Heatwave...

The rather abrupt temperature shift (upper 90's heat index) was a little shocking to my system – I think I got a slight case of heatstroke doing yard work yesterday. Even birds at Governor Nelson State Park seemed uncomfortably lethargic with the weekend's heatwave. Becky and I visited the park late Sunday morning for a look and listen to the Bell's Vireo, which we found and briefly watched through the spotting scope. We also saw our first Dickcissels of the year...another spring migration draws to an end.

But when walking the prairie trail we noticed a lot of birds were resting on perches with their bills agape (apparently thermoregulating). Only a Field Sparrow demonstrated resilience to the heat singing its song, which actually sounded more like a protest to my ear. In a way the scene was kind of sad, so we left after a few quick pictures as not to cause any added stress to the birds.

Luckily for us (and for some birds) there is an answer – Parfrey's Glen near the Baraboo Hills. There the Eastern Phoebes enjoyed the comparatively cool air as they brought fresh meals to their young in nests in along the rocks. Cool water is readily available from the stream running at the bottom of the sandstone walls and quartzite boulders. The geological features of Parfrey’s Glen are reminiscent of being at the top of Ramsey Canyon in Arizona, only it would be Black Phoebes foraging around the rocks.

All images © 2006 Mike McDowell