On Sunday, May 12th, a small group of Volunteers gathered at Holly Haven to do a little bird nest watching, documenting and careful pruning and planting.
Birds make nests in the oddest of places! We observed one nest that was built in the top of an outdoor heater. The heater had toppled over in the wind and half of the top bent down, but apparently mama and papa bird found it to be a perfect place to build their nest. We saw all sorts of twigs and pieces of natural twine and cotton sticking out from under the top of the heater. (Have a look at the photo on our Twitter page).
Both parents were kept busy foraging for food. We observed that the nestlings were being fed at least ten to twelve times per hour by both parents. And when the larger bluebirds flew by to get to a nearby feeder (no doubt foraging to feed their own young), the tiny birds went into protection mode and began squawking loudly as a warning for the bluebirds as well as other birds and predators to stay away from their nest. (Fortunately, the small songbirds and all wildlife at Holly Haven do not have to go far to forage for food since there is an abundance of food for them in the natural environment of the Sanctuary that is chemical and pesticide free).
We observed different types of birds flying into and out of the tall sycamore, pine, pecan, and palm trees. Many of the birds traveled in pairs including the red-headed woodpeckers. Sadly, the resident ravens’ nest and a focal point at Holly Haven for more than ten years has been abandoned and is no longer being used by the ravens.
Every breeding season we would sit and watch the ravens return to the same huge nest high up in the sycamore trees. Year after year, they always returned to rebuild and renovate their nest together.
We would watch as they flew around collecting material to provide warmth and security in their nest for their young. We would hear them grunting and grumbling, working together to build a suitable dwelling that was always strong enough to withstand the wind and any inclement weather.
But now they are gone, and the nest is empty... According to a wildlife biologist, because there has been so much demolition and disturbance in the surrounding mountains and hillsides and Holly Haven is the only viable green, forested area left for birds and wildlife, competition for habitat among the hawks and owls and other predators has likely caused the ravens to move elsewhere. (However, we are still looking for them, and we are hoping to find them. Perhaps the ravens will come back again!)
The environmental dynamics may have changed, and the ecological balance is slowly being restored, but Holly Haven remains a safe haven for birds and wildlife.
We discovered many active as well as a few inactive nests. We were surrounded by a variety of birdsong and avian activity. It sounded like we were standing in an aviary with no cages. We just listened and marveled at the sounds and the peacefulness that comes with being outdoors and a part of nature.
Nesting season varies from species to species but usually runs from February to August. For this reason, it is important to do any tree trimming or tree pruning from September to January, so nests are not disturbed.
Keep in mind that State and Federal laws protect all native birds and it is “unlawful to take, possess, or needlessly destroy the nest or eggs of any bird…” Nests cannot be moved, and a mother will abandon the nest.
Finally, it is important to hire a trained arborist who is knowledgeable and experienced, and sensitive to the needs of wildlife and the importance of protecting all nesting birds as well as other creatures who live and breed in the wild.
Perfect weather, a perfect day, and a Happy Mother’s Day that was enjoyed by everyone!
F. Perez, P. Revel