Margy, the migrants aren't singing here either unless they are actually 
holding territory.  The others are silent.

Tommie Rogers
Rock Port, MO
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Margy Terpstra" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, May 14, 2008 7:00 AM
Subject: Re: silent Empids?? and warblers- hypothesis


> Hello all,
>
> This time of year, I can usually rely on birdsong to alert me to a bird's 
> presence. But, like Kathleen, I am not hearing much song.  I have a 
> hypothesis, and I'd appreciate input from others with scientific 
> backgrounds and experience.
>
> Last year in April, we had 6 nights of 20 degree temperatures which caused 
> significant setback to the trees.  These record low temperatures were not 
> just in Missouri, but widespread throughout the midwest.  Foliage was 
> delayed for 8-10 weeks, trees didn't set seed.  It also must have had a 
> real impact on the insect populations that the birds rely on. I was 
> concerned then about the effects on the food supply of seeds, berries and 
> insects for last fall's bird migration and this spring's, too.
>
> So, my theory is that the birds are arriving quite hungry. They are more 
> concerned with finding food than singing.
>
> The birds that I have heard singing have been doing so intermittently . 
> The Tennessees sing, but not in their usual incessant way. Never heard the 
> Worm-eating, Palm, Black and White, and only a single part of song from 
> others.
>
> Any input greatly appreciated.
>
> Margy Terpstra
> Kirkwood, St. Louis Co. MO
> [log in to unmask]
>
>
> ----- Original Message ----- 
> From: "Kathleen Anderson" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, May 13, 2008 8:31 PM
> Subject: silent Empids??
>
>
>> Is it just me or are the little flycatchers being unusually quiet this 
>> year?  I
>> have heard Least Flycatcher a few times, but it only called a few times. 
>> Any
>> other little flycatcher that I have seen has not called at all.
>>
>> Warblers seem to be pretty quiet also.  The Tennessee's were calling on
>> Saturday, but other than that, I have heard very little from the 
>> warblers.
>>
>> Kathleen Anderson, Columbia
>>
>> ------------------------------------------------------------
>> The Audubon Society of Missouri's Wild Bird Discussion Forum
>> ASM Spring Meeting ... May 2, 3, & 4, 2008 at Chillicothe, MO
>> More information: http://www.mobirds.org
>
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