This message comes from BCBC member Ann McRae of Bluefield, WV. Have any of you ever seen this behavior from Grackles before? I haven't. Maybe it's like Flickers and anting, where the flicker lets ants crawl on its wing feathers and their formic acid helps to rid the flicker of mites, etc. Maybe the magnolia pods do something similar.
Good observation Ann, Roger Mayhorn----- Original Message ----- From: "annmcrae" <annmcrae@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <WV-BIRD@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Tuesday, June 10, 2008 1:49 PM Subject: Com. Grackle Behavior--Bluefield, WV 6-10-08
Four Common Grackles were observed this morning, starting at 8:50 a.m. and for nearly 1 /2 hour, pecking away bits of green seed pods of a Fraser Magnolia. They did not eat the bits but put them under their feathers on their breast , back and under their wings. I suppose the birds must have a mite or other pest problem and the liquid from the pods were attempts to rid them of the problem. This is the first time I have ever observed any birds usings these Fraser Magnolia pods in the 44 years this tree has been on our back lawn. Has anyone else observed C. Grackles or any other bird utilizing the F. Magnolia pods in this manner ? Ann McRae Bluefield, WVMercer County
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