The American Dipper...it flies, it swims, it dips!

My trip in the Sierra's ended with an amazing encounter with an American dipper (also called thewater ouzel).  It wasn't my first time seeing this funny, bobbing bird.  Quite a few years ago I encountered one on Issaquah Creek in a very secluded place along the water.  I was with my UW class at the time and had no binoculars on me but in the distance, standing on a rock, was a stunted, plump black bird.  It was peering down into the clear, rushing water and then it was gone, swimming unseen.  I had never seen a dipper before this but I knew exactly what it was, without a bird book or binoculars, just based on the bird's unique feeding habits and silhouette.

American dipper with food, photo by Kelly Wohlwend

American dippers are the only song birds in North America that can actually swim.  They have adapted to utilize a food source that most other birds can't take advantage of...macroinvertebrates in fresh water streams.  Their diet is mostly these small (and sometimes large) insect larvae, such as stoneflies and mayflies, and they also hunt for worms and sometimes small fish.  American dippers are very accurate and precise and they have to be, since what they're searching for is small and usually hiding under slimy rocks.  Flapping their wings like a penguin, they fly through the ice cold streams.  A think layer of down feathers keeps them warm like a wool sweater with an oily, waterproof jacket of durable feathers on the outside.  Since these feathers take quite a beating, given the rather harsh environment they forage in, they are shed after each summer.

Check out this fun video from National Geographic to watch a dipper diving!

American dipper video

You might be wondering how a bird could see underwater and not need nose plugs.  American dippers come equipped with built in goggles, a nictitating membrane that covers the eyes and tiny scales that clamp shut over the nostrils.  Now I wish I came equipped with those convenient features. 

When I learned about this secret nest, I was really excited to see the birds, but weary at the same time.  I am hesitant to visit birds that have nests because the presence of people can have a profound affect on nesting birds.  The parents may be spooked and not feed the young or shy away from the nest, leaving the babies without food.  A lot can go wrong, that's why it's important to keep a distance and not stay too long.  If you notice the bird is in any distress back away and leave.  This American dipper had chosen a very interesting place to build her nest (and the females are the ones that build the beautiful, dome shaped nest).  It was in an artificial waterfall that was built in a parking lot where tourists tend to stop and take pictures.

 

Behind the protection of the waterfall were 4 fluffy, gray balls huddled in a woven nest of moss and grasses.  They were silent the entire time, patiently waiting for mom to return with food.  American dippers generally build their nests behind flowing water to protect their young from predators. 

When mom arrived to the waterfall, she looked around, bobbing her entire body and with each bob, turning her head.  It is a very characteristic feature of dippers and might I add, super cute.  I only watched her return to the nest once before I left.  I didn't want to disturb the birds too much so I promptly left.  On my way out of the Sierra's, I thought I would visit the birds one more time, staying more at a distance.  I only stayed a few minutes until a family showed up to take pictures by the waterfall.  Mom hadn't arrived, hopefully she was off hunting and upon her return her nest area would be free and clear of people.  The family probably had no idea that 4 cute little puff balls were sitting quietly in their woven globe, waiting for a meal, fresh from the icy stream. 

References:

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/american_dipper/id

http://birds.audubon.org/birds/american-dipper

http://www.nwf.org/wildlife/wildlife-library/birds/american-dipper.aspx

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_dipper

 https://watershed.ucdavis.edu/education/classes/files/062809082257-32-FLOG_Dipper.pdf

Birds of the Sierras...Encore Edition!

Hello Fellow Birders! (Or birders to be).

It's been a long time since my last post (I know, shame on me).  I recently returned to the stunning Sierras and of course saw and heard a lot of birds.  Well naturally I need to write about it and share some of my stories!  I am going to save a very special post for a bird that tugged at my heart strings, the American Dipper (coming soon!).

Sierra Valley at sunrise, photo by Kelly Wohlwend

It's been a dry year in California.  Anyone there can tell you and I witnessed the drought first hand.  Not only was the air in Sacramento filled with the campfire smell of a large brush fire that had erupted on my departure, but the birds weren't as prolific.  That doesn't mean I don't have birds to talk about and pictures to share!  I must stick with tradition and start with the bird count...here it is.

 (* = First time sighting!)

A page from my journal

American Coot                                Hairy Woodpecker                 Tri-colored Blackbird
American Dipper                            Hermit Thrush                        Turkey Vulture
American Kestrel                            Horned Lark                           Warbling Vireo
American Robin                             Lazuli Bunting*                      Western Tanager
Barn Swallow                                 Marsh Wren                            Western Wood Pewee
Black-crowned Night Heron          Mountain Bluebird                  White-breasted Nuthatch
Brewer's Sparrow*                         Mountain Chickadee               Wilson's Snipe*
Chipping Sparrow*                        Nashville Warbler                    Wilson's Warbler
Clark's Nutcracker                          Northern Flicker                      Yellow-headed Blackbird
Cliff Swallow                                 Osprey                                      Yellow-rumped Warbler
Common Raven                              Pied-billed Grebe                     Yellow Warbler
Dark-eyed Junco                            Red-breasted Sapsucker
Downy Woodpecker                       Red-winged Blackbird             Total Count: 43
Evening Grosbeak                          Sandhill Crane
Great Blue Heron                           Steller's Jay
Golden-crowned Kinglet               Swainson's Thrush

I revisited a few places in the Sierras, namely Sierra Valley.  But some of the most amazing birding was right at camp.  I decided to wake up at 4:00am one morning to record all of the birds I heard since the morning chorus is so spectacular.  Here is one page of my journal (one of 3.5).  It was rather fascinating to record what birds joined the chorus and when they left.  The western wood-pewee was the first to join the chorus, which was later enhanced by what sounded like hundreds of Cassin's and Purple Finches.  It's very peaceful to sit and listen to nothing but birds for hours.

Black-crowned night heron by Kelly W

Wilson's snipe photo by Kelly Wohlwend

Back in Sierra Valley, where most of the bird action happened.  Upon arriving, we were immediately graced with the presence of a juvenile great blue heron and the loud, quorking sounds of sandhill cranes off in the distance.  One of the first sightings of the day was an American Kestrel, perched on the fence post.  As we drove the car down the gravel road, stirring up dust behind us, it flew out and landed on another post further down, on and on, until it gave up on perching and flew away over the bone dry field.  It was indeed bone dry.  The cows were grazing closer to the water sources and those water sources were merely muddy puddles, dotted with cow hoof prints.

The marshy environment opened up the viewing for different birds, such as the black-crowned night heron and wilson's snipe, which was a lifer for me!   Their very elusive nature and habit of running quickly from one brush patch to the next, made them almost impossible to photograph. I know it's not much to look at and this bird's magnificent, long, straight beak is hidden behind the reeds, but here is my only photo of the wilson's snipe.  These birds also have a hummingbird like flight display.  When they dive, their fanned tail feathers create a loud wooping sound, which can literally be heard across the valley. 

Sandhill cranes by Kelly Wohlwend

In the early morning light, a pair of sandhill cranes flew overhead, vocalizing the entire time.  Earlier I witnessed a coyote taunting a pair of sandhill cranes in the distance.  Eventually the cranes were fed up with the coyotes antics and chased it away.  Perhaps the large chunks missing in this crane's wings are a result of a coyote encounter.

Art and writing by Kelly Wohlwend

We continued on to the metal bridge where hundreds of cliff swallows nested and fed.  It was shocking the change the valley had undergone from the drought.  The white-faced ibis's were gone and the yellow-headed blackbirds were fewer.  The marsh wrens had been forced to nest close together where the water remained and we could hear their angry bickering the entire way.  The grasses were too short for bitterns to hide in in most places and they eluded us this year, as well.

Art and writing by Kelly Wohlwend

The bridge did not disappoint.  I watched the cliff swallows dancing over the muddy river below, the occasional splash of carp disturbing the surface.  A fledgling that fell out of the nest was perched precariously on a lily pad flower, the parents doing their best to feed it.  Meanwhile the sun was rising and the lack of shade and clouds was beginning to take its toll.  The temperatures were climbing well into the 80s before 9 am with a promise to hit the 90s shortly.  It was time to go. 


Yuba Pass was another amazing bird spot.  This year the white-headed woodpecker had already left the nest but I did revisit the same stump as last year.  I was delighted to see and hear my first lazuli buntings!  A beautiful blue and white bird with an orange stripe across the chest.  Unfortunately I couldn't get a decent photo, or any photo at all for that matter.  But as I stood in the meadow, surrounded by small firs and pines and a patch of willows, I watched the birds dance overhead, singing. 

After a while I gave up on trying to get any bird photos, but I did manage to capture my first chipping sparrow!  The photo is a bit blurry since the bird was really far away, but this male is displaying its stunning burnt red cap and white eyebrow stripe.

Chipping Sparrow

There was another bird acting strangely as I watched it follow an adult robin around.  I first saw it up in a fir tree on a dead branch and snapped a picture, confused.  After a while, as I watched it not leave this robin's side, I was given a clue to its identity. I am still slightly perplexed by the heavily notched tail, but this appears to be a juvenile cowbird.  These birds as adults lay their eggs in the nests of birds from another species, forcing that bird to raise their young.  The robin in the photo is likely this birds adopted parent since it wouldn't leave her (assuming its a female robin) side. 

My trip to the Sierras this year was different than last year.  I love birds and every time a bird flew by or sang I had to stop and listen and try to get my camera or binoculars out.  But the drought had really affected the birding this year and I had made it my goal to enhance my journaling skills and try to draw birds more effectively.  I think I achieved that goal and I can't wait to return  to one of my favorite places on earth!

Until next time remember to keep your eyes on the sky! (And if my journaling has inspired you...a book and pen in your hand!)

Avian Keratin Disorder...A Flicker's Tale

Photo by Kelly Wohlwend

Tip #12: Never Stop Learning!  When you see something you don't know the answer to, look it up!

Photo by Kelly Wohlwend

It's been a while since I've written a post but with a brand new job and having recently moved back to the beautiful Pacific Northwest, I have had less time to write.  But a new post is long overdue and I find this topic fascinating (and I hope you do too!).  When my mom first saw this bird in our backyard I was still down in California.  She tried to describe it to me over the phone and being someone who is rather familiar with my NW birds, I was stumped.  It looked like a woodpecker but had a bill like a curlew is the description I got.  "I've never seen anything like it," she said.  I was intrigued!  Was this a new bird in our backyard that has never visited before?!  We did live near the lake but why would a shorebird venture into our grassy backyard?  I had to see it and of course try to get its picture!  Fortunately, when I moved back a month or so later, the bird was still gracing our backyard (and our suet feeder) with its unusual presence.  When I saw it for the first time the words that first came to mind were, "wow, I've never seen anything like it!" 

This Northern Flicker affectionately became known as "Mr. Bill."  (This Northern Flicker is actually a girl.  Notice the lack of red on the face.  The Northern Flicker pictured below with a normal beak is a male).  Despite the gender, the name stuck but I'll go ahead and refer to her as Mrs. Bill for consistency's sake.  I noticed that Mrs. Bill had no trouble getting into our suet feeder.  In fact, the elongated bill worked to her advantage.  She was able to easily poke her bill through the bars and pluck out large, fatty morsels.  Normally, Northern Flickers are foraging for food (mostly small invertebrates) on the ground, so an overly long beak may not cause as big of a problem for a flicker as it may for a Pileated Woodpecker, which relies on drumming holes in dead trees for food.  It would be interesting to see how this flicker would manage drilling a hole a tree with such a long, curved beak.  Needless to say, I have never seen anything like this in all my years of birding, so I made sure to get some pictures and then went on the internet.  It turns out this is rather common and even more common in certain areas of the country (more on this later).

This is called Avian Keratin Disorder.  I will summarize a description by audubon.org here (all my sources are listed below).  It is a disorder that results in the elongation of keratin in the beak of adult birds and is more common in the top bill than the bottom but can appear in both (Audubon.org 2014).  This deformity may be the result of environmental pollutants and can also affect a birds claws and feathers (Audubon.org 2014).  Two pollutants listed by Audubon were organochlorines found in the Great Lakes region and selenium, found in California from agricultural runoff (Audubon.org 2014).

Courtesy of the USGS (found in link listed in Resources Cited)

One study looked at Avian Keratin Disorder in Black-capped Chickadees in Alaska and found that birds with this disorder had accelerated keratin production (Hemert et al 2012).  (Black-capped Chickadee with Avian Kertain Disorder pictured to the right.  Photo from the USGS and can be found in the link listed below).  More specifically, it is the outer keratin layer of the beak called the rhamphotheca (Hemert et al 2012).  Chickadee's were also more affected than other species and had just over a 50% mortality rate from this disease (Hemert et al 2012).  It was also stated in Hemert et al 2012 and Hemert and Handel 2010 that the exact cause of this disorder is relatively unknown but it appears to be most common in the Pacific Northwest (Hemert and Handel 2010).  This disease has also been recorded in other species, such as crows, nuthatches and magpies in Alaska (Audubon.org 2014).  In a similar study by Hemert and Handel in 2010, they looked at the rates of beak deformities in Northwestern Crows in Alaska and found that rates were as high as 16% give or take 5% and escalated to almost 40% in certain areas in Alaska (Hemert and Handel 2010). Colleen Handel with the USGS stated that these deformities are 10 times greater than what is expected in wild bird populations (USGS 2010). 

These two studies are summarized well in a few different places, including the Huffington Post (cited below) and the USGS (cited below).  News of this also made it into the Anchorage Daily News (cited below).  In my research I didn't see Northern Flickers listed as a commonly affected species.  I'm still wondering if I can/should report this siting to Audubon or even the USGS.

Northern Flicker (male) with normal beak

Hopefully we can start to understand some of the causes of this disease and if it is the result of a human generated problem, find a solution!


Resources Cited:

Audubon.org: http://birds.audubon.org/faq/what-would-cause-deformed-beak 4 January 2014.

Hemert, Caroline Van; Handel, Colleen M and O'Hara, Todd M.  "Evidence of Accelerated Beak Growth Associated with Avian Keratin Disorder in Black-capped Chickadees (Poecile atrcapillus)."  Journal of Wildlife Diseases.  48(3):686-94, July 2012.  A full publication of this article can be found at: http://www.jwildlifedis.org/doi/pdf/10.7589/0090-3558-48.3.686


Hemert, Caroline Van and Handel, Colleen M.  "Beak Deformities in Northwest Crows: Evidence of  Multispecies Epizootic."  The Auk.  127(4): 746-751, 2010. 
http://alaska.usgs.gov/science/biology/landbirds/beak_deformity/pdfs/Auk_VanHemert_crow_beak_deformities.pdf

Huffington Post:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/11/09/bird-beak-deformities-avian-keratin-disorder-_n_780809.html 4 January 2014.

U.S. Geological Survey. "Deformed Beaks May Signal A Greater Environmental Problem." 8 November 2010.  http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2633&from=rss_home#.UshqXrSUO3o  Visited: 4 January 2014. 

Anchorage Daily News. "More Deformed Beaks Seen On Birds In Alaska, Northwest." Written by Dan Joling.  http://www.adn.com/2010/11/08/1543506/scientists-see-higher-incidence.html  Visited 4 January 2014.