Like many tourists, the red-shouldered hawk has for a long time been a frequent visitor to the Vineyard, arriving from the mainland but never choosing to set down roots. This spring, however, what is believed to be the first nesting pair on the Island was discovered in West Tisbury.
The spring migration is in full force in April as ummer visitors come north while winter residents depart. Osprey, greater yellowlegs, piping plovers and double-crested cormorants arrive with southerly winds.
One of the most engaging aspects of observing nature is that every once in a while there is behavior that appears to be mostly, if not entirely, about play, about having fun for fun’s sake.
State environmental officials said Wednesday that they now “strongly suspect” that avian influenza is responsible for the death of large numbers of seabirds washing up on Island shores.
State wildlife officials and the Mass Audubon bird conservation group are advising residents to bring in their bird feeders and birdbaths until more is known about a mysterious avian ailment.
There are behavioral observations that can help us confirm breeding status; my favorite ones are observing a bird carrying vegetation or carrying food.
