I noticed a redstart the opposite morning, my first of fall migration. If I lived in one other hemisphere, I is perhaps speaking in regards to the Widespread Redstart or different chat species with a flash of pink within the tail. In Costa Rica, we have now a pair resident redstart species (that truly present white within the tail) however I can see them on any go to to montane habitats. The chook I watched the opposite day was the identical species that birders see within the maple and oak woodlands of jap North America, the identical species I generally noticed throughout so many previous migrations, spring and fall.
I nonetheless recall the primary ones I noticed, a number of feminine or younger male birds flitting between the pine trunks at a campground in Alleghany State Park, the southern tier of New York state. I should have been petty younger, was most likely round 9. I watched them for a while, they have been tame and so they have been lifer redstarts! And but, they did not have pink, that they had yellow. I nonetheless recall pondering that, as if not seeing a depraved Halloween male with pink in its plumage nonetheless counted. I shortly accepted that it in fact did, that my sighting of these American Redstarts was legitimate. Since these early Nineteen Eighties days, I have been blessed to see lots of in varied locations.
In Costa Rica, I do not see almost as many however there are at all times a number of, right here and there. On their wintering grounds, they will happen in second development, forest, and different habitats, I suppose any leafy and buggy place will do. Possibly that is why they’re typically in mangroves? Strive some winter Costa Rica birding in that habitat and you may most likely see a number of redstarts among the many many Prothonotary Warblers and tail dipping Northern Waterthrushes.
The one I noticed the opposite day was a younger male foraging out again, utilizing an vital riparian zone in city environment. All habitat is vital, particularly throughout these essential Anthropocene occasions however wooded riparian zones close to homes and farms appear to be particularly wanted. The one out again acts as an city refuge for wren species, Crimson-crowned Ant-Tanager, Barred Antshrike, and lots of different birds. It is also utilized by migrant species. For migrants, all inexperienced area is nice and this spot is not any exception. I’ve seen species of concern; Cerulean and Golden-winged Warblers, Olive-sided Flycatcherand a number of other different birds that survived the lengthy journey from hundreds of kilometers to the north.
“American Redstart (immature male)” by Becky Matsubara is licensed below CC BY 2.0.
The truth that they use this and different wooded zones makes such locations extraordinarily vital however they’re additionally important as a result of folks want nature, now greater than ever. These ribbons of inexperienced are additionally streams of gold brocade, pure treasures and but too typically missed and sadly ignored by eyes skilled for tv, tablets, and solid plastic. Such trendy imaginative and prescient is concentrated on a false path to happiness. For long run survival and wellbeing, we have to get extra folks refocused on nature close to them, assist them understand that they’re linked to and depend on wholesome ecosystems.
Possibly they may relearn that connection by watching the antics of an American Redstart?
The opposite morning, together with a Crimson-eyed Vireo seen a minute after, that American Redstart was the primary fall passerine migrant out again. I’m wondering what else will seem? I hope to see extra, I will be watching.
The characteristic picture on this publish was taken by Jose Amorin. Please see picture info and a hyperlink to his pictures right here:
“Setophaga ruticilla – American Redstart” by J. Amorin is licensed below CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
