Hi All,
A couple weeks ago on July 26th Matthew Janson recognized the distinctive
chatter of a singing Sedge Wren (“chit chit ch-ch-ch-ch-ch-ch”). Matt’s birding
partner, Sam Heinrich, dutifully sent out a text rare bird alert. Moments later
the message was amended: 2 were counter-singing! The location is a couple miles
north of the Village of Savannah on NYS-89 at the Montezuma Audubon Center,
about 100 yards south of the parking lot and just past an
authorized-vehicles-only driveway. The habitat, a favorite of Sedge Wrens, is a
tall grass field. There is a mowed path passing close to the birds, so you
don’t need to bushwhack or disturb them. They are still there. Although the
Sedge Wrens spend most of the time hidden in the vegetation, with patience you
may see one perch atop a tall stem or in an isolated bush to sing. The birds
sing a lot, maybe because they set each other off, so there’s no need to use
playback. Playback should not be used anyway on a rare bird that may be
breeding.
Breeding in late July into August? Yes. As I understand it, Sedge Wrens who are
moving south after breeding farther north will try their luck at breeding
again. Sedge Wrens in the Cayuga Lake Basin are usually found by their songs,
often in the late summer. As far as I know, Janson & Heinrich’s birds were the
first reported this year. What I find really cool is that this time it’s not
just a random male singing alone. Two frequently-counter-singing males surely
are a stronger attractant to any passing female. And the latest report (below)
suggests that they have been successful. A 3rd bird was chased by one of the
singers, and the flight style may have been distinctive. I wasn’t there, and I
am not an expert on Sedge Wren behavior, but I’m thinking maybe this was
courtship. As always, I urge more knowledgeable folks to chime in with more
info and if necessary to correct me.
Meanwhile, if you are going to the MAC, please spend some quiet time on that
mowed path watching for any more signs of Sedge Wrens breeding - courtship,
mating, carrying nest material, a nest being built or used, carrying food,
carrying fecal sacs, or baby birds! It would be so cool for breeding of rare
Sedge Wrens to be confirmed here.
- - Dave Nutter
Begin forwarded message:
> From: ebird-al...@birds.cornell.edu
> Date: August 10, 2023 at 10:55:13 PM EDT
> To: nutter.d...@mac.com
> Subject: [eBird Alert] Wayne County Rare Bird Alert
>
> *** Species Summary:
>
> - Sedge Wren (1 report)
>
> -
> Thank you for subscribing to the Wayne County Rare Bird Alert. The
> report below shows observations of rare birds in Wayne County. View or
> unsubscribe to this alert at https://ebird.org/alert/summary?sid=SN35788
> NOTE: all sightings are UNCONFIRMED unless indicated.
>
> eBird encourages our users to bird safely, responsibly, and mindfully. Please
> follow the recommendations of your local health authorities and respect any
> active travel restrictions in your area. For more information visit:
> https://ebird.org/news/please-bird-mindfully
>
> Sedge Wren (Cistothorus stellaris) (3)
> - Reported Aug 10, 2023 07:07 by Tyler Hodges
> - Montezuma Audubon Center, Wayne, New York
> - Map:
> http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8=p=13=43.091753,-76.7652052=43.091753,-76.7652052
> - Checklist: https://ebird.org/checklist/S146948244
> - Media: 1 Photo
> - Comments: "Lifer! Continuing. Two individuals counter-singing just beyond
> the first trail intersection south of the parking lot. A third individual was
> visible at the same time as one of the singing males, while the second
> singing male remained concealed, indicating at least three individuals within
> the vicinity. Hilarious, rapid, hummingbird-like wingbeats as the two visible
> birds fluttered from one clump of vegetation to the next. Photo and audio."
>
> ***
>
> You received this message because you are subscribed to eBird's Wayne County
> Rare Bird Alert
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