10,000 Birds

JULY 31, 2014

By early May most terns have laid eggs. There were a lot more terns incubating eggs than what we had estimated. If not returned to the rooftop, chicks will starve if cats, dogs, fire ants or raccoons don’t get them first. The Office Depot store near where I live has the largest Least Tern colony in town.

Florida 168

Florida Raccoons South America Eggs 168

10,000 Birds

AUGUST 31, 2011

In California, coveys break up and pairs begin forming in February or March, followed by nest building and egg laying in May or June. She will usually lay 12 to 17 eggs, averaging five per week 1 , before beginning incubation. Occasionally, larger clutches occur due to egg dumping by other females. References: 1 Baicich, Paul J.

California 227

California Eggs Gophers Rattlesnake 227

10,000 Birds

JUNE 1, 2011

You typically do not find a bird this naked or featherless outside of the nest unless there has been a storm or the nest has been attacked by predator like a raccoon, chipmunk, squirrel or corvids. But maybe this will help you triage the situation when you see a baby bird: This is a very young House Wren. That is probably one of the adults.

Birds 266

Birds Fox Raised Ducks 266

10,000 Birds

MARCH 5, 2011

By building nests out over the swamp, the birds benefit from the protection offered by the alligators in deterring predators such as raccoons and snakes. Boat-tailed Grackles count eggs and chicks as part of their diet and they were well represented here today. Wicked, right? Hat-tip to Stella.

2011 117

2011 Alligators Florida Deer 117