Warner Parks' Nuthatch Notes
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
The Great Cicada Emergence
Tuesday, March 26, 2024
Solar Eclipse 2024
The 2024 Solar Eclipse
By Wesley Roberts
The second solar eclipse within 6 months will be
visible in Nashville on April 8, 2024. Although we are not in the path of
totality, we can expect the sun to appear 95% covered by our moon. The
Nashville sky will become much darker than a normal day, and millions of people
throughout our area and North America will enjoy this astronomical event.
Many people understand what is happening. As the moon moves in its orbit around the Earth, it will pass directly between the sun and our planet. The shadow cast by the moon on to North America will move from southwest to northeast along a path from Mexico through to New England. Along the path of totality, where the moon appears to completely cover the sun, it will be as dark as nighttime for a few minutes and stars will appear in the daytime sky.
The 2017 solar eclipse casting darkness on the mid-day landscape (photo by Jenna Atma)
A most important aspect of understanding this
phenomenon is the accuracy of science. There are very few events that take
place in the future for which we can have near absolute certainty of their
occurrence. Science gives us the opportunity to make reasonable predictions to
which we assign confidence based on the fact that results are testable. For
example, the science of meteorology gives us reasonable expectations about
upcoming weather and the science of botany helps us to have reasonable
expectations that we can grow food. Neither of these is 100% definite. The
prediction of an eclipse is as close to 100% as we can get.
In the 4th century BCE, Chinese
astronomers began predicting eclipses accurately (with at least one king, Zhong
Kang, beheading two astronomers who failed to predict one). The observations of
a lunar pattern called the “Saros Cycle” was observed by ancient cultures
around the world and enabled the forecasts to proceed. Today we can accurately
state the eclipses that will occur for the next several thousand years.
As science is currently attacked from many
disciplines that include an unwillingness to accept its rigid protocols and
openness to revision based on data, the solar eclipse is a strong testament to
the power of this branch of knowledge. On April 8, 2024, this event WILL HAPPEN
(to be accurate, an asteroid of the “Don't Look Up” variety could strike, or a
few other cataclysmic events, but these are unlikely to the point of being
dismissible). As you are getting comfortable in your observation place, wearing
your safe eclipse glasses, finding yourself in awe of the power of this marvel
and counting the stars that almost magically appear in the daytime sky, be
aware of the values that scientific discoveries have added to the quality of
our lives. Most of all, enjoy this celestial show of shows and our unique
ability to understand it.
Check out the simulator below to see the 2024 Solar Eclipse's travel path!
https://eclipse2024.org/eclipse_cities/statemap.html
Wesley Roberts is retired from Metro Public Schools. He taught ecology, biology, and astronomy for 38 years.
Tuesday, March 12, 2024
The Spring Peepining
The Spring Peepining
By Elyse Dilks
Naturalist -- Warner Parks
Thursday, November 9, 2023
A Witness to the Mission
A Witness to the Mission
By Betty Krogman
Retired Urban Naturalist -- Warner Parks
Why has Warner Park Nature Center continued to thrive for 50 years? My belief is that it is on a mission of conversion. Its mission is to be a living example of how to understand, be immersed in, and to enjoy all aspects of the natural world. Its mission is to teach the message of the interconnectedness of all life and to convert casual participants into a critical mass of people that understands that we are one with the whole natural world- one people, one Earth- and will then advocate for its protection.
I write about one such conversion. In 2021, my friend Scott was welcomed to the Volunteer Dinner at Warner Park Nature Center.
While waiting, he sat rocking on the side porch watching the birds and other critters, but he also observed the butterflies, bees, and other insects as they flew around almost unnoticed amongst the wildflowers that were planted in the courtyard gardens.
Knowing a bit about the importance of pollinators and how their habitat is disappearing, he had an epiphany: he would turn his Green Hills backyard into a natural garden habitat for birds, butterflies, and other pollinators, the goal being to create a totally naturalized habitat. His yard is private so the neighbors could not see or complain about “neatness” in the neighborhood.
In the following months, Scott researched habitat requirements, planted the recommended plants, built a pond with aquatic plants and tiny fish, always fussing with the balance of feed and natural sources of food, as well as aeration requirements. He hung both Hummingbird and regular birdfeeders, and did the “squirrel dance”, hoping to outwit those clever creatures. He put-up Bluebird boxes, and planted perennials that would draw butterflies around his deck area. It was especially tricky finding wild milkweed for the Monarchs.
Success the first year. The pond survived the famous Nashville deep freeze, lots of Hummers and other birds came to the feeders in winter and the Bluebirds nested and raised their young in the spring. Goldfinch migrated through feasting on seed in that first fall.
In the second year, Scott decided to plant his whole back yard, about half an acre containing grass and mature trees. He laid cardboard in early spring to discourage the grass, scattered pounds of wildflower seed on the former lawn, and cancelled the lawn service.
Fall of 2023 yielded a paradise for the butterflies, birds, and other pollinators, a beautiful, naturalized landscape pleasing to the eye and an oasis of peace in this hectic world for Humans.
Once again, Mother Nature nurtures and heals.
Tuesday, October 24, 2023
Changing Seasons, Changing Birds
Changing Seasons,
Changing Birds
By Jenna Atma
As summer comes to a close, a lot of things begin to change.
The weather starts to get cooler, the leaves start to change colors, but
something that not everyone may notice is that many birds also change their
colors as well.
Take these male Scarlet Tanagers, for example. During the summer, we often observe them in the Tennessee region with their bright red-and-black plumage—a very bold and striking appearance. However, if we saw this same bird as they made their way south for the winter during migration, we might notice a change—his feathers will have changed from that bright red to more greenish-yellow color!
So why do some birds change their colors?
Birds undergo a post-breeding season molt; in other words,
they replace their worn-out feathers from the summer with fresh ones for the
winter. During this transition from the old set of feathers to the new, many
bird species will conserve their energy and put less effort into creating the
bright and colorful feathers often used to attract mates, such as the red of
the Summer Tanager. The end of the summer’s breeding season gives these birds
enough time to complete their full-body molt, where they shed all of their
feathers in around a month and replace them with brand new feathers, a process that
requires ample food and energy. You can see in the photo above that this male
Scarlet Tanager, seen on his wintering grounds in the Peruvian Amazon, is
beginning to molt out of his non-breeding plumage (known as “basic” plumage)
back into his breeding plumage (known as “alternate” plumage) with the dotting
of fresh red feathers.
Many species go through plumage changes between seasons.
Warblers are a great example of this; some go through more drastic color
changes (such as the Bay-breasted Warbler), whereas other species’ molts result
in a more subtle appearance change (like the Yellow-rumped Warbler).
Breeding plumage (top), non-breeding plumage (bottom)
So next time you spot a bird out in the wild, I encourage
you to notice its colors—are they bright or dull? What time of year is it? How
are they behaving? We can often learn a lot about our little feathered friends by
observing features as simple as these!
Saturday, June 3, 2023
Summer Blues
Summer Blues
Male Eastern Bluebird
Early summer is time for baby birds. And the baby birds you are very likely to see
at Warner Parks are Eastern Bluebirds.
Thanks to a very special group of volunteers and staff, Warner Parks have
a special relationship with bluebirds and their babies.
Eastern Bluebird Box
Eastern Bluebirds are cavity nesters. A cavity nester is a bird that builds is nest
inside a hole, usually of a tree.
Because of habitat loss, competing species, and the fact that bluebirds
cannot make their own cavities, the Bluebird population was declining. Bluebird nest boxes provided an effective
solution. These boxes give bluebirds a
place to nest and scientist a way to study the birds. When several of the boxes are installed
within a particular area, they are considered to be a bluebird nest box trail,
and Warner Parks is home to one of the oldest.
Amelia R Laskey
According to Sandy Bivens, Warner Park Nature
Center’s BIRD Program founder, The Eastern Bluebird Nest Box Project in the
Warner Parks is the oldest continually monitored nest box program in the United
States. Started in 1936 by Amelia Laskey, it was supported by the
Nashville Chapter of the Tennessee Ornithological Society, Peabody University
faculty and students, Boy Scouts, Works Progress Administration, and the Nashville
Parks & Recreation Department. Mrs. Laskey monitored fifty nest boxes
regularly for 40 years, kept detailed records, and published results in
journals. Later, Mrs. Virginia Price, one of Laskey’s volunteers and helpers,
managed the boxes and passed the project on to the "new nature
center" in 1973 - when the nature center opened.
Bluebird Box
Coordinator Diana McLusky
Now,
fifty years later, a team of dedicated nature center volunteers and staff
monitor the boxes and assist with this ongoing project. Volunteer BIRD Team
member Diana McLusky has coordinated the nest box project for over 20 years and
has maintained the partnership with volunteers, scouts, and Metro Parks. Through this important bird research project, we
have learned a bit about Eastern Bluebird mating habits and their young.
Male Bl
uebird on a box
The
mating ritual starts in the early spring when the male establishes his
territory. Once his territory is
established, he performs a nest-building display which involves bringing some
nesting material into the box, which lures a female to his site.
Male (right) and Female (Left) Bluebirds
on a Box
Bluebirds do not share the nesting activities. Despite his early nesting displays, the male
drops out and the nest is built by the female. She completes her task in about
5 days. Nests in our
area and generally grass with finer grass inside with an occasional 1 feather.
If there are pine trees around (like Percy Warner golf courses) they like pine
needles. Usually a very neat nest. If they are nesting at the steeplechase,
they will add horse hair.
Bluebird box with feeder
Courting, nest building
and egg laying take a lot of energy. Bluebirds
eat a lot of insects in the spring, summer, and fall. Meal worms are a favorite. In the winter they eat wild berries and
fruit. The male will feed the female
while she is sitting on the eggs. Both
parents feed the babies.
Baby bluebirds and an egg
Once the nest is
completed the female begins to lay eggs.
She usually lays four or five eggs.
She usually lays one blue egg a day.
The incubation period is 12 – 18 days.
Baby Bluebirds in the
nest.
The eggs hatch in the order in which they were laid. They fledge in 17 – 20 days. Once they have fledged the parents will feed
the babies for 3 or 4 more weeks.
.
Baby Birds waiting to
be banded
The Warner Parks BIRD Team monitors the bluebird boxes and when
the babies are 10 – 12 days old they are banded. By banding these birds, we learn how long
they live, if and to where they migrate, and whether they return to the same
box each year.
Thursday, May 4, 2023
Lions and Tigers and Zebras - Oh My!
Lions and Tigers and Zebras – Oh My
Field of Lyre Leaf Sage
May is an amazing time at Warner Park. The park, with its fresh spring colors, is magical. There are interesting sites around each corner. In fact, if you look close enough, you will find exotic creatures in everyday things.
Dandelion
This pretty yellow dandelion can be found everywhere in the Warner Parks. Although this may look common, it is an amazing botanical specimen. There is some debate as to where the name comes from. Examine the leaves, they are jagged and remind some people of lion’s teeth. The belief is that the dandelion’s name could be derived it from the French term 'dent de lion' meaning 'tooth of the lion'. Or it could be the yellow color of the flower reminds many people of a lion mane. No matter how the flower got its name, there is more to this plant than beautiful yellow flowers. This plant provides food, drink, medicine, and entertainment. The root has been used as an ingredient in medicines for problems such as dyspepsia, constipation, gallstones, insomnia, dropsy, and jaundice. Wine is produced from the flowers, they young leaves are wonderful in salads, and the root has been used as a substitute for coffee.
Dandelion Seeds
Of course, nothing can compare to the joy of blowing dandelion seeds. Many children spend happy hours blowing and chasing these seeds. Is there is no greater accomplishment than blowing all the seeds off the head of a dandelion?
Eastern Tiger Swallowtail – Picture by Bob Allen
It is always a delight when you encounter this beautiful yellow and black swallowtail. Look for these beautiful large butterflies in the fields on the lawns and in the gardens of the park. This swallowtail is found all over the Eastern United States and some states in Mexico.
Males are always yellow with black stripes. The females can be yellow and black but have a dark morph, that resembles the poisonous pipevine swallowtail butterfly. The adults can be found nectaring at many flowers but the host plants are Black Cherry and Tulip Popular.
Young Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar Older Tiger Swallowtail Caterpillar
When the caterpillars are hatched from a small green egg, they are brown and white and resemble bird poop. Later as they mature, they become bright green. The caterpillar has big eyes that make it look like a snake. If the snake eyes do not repel the predator, the caterpillar can also emit an unpleasant odor.
Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly
May is a wonderful time to spot a zebra butterfly. Found in the eastern US, they are more prevalent in the south. A small swallowtail with black and white stripes, this is the state butterfly of Tennessee. Look for them around pawpaw tress, where they lay their eggs. Or look for in the dappled sunlight along the trail. Because of their short probiscis the butterfly is found nectaring on zinnias, button bush, fleabane, and other flowers without long tube blossoms.
Zebra swallowtail caterpillar
The female zebra swallowtail lays a pale green egg on the underside of a pawpaw leaf. The caterpillars are hard to find because they eat at night and hide during the day. Once hatched, the caterpillars are voracious eaters, some will even eat their siblings. Before building a chrysalis, the caterpillar goes through three instars. (An instar is a stage of growth for a caterpillar.) When attacked they emit a stinky odor or move to another leaf. It takes about a month for the butterfly to develop from an egg to a butterfly. An adult butterfly can live up to 6 months.
Moss on the forest floor
Take some time to go out on the trails in May. Go with open eyes and an inquisitive heart and you will never know what you will find. If you do find lions, tigers, or zebras, please let us know.
By Melissa Donahue
The Great Cicada Emergence
The Great Cicada Emergence By Jenna Atma, Warner Parks Naturalist Something exciting is happening in the park—the first sightings of some...
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The Great Cicada Emergence By Jenna Atma, Warner Parks Naturalist Something exciting is happening in the park—the first sightings of some...
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The 2024 Solar Eclipse By Wesley Roberts Photo of the 2017 solar eclipse by Wesley Roberts The second solar eclipse within 6 months will be ...
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Coming Home - Rediscovering Warner parks through a new lens November 2021 Jamie Rosencrans My childhood summers were largely spent in...