookalike sandpipers. Its helpful habits of bobbing the back half of its body or trembling its tail (and often feet) while foraging make it instantly recognizable. In flight, look for blackish underwings against a white belly, a pattern unique among North American shorebirds. As the name suggests, this species is normally seen singly. During migration, it turns up very widely, even in very small or temporary wetlands.
Happy Birding!!
August 11, 2021: Shorebird Migration
I hope everyone is staying safe in this very hot weather. Walks in the early morning or early evening are now a much better option. The water level in the lagoon is lowering as more water is needed on the golf course. So now a very nice muddy shoreline has been exposed—perfect for our migrating shorebirds!
The Spotted Sandpiper is a regular spring and fall visitor. The spots are part of their spring breeding plumage. Although they lose those spots in fall, they can be easily identified by their scurrying over the rocks and mud, their tails often bobbing up and down, imitating wave action, hoping to capture an unsuspecting insect.
If you’ve been on our ocean shores, you have probably seen many
species of sandpipers. As they return to their wintering grounds in South America, they make stops at our inland lakes and ponds. One of the smallest is the Least Sandpiper, only 6 inches in length. However, if you look closely, you will notice yellow legs, although they are sometimes obscured by the mud that gets splattered around!
I have seen both birds this month and hope you will too.
Happy Birding!!
July 26, 2021: A Closer Look at Chimney Swifts
Many birds are flying over the Lagoon. Maybe you have seen the Cedar Waxwings and Tree Swallows. But one of the more interesting birds is the Chimney Swift. They can be easily identified by their silhouette in flight. Very dark with a cigar-shaped appearance, this bird spends almost its entire life airborne. When it lands, it can’t perch—it simply clings to vertical walls.
Chimney Swifts now nest primarily in chimneys and other manmade sites with vertical surfaces and low light (including air vents, old wells, abandoned cisterns, outhouses, boathouses, garages, silos, barns, lighthouses, and firewood sheds).
At the end of summer, they gather into large groups to migrate to South America. They spend the winter in the upper Amazon basin of Peru, Ecuador, Chile, and Brazil, where they are found in open terrain and on roosts in chimneys, churches, and caves.
Happy Birding!
July 2, 2021: What’s Flying Over the Lagoon?
As the very hot weather has descended on Hershey’s Mill, it’s led to an overabundance of the insect population above the lagoon. And as a result, several bird species are taking advantage of the smorgasbord!
TREE SWALLOWS – The Tree Swallow is about five inches long. It has a forked tail, metallic green to blue head, back and wing feathers, and white feathers on its underside. Females are duller in color.
BARN SWALLOWS – Barn Swallows are bright little birds, with blue “suits” and orange “dress shirts.” From the tops of their heads to their tails, their feathers are blue. On the other side, from their throats to the undersides of their tails, they are reddish-orange. They also have a bright orange patch of feathers directly above their beaks. This species is quite small, with most individuals about six or seven inches long and weighing in at less than an ounce.
CHIMNEY SWIFTS – Chimney Swifts are very small birds with slender bodies and very long, narrow, curved wings. They have round heads, short necks, and short, tapered tails. The wide bill is so short that it is actually hard to see.
A very large population of CEDAR WAXWINGS – A treat to find in your binocular view field, the Cedar Waxwing is a silky, shiny collection of brown, gray, and lemon-yellow, accented with a subdued crest, rakish black mask, and brilliant-red wax droplets on the wing feathers. Cedar waxwings were discussed in a Spotlight from February 2021.
Happy Birding!
June 17, 2021: House Wren
Just back from a month-long family reunion, I was greeted by the lovely sound of a House Wren. A small birdhouse under my deck had remained empty. Now–nest-building activity, with the hope of another wren family!
Cornell Lab of Ornithology describes the wren as a plain brown bird with an effervescent voice. Listen for its rush-and-jumble song in summer, and you’ll find this species zipping through shrubs and low tree branches, snatching at insects. House Wrens will gladly use nest boxes, or you may find their twig-filled nests in flowerpots and door decorations.
They eat a wide variety of insects and spiders, including beetles, caterpillars, earwigs, and daddy longlegs, as well as smaller numbers of more mobile insects such as flies, leafhoppers, and springtails. Maybe our natural insect control?
Now the voices of Gray Catbirds and House Wrens combine.
Happy Birding!
May 25, 2021: Gray Catbird
So there you are, sitting out on your deck or porch. All of a sudden, you hear the meow of a cat. You look around and see nothing. A dark-gray bird darts into a close shrub.
Sure enough, you have just heard the Gray Catbird make some of its very loud vocalizations. The males keep up an almost continuous chatter trying to sound very attractive to the females. A medium-sized gray bird with a black cap and bright rusty feathers under the tail, Gray Catbirds are relatives of mockingbirds and thrashers.
If you’d like to improve your skills at identifying birds by their songs, consider Cornell University’s “How to Identify Bird Songs” course. This course will help you identify bird songs from the High Sierras to Coastal Maine (and many places in between).
Happy Birding!
May 11, 2021: Northern Cardinal
By now many of you have been hearing and seeing the very bright red male Northern Cardinal–calling from the treetops, trying very hard to defend the territory that he has selected. He will chase off intruding males, even going so far as to crash into windows, thinking his reflection is another male.
The female is a fawn color, with mostly grayish-brown tones and a slight reddish tint on the wings, the crest, and the tail feathers. Eventually, if you watch closely, you will see the male select a seed and very carefully feed the female beak-to-beak. This behavior continues throughout the breeding season, during which they may have two nesting periods. The male continues to offer seeds, but eventually, she will refuse his offering.
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of seven U.S. states, more than any other species: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, North Carolina, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virginia. Hope you will enjoy seeing one of our most beautiful birds.
Happy Birding!
May 1, 2021: Count the Birds!
Be a part of birding’s biggest team! Global Big Day on May 8th is an annual celebration of the birds around you. Migration is in full swing. They are singing their best songs and are in their best colors.
According to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, your sightings contribute to hundreds of conservation decisions and peer-reviewed papers, thousands of student projects, and help inform bird research worldwide.
Watch birds on 8 May: it’s that simple. You don’t need to be a bird expert or go out all day long–even 10 minutes of birding from home counts!
Global Big Day runs from midnight to midnight, and you can report what you find to hersheysmillnature#gmail.com. For each observation, please note the time and location (Village name is fine). HMNG will compile our sightings and send in a report.
Happy Birding!
April 16, 2021: American Coot
An interesting duck-like bird has been frequenting the small pond area along the nature trail. The American Coot can be identified by its dark grey color and white beak. A small detail that’s often overlooked is a faint red strip near the very tip of its beak.
Although it swims like a duck, the American Coot does not have webbed feet like a duck. Instead, each one of the Coot’s long toes has broad lobes of skin that help it kick through the water. The broad lobes fold back each time the bird lifts its foot, so they don’t impede walking on dry land. When taking flight, they must patter across the water, flapping their wings furiously, before becoming airborne.
They eat plant material, including stems, leaves, and seeds of pondweeds, sedges, grasses, and many others, as well as a lot of algae. Insects, tadpoles, fish, worms and snails can also be part of their diet
Why we only have one Coot here at Hershey’s Mill remains a mystery.
Happy Birding!!
April 2, 2021: Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
They are on their way! A frequent question – When should I put out my hummingbird feeder?
Our only breeding hummingbird is leaving Central America and heading North for the upcoming nesting season. The males arrive first to establish mating territory and defend feeders. Our feeders should go out around the middle of April. An easy mix of 1 cup sugar, 4 cups water will do! Make sure you boil the water, then add the sugar, as boiling keeps the mixture from spoiling. There is no need to use food coloring or store-bought feeder food. The glass Perky Pet feeder is one of my favorites.
Hummingbirds will enjoy the nectar of flowers that may include rhododendrons, petunias, and bee balm among others. Later in the season, we will see the hummers over in the garden area and around our flower plantings.
Dr. Bill Hilton Jr has been the Director of “Operation RubyThroat: The Hummingbird Project” and its website at http://www.rubythroat.org. Lots of interesting information can be found there.
Happy Birding!!
March 14, 2021: Wood Ducks
It’s late winter/early spring and already a few of our Wood Ducks can be seen in the ponds and our wooded, swampy areas. They’re usually in small groups, but unlike other waterfowl, they are one of the few duck species equipped with strong claws that can grip bark, so it’s not unusual to see them perched in trees.
The Wood Duck is one of the most stunningly pretty of all waterfowl. Males are iridescent chestnut and green, with ornate patterns on nearly every feather. The elegant females have a distinctive profile and delicate white pattern around the eye.
The Wood ducklings, covered with dull brown feathers, leave the nest shortly after birth as they are raised in water instead of in the nest. Later in the season, we will see moms with their young trailing behind. Always a sight that many of us enjoy!
Happy Birding!
March 1, 2021: Juncos and Sparrows
Winter is about to lose its icy, cold grip. Most of our walking paths are
visible again, and yes–you can hear birds singing. A subtle sign that spring is just around the corner.
Two of our visitors from the north can be seen busily rummaging through the shrubs and on the ground. The Dark-Eyed Junco–a small grey and white bird–darts off, giving a sharp twittering call as it flashes the white outer feathers of its tail. Often referred to as snow birds, watch for their disappearance from your feeder areas as they make their trip north for breeding season.
Frequently seen in the company of Juncos is the White-Throated Sparrow—a large plump bird. As its name implies, it has a white throat and white- and black-striped head with visible yellow dots located over each eye. One of its most distinguishing characteristics is its call. Listen for a distinctive whistling sound from the tops of the trees……..“Old Sam Peabody-Peabody” or I think I hear…….“Oh Canada – Oh Canada -Oh Canada”.
Happy Birding!!
February 16, 2021: Pileated Woodpecker
Walking about has been tough with our trails still covered in snow and ice. However, the path around the lagoon has been plowed, and my birding buddy and I have been out walking every day. We were able to observe two Pileated Woodpeckers in the trees on the south side of the lagoon.
Nearly the size of a crow, the Pileated Woodpecker is black with bold white stripes down the neck and a flaming-red crest. Excavating deep into rotten wood to get at the nests of carpenter ants, it leaves characteristic rectangular holes in dead trees. Males and females are similar except the male has a red stripe on his cheek.
The male begins excavating a nest cavity and does most of the work, but the female contributes, particularly as the hole nears completion. The entrance hole is oblong rather than the circular shape of most woodpecker holes. For the finishing touches, the bird climbs all the way into the hole and chips away at it from the inside, periodically picking up several chips at a time and tossing them from the cavity entrance.
Now the Pileated has its own claim to fame: it’s been named Bird of the Year for 2021 by the American Birding Association.
Happy Birding!
February 2021: Cedar Waxwings
Winter has finally settled in on Hershey’s Mill and the Northeast. Our ponds have frozen over, our wintering ducks have moved to a better feeding area with running water in Ridley Creek. Now, it’s time to turn our binoculars to the shrubs, bushes and trees……
One of the birds you may encounter is the Cedar Waxwing. A very colorful medium size bird, it is tan in color with a crest, a black mask, red-tipped wing feathers that look like they have been dipped in wax, and a striking bright yellow band on their tail.
They may be seen in small flocks, on the edge of our wooded areas. They forage in the cedar cones, eating berries and then fruit and insects during summer months.
The tail of a Cedar Waxwing usually has a yellow band at the end but in the 1960s, birds with orange bands started to show up in the northeastern United States. The orange color results from red pigment found in non-native honeysuckle fruits introduced into their diet. Maybe you will be lucky enough to find one!
Happy Birding.
January 2021: More Wintering Ducks – Mergansers
With the winter seasonal closing of the Hershey’s Mill Golf Course, we have a great opportunity to check out the ducks on the rather large pond between the lagoon and Franklin Village. Two species of Mergansers can be found there. (Check out our map for more location info.)
The more striking of the two species is the Hooded Merganser. A small duck with a slender pointed bill, the male has a white, fan-shaped, black-bordered crest, blackish body with dull rusty flanks, and white breast with two black stripes down the side. Females are a dull gray brown, with a warmer brown head and crest. Both sexes show white wing patches in flight.
The other–the larger of the two, is a Common Merganser The males are striking with clean white bodies, dark green heads, and a slender, serrated red bill. The gray-bodied females have rich, cinnamon heads with a short crest.
Their primary food source is fish followed by aquatic insects. You will see both species popping up and down as they forage. An occasional Bald Eagle can be seen perched in the trees, waiting for a chance to steal a fish or two.
Happy Birding!!
December 2020: Another Winter Duck Visitor – Ruddy Duck
I hope some of you have had a chance to walk around our lagoon and to observe our wintering ducks.
Another one of my favorites is the Ruddy Duck. They gather in small flocks (rafts). The males are brown with a very white half-moon shape on their cheeks. The females not as bright, but if you look closely you can see that half-moon design. Both males and females have a very pronounced tail that looks rather like a sail. Many sleep during the day as they feed on aquatic insects during the night.
In the spring, males molt into a very rich rusty brown and interestingly enough, their bills turn blue–a very pretty baby blue. All of this color change occurs before they head north for the mating season. They nest in marshes, and apparently their nests are built only a few inches over the water.
Happy Birding!
November 2020: Wintering Duck Sighting – Bufflehead
If you walk around the lagoon these lovely warm fall days, you might get a chance to see one of our wintering species of ducks. The male Bufflehead has a very white body with some dark coloring. The female is mostly dark with a small white patch on her cheek. They are diving ducks, searching for aquatic insects.
The English name is a combination of buffalo and head, referring to the oddly bulbous head shape of the species. This is most noticeable when the male puffs out the feathers on his head, thus greatly increasing its apparent size. Gathering in small groups, one individual stands guard to alert the rest to potential danger. When startled, they scoot across the water surface to a safer location.
Buffleheads find safe refuge here until ice forms on the lagoon, then they are off to another location to feed. They are usually the first to arrive from their breeding grounds in Canada and then first to leave in the spring. Speaking of breeding grounds, Buffleheads nest in trees, in nest holes that have been carved out by the Northern Flicker.
Happy Birding!!!!
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