At least two male Brown Creepers were countersinging this morning
at Plum Creek Dam on the Des Moines R north of Algona, a location where
I've found assumed nesters a couple of times in the past. The
experience was very surprising all around: First, to hear initially
unfamiliar songs actually piercing through what were quite windy
conditions from way up in the canopy. Then, after seeing the birds
confirmed my hunch, to hear multiple birds sing more songs than I've
previously heard total in my life. And finally, it's only the 3rd of
April- this would usually be considered peak migration time for these
birds. Later at home, the Birds of North America reference online stated
"During territory establishment, male sings from high, vertical
perches;" and "Highest song rates occur during territory establishment
(e.g., 2 males countersang 53 times in <10 min)", so it seems likely
that nesting will occur here again this season.
Also, Pine Siskin nesting appears to be happening in my
neighborhood again this spring. Up to a dozen can still be found daily
around the Riverview Cemetery area, although I haven't put in the effort
this year to find any nests or confirm for sure.
Matthew Kenne
Algona, Iowa
[email protected].
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