A Dearth Of Birds: West Nile Virus?

Last week something very unusual happened at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History: We banded no birds, mainly because there were almost none around to catch. There's been a near absence of bird life for the past few weeks, and "This Week at Hilton Pond" we ponder whether West Nile Virus or some other factor might be the cause.

To view the photo essay for 22-30 November 2005, please click on the title above. This week we also include a few miscellaneous nature notes, including one about a bird we don't usually see this late in the year.

Happy Nature Watching!

BILL

Cheeky Little Eastern Chipmunks

Although they're somewhat scarce in the South Carolina Piedmont, we have a vibrant population of Eastern Chipmunks at Hilton Pond Center for Piedmont Natural History in western York County.

For a look at these cheeky little rodents, please visit our "This Week at Hilton Pond" photo essay for 15-21 November 2005 by clicking on the title above.

As always, we include a list of birds banded during the period, as well as a few miscellaneous nature notes.


Happy Nature Watching,

BILL

"Stealth" Flies On Birds: The Hippoboscids

Watching avifauna at a feeder or in the field is fun, but sometimes having a bird in the hand can tell us lots more than we can observe through binoculars or a spotting scope. Such was the case this week when an Eastern Towhee we captured for banding provided an intimate encounter with a stealthy little hippoboscid fly.

For a photo essay about these interesting bird parasites--and their hyperparasites--please visit the 8-14 November 2005 installment of "This Week at Hilton Pond" by clicking on the title above.

As always we include a tally of birds banded during the period, as well as a list of recaptures.

We should also remind you that due to unavoidable circumstance, the date for our 2005 York/Rock Hill Christmas Bird Count has been changed to Monday, 19 December. Details at http://www.hiltonpond.org/ChristmasCountMain.html


Happy Nature Watching!

BILL