November 7, 2024
Start Time: 10:28
End Time: 15:05
Start Temperature: 9C
End Temperature: 15C (!!!)
Start Wind: 8 km/hr
End Wind: 15-22 km/hr Partial Sun
Participants: Gail Hachey and Mechtild Brennen. Report by Mechtild.
Trail condition: The edges of the trail had been recently brushed. Cows had used the area and loosened some of the bigger rocks of the rail bed, so care had to be taken while walking. Cow Patty Central! There were also a couple of holes dug on the trail. (Dog digging for pocket gophers?)
**Nest boxes 2 and 3 on the first bridge, on the north side, on the platform: The boards on this platform are rotten! In need of replacement. Make sure to step where the nails have been pounded in!
Our Comments: After carefully deliberating the time available and studying the weather, November 7 was chosen, and I (Mechtild) picked up Gail and drove to Meeting Creek. It looked like it was going to be a great day for cleaning out the nest boxes. When we got to the site, we put on their final layers of clothing (we were prepared for cooler, windy, or whatever the weather might throw at us, but we left our winter parkas at home). Armed with a snack, Gail had a hammer, screwdriver, and marker, and I had a clipboard, pen, and pocket knife, and we hit the trail. The big white neighbourhood dog accompanied us.
Because the slight breeze was coming from the west, we decided to start on the west side of the trail to warm up, wander back, and check the nest boxes on the return trip. We were confused for a moment when we got to the end of the trail as the gates were open, but after walking a little further, we realized that the last nest boxes we saw were indeed the beginning of our cleanout. Box 49 had its front missing, so Gail attached it. We checked the non BLNC boxes as well (4 in total), and numbered them as well (49A, 48A, 47A, 39A) and we marked on our sheet whether the nest boxes were on the north or south side of the railroad bed. 39A needs a new roof, the size of a marker length for all four sides. BLNC box 28 cover needs replacement. BLNC box 16, found front cover and fixed.
Tally:
Tree Swallows: 22FS (Fledge success), 3 NS (Nest Start) 4 nests with either 2x 1 dead of which one was well feathered; 1 x 2 well feathered and fly ready dead, 1x 5 well feathered dead. Of note: Box 6 had a dead adult underneath 2 successful fledged nests. Box 15 was a ? pink eggs, 1 dead (photo 2 above) brownish feathers
House Wren: 13 FS (Fledge success), 11 NS (Nest Start)
Bluebird: 2 FS (Fledge success), 3 NS (Nest Start)
House Sparrow: Box 15 was a [not recorded number] pink eggs, 1 dead (pic 4) brownish feathers
4 Empty BLNC boxes
4 Non BLNC boxes: 3 had wren nests with two mouse nests on top.
**5 boxes had mushrooms stashed away. One had eight handfuls! (photo below)
We believe we had a very successful year, especially for the Tree Swallows!
Animals seen: Chickadee: 2; magpies: 5; raven: 3; grouse: 1; coyote: 1 in the distance
We took our time and thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful day!
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