News

Vol. IIX No. 3

March 2008

New Birds of the Year

*New to MNSA Life List 

Notable Sightings for the Month

MNSA Osprey Return

Well the first Osprey fly over on the 18th of March. The male from MNSA landed and began renovation on 3/20.  His mate joined him on 3/23, to begin a new season and family for 2008.  This year the Osprey-Cam will be posting a snapshot every 30 sec. during the camera's operating time.  So click on the Cam button on the MNSA Web Site and participate in the observations. http://www.mnsa.webhop.org/cam/Cam.htm.  By the 28th the marsh is full of Osprey pairs.  In addition to our pair there is 6 more pair in viewing range out in the bay islands. Two on the traditional platform and three building on Green-head Fly traps, and an additional on an old duck blind.

Boardwalk News

With the end of the month the boardwalks are still in the same condition as last.  We have had visits addressing the problems, and having contractors give estimates and suggestions.  Now we wait to see what might happen.  Hopefully it wouldn't interfere with your enjoyment of the Study Area.

Peregrine Homicide

Senior Biologist John Z, went to inspect Zoe’s nesting platform on 3/24.  He observed Zoe sitting in the platform on a single egg.  Under closer investigation he stumbled upon a dead peregrine at the base of the platform, presuming the male.  The bird appeared under-weight but no visible signs of trauma.  The bird was taken for farther study.  Observations on the platform  prior: 3/11(2), 3/14(2).  Observations after:  3/26 (1 on  platform 10:12a),  3/26 (1 on  ground 4:10p),   3/26 (1 on  platform 4:41p).  The bird was perhaps the mate of Zoe or a intruder that was not healthy enough evade harassment by the pair.  Close observation will continue.   
 

Bat House Donation

We are lucky to put up our first bat house.  Donated by Paul Smith, this box will hopefully be home for Little Brown Bats, that are local natives feeding on insects during the night.
 

Pair of American Kestrel

During the week of the 24th a female American Kestrel has been seen daily on the Study Area.  A couple days later it was joined by a male.  With a pair in the area we might have an opportunity to attract them to nest here.  With an existing box, donated by Adolfo Briceno, we attached it to a tall pole and placed it up and in the recommend location.  Now we wait and see.

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