Went back out to Rice Creek Trail Park in hopes of seeing the Prothonotary Warbler but no luck. Did see what appeared to be a raptor nest to the left of the trail between the two bridges near where the warbler had been reported. The nest is dark brown and obvious to see sitting some 40 feet up in the trees along the creek. I could see the brown head of a bird on the nest and at first thought it to be a raptor, then the well camouflaged brown head moved and I thought perchance an owl. Then the head turned again and became very narrow. What was it? As I watched, a female Mallard raised it's body up from the nest in full view and apparently adjusted her clutch and settled back in. Is this odd? I have seen many Mallard nests and they have always been on the ground. Anyone seen anything like this before?
Also, I have been noticing how birds drink water from the bird bath that sits 10 feet way from me outside my office. Almost all of the birds come in fill their mouths and lift their heads to draw the water into their throats. The one bird that doesn't is the Mourning Dove who laps away without ever raising its head. I get to do a little research on this. What would allow the dove to be able to drink like that and what would not allow other birds to be able to? Any comments? Just a thought early on a Memorial Day Saturday before the heat drives all the birds to cooler climes. Have a great weekend. Thomas Maiello Spring Lake Park
