8/9/2019 Battle of the Birds

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Battle of the BirdsAuglaize Outdoors 4.7.10

Blue birds have returned to nest in our back yard but not without some effort on the part of heir hosts. Early one spring morning we witnessed the Battle of the Birds, with blue birds aree swallows versus house sparrows in a conflict over nest boxes.

Successfully housing blue birds requires a keen eye, patience and deadly aim. I am the keeeye in our birding operation and my husband possesses the other two traits.

This winter the park district hosted blue bird expert Larry Dicke, who addressed the how-to oblue bird nesting. He reminded us that raising bluebirds requires tough love to succeed, witnative species pitted against non-native.

House sparrows were brought to the United States via New York in 1852. Since that time thaggressive bird has spread throughout the entire American continent. The well-adapted housparrow competes for nesting sites with local birds, such as tree swallows and blue birds.

Larry taught that if you erect a blue bird house it should be monitored to support blue birdshat often lose the battle against the more aggressive house sparrow. It is illegal to harm

native song birds, but the house sparrow is a non-native species, classified as a pest, and isnot protected by federal law.

The battle in our yard for the nesting boxes was quite evident. The house sparrow pair wasbullying the blue birds and tree swallows to keep them from the nest boxes. Patiently waitinwith shot gun ready, Neal took careful aim at the house sparrows and hit them both with oneshot.

There are many other ways to control house sparrows if you want to be successful raising blbirds in your backyard. Check out the North American Blue Bird Society web site fornformation: www.nabluebirdsociety.org

What a beautiful time of year to take a walk in the woods. Buckeye trees have already starto unfurl their leaves and blossoms. The May-apples’ umbrella of leaves have unfolded andhe flower bud is swelling.

The spring beauties are finishing their blooming, while trout lilies have just begun. The spoteaves of the toad trillium are up and the flower will soon open.

Look up and notice that the tree canopy remains bare. Branches of the tallest trees will soodisappear as the leaves obscure our view.

With each step my shoes dent the moist forest floor. Last year’s leaves rustle as I walk alonhe path. I am in good company alongside the muddy imprints of deer hoof and raccoon paw

This walk in the woods was for meal planning purposes: When will the ramps be ready forpicking? Also called wild leeks, ramps have a flavor that is a combination of onions and strogarlic. They are in the onion family and will be ready for harvest soon.

Ramps are haute cuisine for Appalachian Americans when fried in bacon grease with greensaters. Add pinto beans and corn bread and you will be magically transported to the hills of 

West Virginia. For a taste of spring we eat ramps paired with dandelion greens that are ripeor the picking.

8/9/2019 Battle of the Birds

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Here in Auglaize County there are plenty of parks for playing ball but none for public access woods. Imagine the day when we can host a public wild flower hike in Heritage Trails Parkwoodland.

Until that day, get permission from the woodlot owner and head out for a walk in the woodsand don’t forget the kids and a wildflower book. Each day you will find something new pokinup from the forest floor. See what is blooming in the woods around you.

Allison Brady, Executive DirectorHeritage Trails Park DistrictYour partner for parks in Auglaize County

Allison Brady, Executive DirectorHeritage Trails Park DistrictPO Box 63St. Marys, OH 45885419.202.6053 cellabrady@watchtv.netWeb site: htparks.org

The mission of the Heritage Trails Park District is to create and preserve park land for the purposeconservation, leisure and education for all to enjoy and appreciate.