[va-bird] White-eyed Behavior

VA Birders,
While recording these migrants this morning: Black-and-white Warbler 3,
Black-throated Green 2, Worm-eating Warbler 1, Yellow-throated Warbler 2,
Eastern Kingbird 1, Scarlet Tanager 4 and Am Robin 31, I saw some intriguing
behavior from a White-eyed Vireo.
The Vireo was feeding in the top of a walnut tree. I was watching with the
binocs when I saw it approach an abandoned nest. (So that's where the second
pair of Yellow Warblers in my yard nested this summer) The bird hopped close
to the nest and examined it closely. It then hopped to the edge of the nest
and poked around inside. At this point I thought it had found some insects
inside. Then I saw it rearranging the nest material. This went on for about
15 seconds. It then climbed down into the nest and squirmed around as if
making itself comfortable. It remained there for about 30 seconds. The bird
then climbed out of the nest and flew away. This nest was not the
White-eyed's nest, even though a pair of White-eyeds did nest nearby. I
suppose the bird had a little nesting instinct left over from the past
breeding season and couldn't resist trying the nest out.

Roger Mayhorn
Grundy, VA



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