| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Ginger Dawn |
Posted - Jul 08 2016 : 10:02:42 AM
Here is what I learned about native birds in West Virginia. West Virginia is home to a multitude of wildlife species including hundreds of birds. Some of these bird species are native and remain in West Virginia year-round to mate and roost. Native species such as the red-bellied woodpecker, the pileated woodpecker, barred owl and Carolina wren remain throughout the year, rather than migrating south for warmer temperatures. This is also true for the cardinals. I see them all the time in my back yard. I also have two wild ducks that come to visit every year in the late spring. They stay in the dry pond behind my house until they nest. This year they have been coming to my birdfeeder. This was very exciting. I have included a photo. The birds bring me great joy in my back yard. The hummingbirds seem to have a lot of personality. Here is my bird wish list and a little about them.
1. A Bat! Little brown bats might be the most common species in West Virginia. Their wingspan is 8 to 10 inches, and their bodies measure around 3 inches. Their diet includes beetles, flies, mosquitoes and moths; in one hour, a little brown bat can eat more than 600 mosquitoes. During the summer, they roost in buildings, caves, cliffs and hollow trees. Along with big brown bats, they’re the West Virginia bats most likely to end up in people’s attics. Could you imagine how that would be to have a bat show up in your bedroom. Ok Ok.. I am watching too many horror movies!
2. An Owl! The barred owl is known for its distinctive "who cooks for you" hoot. Some bellies have pink feathers due to consuming large amounts of crayfish. The aggressive barred owl may displace the endangered spotted owl, however, there are hybrids of the two combined species. The great horned owl, who resides in the same territory, is a predator of the barred owl. However the barred owl will avoid the area occupied by the horned owl to avoid risk. I just want an owl to visit my yard to be honest.
3. A male Carolina wren.
The male Carolina wren's "tea-kettle, tea-kettle, tea-kettle" song is the loudest per volume of birds in West Virginia. Listen I drink a lot of tea. and to have a bird say put on the tea kettle... How cool would that be? The Carolina wren is a quick and active little bird with a pointed bill and tail that cocks over their back. They have red-brown backs, white chins and a distinctive white eye stripe. A male and female may mate during any part of the year and will remain together for a lifetime within their territory. The male and female Carolina wren sing together in unison creating a singular sound. They are sensitive to cold weather, and the population decreases during severe winters.
4.Red-Bellied Woodpecker
The red-bellied woodpecker is a pale, medium-size bird which is common to the forests of West Virginia. They are an unforgettable sight with black and white striped backs, a gleaming red cap and neck. The red-bellied woodpecker is a rare species of woodpecker that can be spotted with white patches near the wingtip as they fly.
They may be found perched and picking, rather than pecking, in medium to large oak, hickory, young hardwoods and pine tree trunks. They may also emerge from the forest to appear at backyard feeders.
5. Hmm only 5... Ok lets make this last one special...
Small-footed Myotis! Ok I am on a bat thing right now. Look I have lots of robins and the bats have to be near.. right?
This is one of the rarest bats in West Virginia. In winter it is found hibernating in caves, but it is never abundant. The largest numbers of hibernating small-footed bats are found in caves in Greenbrier and Monroe counties, but the total number known to hibernate in the state is less than 50 individuals. This bat has also been observed in caves. I guess, I could go on the other side of the mountain to see them. Hmmm. I am feeling the need for a fieldtrip!
Well yall have any bird photos?
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