I stopped by the Viles Arboretum to record some bird vocalizations along Piggery Road between 7:15 and 8:00. This was my first visit in 5 weeks. Compared to early June when song activity was high, most of the same species were vocalizing both infrequently and intermittently.
Unfortunately, the first gate along Piggery Road was locked so I sat recording from my car window opposite the first building. When short on time it is easier to set up the recording equipment on the car window opening. I had planned to record in the emergent marsh and scrub shrub wetland area.
The bird activity, although not exciting, was very high at this location due to an abundance of weedy invasive plant species (in habitats we created for them). Many invasive seed and fruit-gobbling bird species (non-turkeys) were attracted to this spot (European starlings, house sparrows and house finches). There was also a large assortment of call notes and begging notes from many of the species listed below. Most of the birds I counted were singing males except for house finches, goldfinches, European starlings, house sparrows and crows. There were many unknown vocalizations coming from these weeds.
Fortunately, I do not have to spend lots of time in these habitats after the migrations. We should all give a moment of thanks for all of the invasive and weedy species lining our roadsides. Those flocks of migrating sparrows, finches and longspurs love them. Most of these invasive species do not compete well in natural habitats, although there are significant exceptions. They just follow human alterations, including, disturbed soils, gardens and lawns. Currently, I am tuned into invasive species as I have been sampling vegetation in altered environments over parts of the last three weeks.
My microphones were facing the arboretum. Road and airplane noise was annoying.
Black-billed cuckoo 1
Orchard oriole 1
Eastern bluebird 3
Indigo bunting 1
Yellow warbler 5
Common yellowthroat 3
Warbling vireo 3
Red-eyed vireo 2
Eastern kingbird 2
Eastern phoebe 1
Alder flycatcher 1 Observed, otherwise quiet
House wren 2
Gray catbird 2 or 3
Chipping sparrow 1
Song sparrow 4 Beautiful songs, alarm notes and a short, thin insect-like buzz (not a tseet contact note). Listening to the song through headphones was an auditory treat
European starling ~20
American crow 5 (great assortment of vocalizations including moans, rattles and typical calls)
House finch 6
American goldfinch 4
American robin 3
Hairy woodpecker 1
Mourning dove 3
Tufted titmouse 1
Common grackle 3
Red-winged blackbird 1
House sparrow 5
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