From my first report for the season from the nest box monitoring team at Huntley Meadows Park:
The birds are still too early for us! Kat reports 8 Hooded Merganser eggs in box #7. This is one of the boxes that needs some repairs; I will bring some tools and materials next week so that we can attempt a field repair while the box is in use.
Other than that, Sunday’s activity was the usual first-of-the-season chips and removal of wasp nests. You may have already noted this: the fence at the end of the berm, meant to discourage pedestrian traffic, has a significant breach (caused by four- and/or two-footed animals).
At the edge between forest and stream, I spotted a Golden-crowned Kinglet foraging quite close to the ground.
Water levels were VERY high. At the old beaver dam at the entrance to the main pond, water was cascading over it.
My materials and tools checklist for next week: drill and bits, pliers, screwdriver, filler foam, staple gun, duct tape.
