The Orchard Oriole is the smallest oriole in North America. In fact it is really more of a warbler size, about 6 1/2 inches. This one got my attention first by belting out sharp short chirps that actually sounded like the word chirp said very sternly. My eyes went right to this beauty. He then popped up on top of a bush and burst into song. You could almost see the bubbly babble float through the air … it was magical. Then before I could finish smiling he flew into the beautiful blue sky. What a treat!
A Fun Fact: The Orchard Oriole is an Icterid which is a bird belonging to the Icteridae family. Besides orioles, all blackbirds, meadowlarks, bobolinks, grackles and cowbirds are in this family. A Greek meaning for ‘jaundice’ or ‘yellow’ is linked to this family by the Latin name ictericus. This meaning is linked because many members in the Icteridae family are black in color with some tone or shade of said jaundice, as yellow or contrasting color. To find out more about birds in this family look in the back section of your bird field guides.
This handsome fella is a male Yellow Warbler. The reddish streaks flowing down his chest distinguish him from his partner. She is just as beautiful without the streaks and slightly duller in color. During my visit to the park, I noticed a pair of yellow warblers feeding their young in a dense thicket. Suddenly the Mrs. began scolding her mate and chased him out of the nest. He flew over to this branch, his pensive perch giving me good views and a couple giggles.
The Eastern Bluebird is always a pleasure to see in the park. It is one of the smaller more vibrant members of the Thrush family. Bluebirds build their nests in tree cavities, but often use one of the nest boxes provided by the park to raise their brood. They can raise several happy little broods each nesting season.
While watching this bluebird so perfectly perched, I noticed it tilt it’s head while looking past me. Apparently is was looking at another bluebird just a few trees behind me. I read recently that when a bluebird tilts it’s head it is actually doing so to see better, not hear better. I found that very interesting and thought you might too.
This efficient bug hunter is an Eastern Kingbird, belonging to the Tyrant Flycatcher family. He is aggressive while defending his territory and nest site, living up to the family name. You will most likely see them along the lake perched on a branch in the open. This perspective gives them the perfect birds eye view while searching for a meal. They eat bugs, lots and lots of bugs. I find it very interesting to watch them hunt. They will sit, search, scope and then suddenly swoop out into the open sky to grab a bug right out of thin air. Usually they return to the same search perch to gobble down the grub. This kingbird enjoyed a juicy dragonfly who didn’t see him coming. Flying insects are the kingbird’s main diet along with a few berries and fruits.
Certainly not what I was expecting while walking by this tree! Yes, that is a ground hog. He sat very, very still, like a statue as we cautiously walked past. I learned this visit that ground hogs do in fact climb trees. They do so for safety from predators or to eat. What do they eat in a tree? Leaves, fruit and even bark. Ground hogs eat and eat and eat all summer long, hog style. They need to build up fat reserves for the long winter’s nap … hibernation. Ground hogs also love to eat clover, dandelion, grasses and other plants. Ground hogs are the largest member of the squirrel family. No wonder they are such skilled tree climbers. Other well known names for the ground hog are woodchuck and marmot. I saw three during this visit to the park, all in different areas, all busy eating, eating, eating. Good little weeders.
Lake Shabbona is a wonderful place to explore and learn about nature. I learn something new and interesting every time I visit.
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