Sora has returned!

Sometimes I wonder about the folks who write the birding reference books.  Most of the times, the information is highly correct but then..I get a bird here on the Bayou that is all out of kilter!  According to every bird book I checked, the Sora is supposed to be long-gone from this area before late spring.  The bird might make an appearance in the winter but it should migrate north of here to breed.  Here it is summer and my little friend has dropped in for another visit!  I was so happy to see the little guy!  The Sora is easy to identify as it looks nothing like any of the other shore birds.  It has a very distinctive bill which makes it stand out in the crowd!  Each time I have seen it, this bill is what catches my attention.  You see, it is bright yellow!

While I was watching the Sora, I noticed that it was feeding on the smallest of Fiddler Crabs.  It would dart back and forth over the mud chasing the crabs trying to catch one before they would disappear down their holes.  Each time, it would choose one that was a smaller crab without the large "fiddle" claw.  If by mistake, a large one was captured, the Sora would hold the crab with its foot and proceed to rip the large claw from the body.  Only then would the bird devour the crustacean.  The claw would be discarded to the wayside and the chase would begin again!  Over and over, the bird would aim for the small, clawless crabs.  Perhaps the large claws were just too difficult to swallow and too much trouble to crack.  For several mornings, the bird stayed close to the pier.  It would eye me cautiously for a few minutes before turning its attention back to the task at hand.  I would then settle in to watch the show.

Another bit of confusing or misleading information in the bird books..the Sora is found in freshwater marshes.  The last time I checked, the marsh around the Bayou is a saltwater marsh.  My little Sora seems to enjoy its romp in the salt marshes.  It, also, seems to enjoy its game of "Hide and Seek" with me.  Many times it stays partially hidden in the thick of the marsh.  It will poke its head out just enough to let me know it is in the territory but will scurry back into the depths of the Bayou if it feels invaded.  A very secretive, little bird, I feel quite honored that it allows me to photograph it at times.  Its fickleness makes these times rare so I have to be ready when it decides to come out into the open!  Sora, Sora,  you make me smile!  I am glad you visit the salt marshes of the Bayou!

Another Treasure of the Deep South

Just mention the Deep South and automatically a number of things pop into the mind. There is a certain nostalgia about moss-covered oak trees, screened porches, Southern drawls, magnolia trees, jasmine and of course, mimosa trees! It seems that you cannot take a drive anywhere without seeing the lovely mimosa trees. They are in most every yard, along the sides of the road, on vacant lots and growing wild just about everywhere imaginable. The tree, itself, is interesting enough with its sprawling branches that almost make it seem to be multiple trees fused into one and its habit of closing its leaves for the night..but those blooms! Those wonderfully sweet smelling blooms that lend just enough perfume to the night air to make you long for a porch swing! I can remember climbing up in the mimosa tree at my aunt and uncle's house. My cousin and I would scamper up the branches like two little squirrels to pick the pink, puffy blossoms. There we would sit, sniffing our little bouquets! Memories!

The mimosa trees are in full bloom on the Bayou. Today when I was out roaming the hill, I could hear the tree buzzing! The pink blossoms are sending out their delightful aroma and are calling all of the honeybees from miles around it seems. It is a positive outlook when the honeybees are happy! I have been contemplating getting a few beehives so it is nice to know that the mimosa trees will provide a ready source of pollen! I have heard tell that honey will take on a bit of the flavor and aroma from whatever flowers the bees visit..oh my goodness..wouldn't that be quite the interesting honey for pancakes!

I also noticed a new visitor to the Bayou this evening. A small marsh bird that has not made its presence know before this week. If I am identifying this bird correctly, it is a Sora. The Sora usually is around fresh water, not in a saltmarsh. But it seemed to be quite happily nipping up the bull minnows in the tidal pools, so I suppose it will be ok. This tiny bird reminds me of a miniature King Rail. It is very timid, darting in and out of the marsh. It is such a cute little crackerjack that I hope it decides to stay even though according to the bird books, it is just a winter visitor. Hmmm..a bit late there, Sora!