All bird species in our area fly. Of the 232 species on Whidbey Audubon’s checklist, however, fewer than 10 percent feed almost exclusively on flying prey. These are the aerialists: swallows, swifts, nighthawks, flycatchers, accipiters and falcons.
There’s a simple reason seed eating species such as sparrows are so numerous: their food can’t escape. And while we rightfully marvel at a Red-tailed Hawk dropping on a vole, try catching an evasive insect traveling six inches above the ground while you’re flying (if you could fly) at 25 to 45 miles per hour. Or attempt to single out a bird in flight from a twisting flock of 500 Dunlin.
The aerialists are some of the most overlooked and underappreciated bird species. Each has its unique adaptations that allow them to exploit food sources unavailable to other birds. Each also faces daunting challenges.
All the aerialists, from the frequent flier champ (the Barn Swallow) to the ultimate speed machine (the Peregrine Falcon) share this particular characteristic: they have one tough way to make a living.
Presenters of this program are longtime Coupeville residents, Steve and Martha Ellis. Steve is past president of Whidbey Audubon Society and Martha is a member of the Washington Native Plant Society. Together they have been leading field trips and giving talks on a wide range of natural history topics for more than 30 years.
Please join us on Thursday, May 12 at 7 p.m., for Whidbey Audubon’s monthly program. This is a hybrid meeting, which means attenders may come in person or participate online via Zoom. Preregistration for in person attendance is required and is limited to 35 people – first come, first served.
The meeting is at the Bayview Cash Store, upstairs in the Front Room, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley. There are restrooms and an elevator.
The program is free and open to the public. All Whidbey Audubon members will receive an email with the Zoom link by the early afternoon of May 12. Anyone wishing to attend in person must preregisterbelow. Nonmembers must also register below to attend online.
Registration is closed.
Banner Photo Credit: Eckhardt Kriel/Audubon Photography Awards
Peregrine Falcon and Rock Pigeon