This past weekend we had our first Tree Swallows at our place in the
mountains of northwestern Shenandoah County. They were checking out nesting
boxes and
interacting as if courting. A pair of bluebirds also visited nesting boxes.
Otherwise, both numbers and diversity were quite disappointing, as often
happens about this time of year when some winter visitors have drifted off
(some
never came at all this year) and most migrants haven't arrived yet.
In addition to these spring signs, we also got to witness a little spectacle
at our feeders. An American Crow was feeding on sunflower seeds on the ground
when a meadow vole made the mistake of popping up out of its hole to grab a
seed (as they commonly do). The crow grabbed the hapless rodent with a stabbing
motion and beat it on the ground a couple of times before flying off to enjoy
his meal. This is the second time we have witnessed this behavior there, and
it may be that the crows are learning to watch the little holes for mammalian
prey.
Dave Davis
Arlington
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