The Dickcissel migrates from South America primarily to the midwest U.S. in the spring, and back to South America in the fall. They breed primarily in the midwestern plains, preferring large fields with high grasses and thick, brushy edges. This spring several pairs of these beautiful birds have nested here in eastern North Carolina in a large field near the Tar River and Greenville, NC. They were first seen here 3 years ago, but there was no observed evidence of breeding until this year.
They chose a nest site in thick brush along a drainage ditch crossing the field. The nest was located near the ground in the center of the brush. The female’s comings and goings were easily observable. The male is very verbal and constantly watching and protecting the family. As the female feeds the brood, the male sits atop surrounding bush tops and shoos away any intruders and communicates to the female. All intruders/rivals are challenged and run away. This visibility made it very easy to capture the pictures you will see below. The 3 chicks were in the nest about twelve days, then they began to climb out onto the branches above the nest, requiring mom to seek out each one for feeding. This became an increasing chore as each chick moved farther and farther away from the nest. Eventually mom was required to feed out in the surrounding field area. Soon, the chicks were flying around the area. Getting photos of this whole process was amazing! It was a rare treat and was my first experience with this rare bird in our area of the country. While rare, it is not surprising because the habitat in this field is exactly like much of the midwest habitat. I look forward to their return next year! Enjoy the pictures below.
They chose a nest site in thick brush along a drainage ditch crossing the field. The nest was located near the ground in the center of the brush. The female’s comings and goings were easily observable. The male is very verbal and constantly watching and protecting the family. As the female feeds the brood, the male sits atop surrounding bush tops and shoos away any intruders and communicates to the female. All intruders/rivals are challenged and run away. This visibility made it very easy to capture the pictures you will see below. The 3 chicks were in the nest about twelve days, then they began to climb out onto the branches above the nest, requiring mom to seek out each one for feeding. This became an increasing chore as each chick moved farther and farther away from the nest. Eventually mom was required to feed out in the surrounding field area. Soon, the chicks were flying around the area. Getting photos of this whole process was amazing! It was a rare treat and was my first experience with this rare bird in our area of the country. While rare, it is not surprising because the habitat in this field is exactly like much of the midwest habitat. I look forward to their return next year! Enjoy the pictures below.
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