FreeLists / birdky / [birdky] BKY: Sedge Wrens

[Brainard.Palmer-Ball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]

Last year we planted about 40 acres of Indian grass, a native KY species, on
our farm in eastern Jefferson County.  Jane and Pat Bell recently told me
they thought they heard a Sedge Wren singing from the tall grasses, and a
visit last weekend confirmed that a small colony of Sedge Wrens has moved
in.  If anyone has ever wanted to see this somewhat elusive species, you are
welcome to come by.  I can email you directions if you send me an email to
the address below.  For general reference, the farm is on KY Gazetteer, page
35, block B-7 (it's the blank yellow, roadless blob between Westport Road
and Brownsboro Road -- had never noticed how it sticks out -- sort of makes
me proud :o)

Consistent with the peculair movements of this species, the birds have only
recently moved in.  Some authorities believe that they may nest farther
north, make a partial migration southward until they find suitable habitat,
and nest again late in the summer.  This late summer nesting probably
accounts for MOST of our KY nesting records any more.  Back in the era of
Mengel (pre 1960), it seems like most nesting occurred in what might be
considered a more traditional time of the summer -- birds that arrived in
late April and early May nesting in May/June.  When I first started birding
in the mid-1970s, I recall hearing the song of this species regularly in
May/June, when birds lingered in our wheat and hay fields more often.  It
sure is nice to have this wonderful little sound right there within earshot
all the time.  Even in the hottest periods of the past two sunny days, those
little fellows were out there advertising their availability.  Getting a
look at them can be another matter, although I did see two of them on
Saturday late afternoon perched way up in the tops of weeds
"chat-chat-chatting" away.

Given their pattern of behavior and the fact that these grasses will not be
cut, I am thinking/hoping that some nesting will take place, so the birds
should be around for awhile.  Right now I have territories of at least four
singing males pegged; although there were only two about a week ago, so the
number may increase??

bpb, Louisville
brainard.palmer-ball@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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