Fresh water crucial for birds

Oklahoma Mesonet reported 0.02 inches of precipitation for the past week.

No data was recorded for the Payne county rare birds for the same time frame.

Nationwide rare bird/vagrant individuals for the week include mostly ongoing birds, with a couple of surprises from Newfoundland and Labrador as well as Alaska.

Newfoundland and Labrador were pleased to report Curlew Sandpiper, while Florida counted the Thick-billed Vireo from the Caribbean Islands.

Texas shared the ongoing Cattle Tyrant, as Wisconsin recorded Kelp Gull.

Colorado’s Yellow Grosbeak is still visiting, and Arizona penned in Berylline and White-eared Hummingbird, Buff-collared Nightjar, and Flame-collared Tanager.

California still enjoys White-winged Tern, while Alaska has a fresh Great Knot. No birders cared to brave the heat this week for any listings.

Writer was barely able to see when I was out doing counts and data studies in the middle of the month to find an adult Scissor-tailed Flycatcher after a low-flying crow at eye level at Lakeview and Husband Streets. Eventually, this parent’s charges came into view. There were two recently fledged scissor-tails not far away, so mom or dad moved to one of the sycamores near my own abode to find a Mississippi Kite to torture for a minute in the area. This kite may have an interest in setting up a

DEB HIRT

new nest for some late young, though hopefully, not too late. If there are kites that cannot migrate with the late season and have to try to overwinter, it will be nearly impossible.

When it cools down too much, there will not be any flying insects for them to feed upon.

Kites will not consume dead insects, it is fresh or nothing.

Supplemental feeding will not do. That’s why it is impossible for them to remain in captivity and overwinter.

Birders need not get a reminder on how critical water is for birds and other wildlife each day of the year, but don’t FORGET to keep fresh water available. Having seen a survey from Jerry Davis, only one birdbath out of a hundred had water at the proper depth and location for bird access, safety, and usage. During this extensive heat wave, birds are constantly accessing water in the shade. Water in the sunlight can be just as hot as that which comes out of the faucet. Water is also required by mammals, amphibians, butterflies, and other insects. If nothing else, at least capture the condensation drip from your air conditioner while it is running, and if not in a good location, divert to send it to a better area. Just don’t send it into cat mouths. Every time you take a drink, give one to the animals.

Speaking of insects, anyone remember the old days on the highways, when our windshields and grills used to be filled by insects? It goes to show that change is not always for the better.

There are sites on the internet to show people how to make bug hotels, if you are interested.

Keep your eyes on the ground and your head in the clouds.

Happy birding!

Deb Hirt is a wild bird rehabilitator and photographer living in Stillwater.

A Great Knot.

SUNPHLO FROM SOUTH AUSTRALIA, CC BY-SA 2.0 , VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS