Migration!

Sandhill Cranes - Antigone canadensis

We went up to the Lakes Basin to hike three times this past week, and to our delight large groups of Sandhill Cranes flew over us several times each day!  I love hearing their loud rubbery calls as they fly by, as much a part of Fall as the lower angle of the light and the brilliant changing colors of the vegetation.  These Sandhill Cranes migrate down the Pacific Flyway from British Columbia, Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and northeastern California, to overwinter in California's Central Valley.

Sandhill Cranes - Antigone canadensis

Most of the groups of cranes flying overhead numbered from 70 to 90+ in size!  The following information on bird migration is from the Cornell website https://www.allaboutbirds.org

"Why Do Birds Migrate?"

"Birds migrate to move from areas of low or decreasing resources to areas of high or increasing resources. The two primary resources being sought are food and nesting locations.

Birds that nest in the Northern Hemisphere tend to migrate northward in the spring to take advantage of burgeoning insect populations, budding plants and an abundance of nesting locations. As winter approaches and the availability of insects and other food drops, the birds move south again. Escaping the cold is a motivating factor but many species, including hummingbirds, can withstand freezing temperatures as long as an adequate supply of food is available.

Types Of Migration

The term migration describes periodic, large-scale movements of populations of animals. One way to look at migration is to consider the distances traveled.

Permanent residents do not migrate. They are able to find adequate supplies of food year-round.

Short-distance migrants make relatively small movements, as from higher to lower elevations on a mountainside.

Medium-distance migrants cover distances that span a few hundred miles.

Long-distance migrants typically move from breeding ranges in the United States and Canada to wintering grounds in Central and South America. Despite the arduous journeys involved, long-distance migration is a feature of some 350 species of North American birds."

Golden-Crowned Sparrow - Townsend's Solitaire - White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla - Myadestes townsendii - Zonotrichia leucophrys

"What Triggers Migration?"

"The mechanisms initiating migratory behavior vary and are not always completely understood. Migration can be triggered by a combination of changes in day length, lower temperatures, changes in food supplies, and genetic predisposition.

How Do Birds Navigate?

Birds can get compass information from the sun, the stars, and by sensing the earth’s magnetic field. They also get information from the position of the setting sun and from landmarks seen during the day. There’s even evidence that sense of smell plays a role, at least for homing pigeons.

Some species, particularly waterfowl and cranes, follow preferred pathways on their annual migrations. These pathways are often related to important stopover locations that provide food supplies critical to the birds’ survival. Smaller birds tend to migrate in broad fronts across the landscape."

Bufflehead (female) - Mallards (adults)

Bucephala albeola - Anas platyrhyncos

We've seen a few waterfowl still lingering in the Lakes Basin, including Buffleheads and Mallards.  They will be migrating down to California's Central Valley as the weather gets colder.

Mallard feathers

Another thing that is happening right now, besides migration, is feather molting.  After the breeding season, most strikingly feathered male birds loose (molt) their brightly colored feathers.  Birds also molt feathers annually to replace any damaged or missing ones. Molting doesn't happen all at once in most birds.  It may take a month or more to molt all their feathers.  We found these feathers floating on the pond where we saw the Mallards!  So pretty!

Mountain Spiraea - Dwarf Bilberry 

Vaccinium cespitosum - Spiraea splendens

Fall Colors in the Lakes Basin

The fall colors are really starting to happen in the Lakes Basin!  One of my absolute favorites is the Dwarf Bilberry that turns an amazing brilliant red!  When it's next to a Spiraea that has turned yellow, the combination of colors is unbelievably gorgeous!  I'm going back again next week, and hope to see the Aspens and Cottonwoods turning yellow!  Can't wait!

Bracken Fern - Dwarf Bilberry - Mountain Spiraea - Willow

Pteridium aquilinum - Vaccinium cespitosum - Spiraea splendens - Salix sp.

Davis's Knotweed (red color) - Groundsel (going to seed)

Polygonum davisiae - Senecio sp.

Willow - Salix sp.

Blue Elderberry - Sambucus mexicana

Almost all the Bitter Cherry, Red-Osier Dogwood, and Mountain Ash berries have been eaten, but to our surprise the Blue Elderberry bushes are loaded with berries.  These plants are taller than me, about 6 feet in height!  The clusters of berries are 10"-12" wide!

Blue Elderberry - Sambucus mexicana

Some of them weren't quite ripe and still powdery blue in color, others were dark navy blue and the birds were feasting on them!  I don't eat plants out in the woods.  I prefer to leave them for the wildlife.  However, if you do decide to taste a few, eat only the berries, as the stems can make you sick.

unknown mushrooms in the Lakes Basin

New this week, mushrooms have sprouted in the Lakes Basin and in our neighborhood!  WOW! That recent rain must have triggered their growth! I don't know what kind they were but they were fun to discover!

unknown mushrooms in our garden

Storm clouds over Smith Lake 

Damp Earth Art

Once again, this weather was sunny and in the 80's during the day and 50's at night this week. No rain is in the immediate forecast. Please join me in my continuing hope for precipitation! Perhaps our collective efforts may help it happen.

I'm going to keep posting rain inspired writings, art, etc. on my blog at dampearthart.blogspot.com. Any submissions would be greatly appreciated.

What's happening on the River?

Have the aspens turned in the Lakes Basin?

Check back next week for the answers to these questions and more!

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