Birds and large animals go hand in hand . . . as long as there’s a benefit for either. Take the Brown-headed Cowbird for instance. Before white man arrived on the great plains, this bird adapted its life to living with the migration of the Buffalo. America had no fences. Buffalo migrated from winter quarters in Mexico back to the north as far as Canada on its endless quest for grass. Buffalo were infested with hoards of insects, and as they migrated they disturbed and scared up more insects from the grasses and left piles of dung on the ground which also drew myriads of insects. Yum, yum said the Cowbirds! Insects are a favorite!

        Brown-headed Cowbirds followed the Buffalo, eating the insects on the animals and taking advantage of more insects scared up by their migration movement. The roaming Buffalo supplied an endless food supply and a good life for Brown-headed Cowbirds. This partnership had but one drawback, following the herds caused Cowbirds to become a nomadic species of open country. This made it tough to establish territories, build a nest, lay or incubate eggs and feed the young for the Buffalo did not stop roaming during the bird’s nesting season. What was a female on the go to do? Simple, just get a nanny. Brown-headed Cowbirds are able to lay 30 to 40 eggs in a 60-day period. Their eggs materialize faster than other bird eggs. The plan was to find a good nanny, with a good nest and place one Cowbird egg in it. When the Cowbird egg hatched it was larger than the songbird’s chicks and would take most of the smaller chicks’ food and knocks the chicks out of the nest. Today at least 150 species of North American bird nannies are known to be parasitized by Brown-headed Cowbirds who leave their eggs in other bird’s nests to raise. Its little wonder that people have asked that the Brown-headed Cowbird be put on ‘the most wanted list’.

        Birds are forever fascinating. If you would like to learn more, you are welcome to come to our monthly meetings and outings. Public is always welcome.  Brenda Rusnell is the artist this week. For questions about birds or upcoming events, please call 435 673-0996.

        For more information about birds or Red Cliffs Audubon activities call 435 673-0996 or visit our home page.  Past "Artists & Birds" articles are listed in the table below.