Early summer features array of bird species along Grand Strand | Bird Notes

Last week under the threat of inclement weather I made my way to Woodberry Wildlife Management Area off S.C. 378 west of Conway at Britton's Neck to see what Neo-tropical migrant breeding birds might be found.

Although the skies were threatening, a number of good birds were about and singing. Yellow-breasted chat warblers were quite vocal, and gave evidence of a good population nesting in the WMA this year. Other warbler species noted for the day were Northern parula, pine, prairie, prothonotary, hooded, Swainson's, Kentucky and yellow-throated. White-eyed vireos were numerous, as were Eastern towhees. Other birds noted for the outing included mourning dove, ruby-throated hummingbird, red-bellied woodpecker, great crested flycatcher, Eastern wood-peewee, red-eyed vireo, blue jay, barn swallow, chimney swift, Carolina chickadee, tufted titmouse, Carolina wren, blue-gray gnatcatcher, Northern cardinal, blue grosbeak and indigo bunting.

The shrill calls of recently fledged young birds may currently be heard throughout our area, and many backyard birders have been happy to report young of a number of species appearing at their bird feeding stations of late. For one who will take time to observe activities of these feathered families, it doesn't take long to realize avian parents have experiences analogous to those of their human counterparts when it comes to raising offspring.

Some young appear to be quite well-behaved, waiting patiently in one spot for a parent to secure and deliver food, while others are somewhat less patient, often crowding the parent and calling incessantly. And yet others require the parent to go on a search mission in order to deliver each morsel of food, as their rambunctious youngster(s) continually wander about nearby.

Our tiniest feathered friends, ruby-throated hummingbirds, continue their breeding season activities in our area. More and more youngsters are fledging now and wandering about the landscape in search of food and shelter. This is the time of year that a number of hummingbird-favored flowering plants are in bloom, and like other birds these tiny treasures will seek out natural food sources in preference to feeders.

One native plant that has a special allure for our miniature marvels is trumpet creeper or trumpet vine (Campsis radicans). A common plant in our area, its bloom period corresponds to the time that young hummers start leaving their nests and last through summer, and even adult hummers will eschew feeders to seek out the tubular orange to red flowers. A number of other bird species, such as orchard oriole and downy woodpecker, are also attracted to the nectar-rich blossoms.

This story was originally published June 15, 2016 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Early summer features array of bird species along Grand Strand | Bird Notes."