Bill Balkwill reported that his brother Jack observed an amusing event on December 2, 2008. Jack was watching a Red-bellied Woodpecker through the front window as the bird feed on the feeding platform. As Jack watched, a House Sparrow flew in beside the Red-bellied Woodpecker. The woodpecker leaned over, seized the sparrow "by the scruff of its neck," dropping the sparrow over the edge of the feeding platform.
On December 19, 2008, Bill Balkwill reported that on his morning walk in the Balkwill woodland, he observed an Opossum running around the woodland, likely a female. Two deer ran off, although more are in the woodland where they are eating the small Pin Oak acorns.
A flock of Snow Buntings estimated to be 50 individuals were observed two weeks ago. American Tree Sparrows are around the house. A Brewer’s Blackbird was seen a couple of weeks ago.
On the night of December 17, 2008, a Horned Owl was heard calling near the residence.
In his walks about the woodland, Bill feels that more and different nests are visible on the east side of the woodland, including American Goldfinch, Northern Cardinal, Red-eyed Vireo and small thrush-like nests, some low nests in viburnum and nests in thickets.
Bill Balkwill reports that Cedar Creek Christmas bird counters should have chosen December 22, 2008 as their survey day as the tallgrass prairie was hopping with foraging birds on that date.
Several storms brought cold temperatures and snowy conditions to Essex County in early January 2009 with wintery conditions continuing through the month.
On January 11, 2009, Bill Balkwill reported a Bald Eagle, not an adult, flying over the Balkwill woodland.
Foraging birds appear to have found most of the grass seeds in the tallgrass prairie restoration.
Bill reports that the neighborhood Cooper’s Hawk has the local bird population in a perpetual state of anxiety, including two Eastern Bluebirds that were noted recently.
On January 10, 2009, Bill observed the Cooper’s Hawk flying off with a bird in its talons. The Red-bellied Woodpecker which frequented the front yard feeder has not been seen since this observation. vThe first Rough-legged Hawk of the winter season was seen on January 9, 2009. Bill felt its wing shape was distinctive for identification of this species. The local deer population continues to enjoy the Pin, Red and Shumard acorns in the Balkwill woodland.
On January 22, 2009, Bill Balkwill reported that a pair of Red-bellied Woodpeckers are frequenting the feeder by the residence. These two individuals appear to be a young male and female which have been shy but appear to be gaining confidence and are becoming bolder. Bill Balkwill reminded this writer that during the Cedar Creek Christmas Bird Count, three individuals of this species were observed.
Last week, a single Rusty Blackbird was noted.
On January 19, a Northern Mockingbird was seen eating persimmons in the Balkwill garden. This bird was identified by its wings and tail.
On January 21, 2008, a flock of about twelve American Robins was observed. Bill stated that he and Jack were working in the old house when the birds were seen.
An unidentified hawk has been observed chasing birds about the Balkwill residence where it has caught at least two Dark-eyed Juncos. The unidentified hawk is gray with a long tail. It is not a Northern Harrier, one of which has been seen around the Balkwill Lands.
The local bird population arrives early at the Balkwill feeders, even before daylight. Typically the birds at the feeders are Brown-headed Cowbirds, American Tree Sparrows and Dark-eyed Juncos.
In mid February, Bill Balkwill reported sighting four different hawk species including Red-tailed Hawk, Cooper’s Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk and a fourth species which may have been a Gyrfalcon. The local Bald Eagles have been observed looking about the neighborhood.
Bill Balkwill reports that he misses the cheerful calling Red-bellied Woodpecker which would accompany him along the Old Logging Road.
In late February Bill Balkwill spotted White-tailed Deer on a dark morning in the woodland. As they moved off Bill was able to count "the tails" for a total of sixteen. On March 4, 2009, eight deer were seen on the fields across the concession road.
On February 24, 2009, a single coyote crossed the Balkwill Lands south of the barn. It was bouncing along rather than traveling with the typical trot.
On March 8, 2009, Bill Balkwill reported thirty American Goldfinch around the Balkwill residence. A pair of Purple Finch have been around all winter but have only recently identified.
On March 7, 2009, Jack Balkwill reported sighting nine Wood Ducks circling around and around the Balkwill pond. Nesting boxes for Wood Ducks are located in at least three locations on properties, including the Balkwill Lands.
Red-winged Blackbirds continue to be seen around the Balkwill Lands. The Bald Eagles are still around. The female Northern Cardinals are becoming more scrappy, an indication that they are thinking about nesting. The bills of the European Starlings are turning yellow, another indication of nesting season is not so far away. In the early morning dusk, as Bill or Jack walk out to the mail box for The Windsor Star, the Eastern Bluebirds can be heard singing.
On April 30, 2009, Bill Balkwill reported that numerous bird species were to be seen about the Balkwill Lands including Northern Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak, Chipping Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, Thrush species, and Gray Catbird. A pair of Downy Woodpeckers were observed mating. The Wild Turkeys are around the Balkwill residence, providing entertainment as they associate with each other. A single Horned Lark comes to the feeder.
The Purple Finches are still around the residence, associating with the House Finches. Bill was surprised to observe a Purple Finch offer food to an adult American Goldfinch which accepted the seed.
Several Northern Flickers are around the yard.
Two or three boxes nesting boxes are occupied by Eastern Bluebirds. While working in the garden, Bill was amused by the close proximity of one Tree Swallow that sat on the fence as Bill worked in the garden.
White-crowned Sparrows are around the Balkwill residence while White-throated Sparrows are in the woodland.
Bill reports that recent record hot weather has encouraged the woodland Trout Lilies to bloom. White Trillium blossoms may be seen.
In May 10, 2009, Bill Balkwill reported a large female Eastern Fox Snake was observed at the pile of poles near the southern entrance of the Old Logging Road. This snake is one that had been brought to the Balkwill Lands last year when it was removed during renovations at the Higgins residence to the west near the Arner Town Line. Luckily the snake was able to successfully over winter.