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2017 02 17

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Converted from paper version of the Broad Ripple Gazette (v14n04)

Right in my Own Backyard - Backyard Wildlife - by Brandt Carter

posted: Feb. 17, 2017

Backyard Wildlife

Just as the Broad Ripple Gazette illuminates with facts, anecdotes, photos, and interesting articles of the Village, I would like to share some FYI data about the backyard wildlife that you can see around the streets and parks of the area.

392 species of birds have been seen in Indiana
Birders sponsored by Backyard Birds did a study of the birds visiting at a neighboring lake for one year and identified more than 70 species of birds and ducks.
The cardinal is our state bird and the bordering states except Michigan. The crested male is red, and the female is a beautiful tawny brown with blushes of red.
You will see a variety of ducks on the canal and the lakes. Most of our Canada geese do not migrate in the winter.
It is very common to see Red-tailed hawk in the area. This large bird is carnivorous, and an opportunistic feeder finding small mammals such as rodents, but they will also consume birds, fish, reptiles, and amphibians. They can be used in falconry.
If you see a large gray bird, check to see if it is a mockingbird. These entertainers can have from 53-150 themes as their songs. Their repertoire can keep you up at night if your windows are open.
The robin (the brown bird with an orange belly) does not migrate although it is considered a harbinger of spring. When the ground thaws, the worms are easier to find but in the winter, they will flock around the flowering fruit trees heavily laden with frozen berries.
It's very possible to see our national symbol, the bald eagle, flying along the White River. They are no longer strangers in the village.
If you are out and about at night, you may see the night hawks flying around parking lots or you may even hear the Great Horned Owl hoot or the call, "Who cooks for you? Who cooks for you-all?"of the Barred Owl.
Starling and Grackles are especially plentiful when there is snow cover. You can use Google to figure out the difference! They are not the same bird and are often confused.
If you are walking along the canal, the interloper pet ducks that have been released are very identifiable. But you might see mallards and Canada geese. Remember the male and female mallards look very different.
Here's is your yearly caution: DO NOT FEED THE DUCKS! There is enough food for them and feeding them will lead to overpopulation of the canal and dirtier banks (and rats).
Fox squirrels spend more time on the ground than in trees. They have two litters a year and have on average three babies in each litter.
On the White River, be on the lookout for cranes, ducks, deer, muskrat, fox and herons in addition to the usual numbers of fox and gray squirrels, turtles, and groundhogs.
Blue Herons are the long and large silhouettes you might see if you look up. Although they are usually found on the banks of the river, they will visit residence fish ponds.

Although it is fun to people-watch in Broad Ripple, the village and surrounding area offers challenges for those who enjoy watching and observing nature. It's fun to see the visitors observing all the wild life (birds, animals, or people!) on the streets of Broad Ripple Village.

Brandt Carter, artist, herbalist, and naturalist, owns Backyard Birds at 2374 E. 54th Street. Visit her web site www.feedbackyardbirds.com. Email your bird questions to Brandt@BroadRippleGazette.com

brandt@broadripplegazette.com

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