Date:         Thu, 29 Mar 2001 19:18:18 -0500
Reply-To:     Marjorie Clark <mjclark@DARIENTEL.NET>
Sender:       Georgia Birders Online <GABO-L@LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
From:         Marjorie Clark <mjclark@DARIENTEL.NET>
Subject:      Roosting Prairie Warbler
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I have just had the most incredible experience of watching a Prairie Warbler
choose its roosting site and then putting itself to"bed".  It flew into one
of the lower branches of a male American Holly that is completely covered
with clusters of yellowish flowers.  With its tail pumping, it chose a small
branch that was covered directly above it with the densest leaves and
flowers.  It proceded with a bit of grooming (preening) and then tucked its
head under its left wing and became a ball of yellow fluff except for the
black stripes along its sides and its tail.  Its little black feet locked
down securely on the small branch so that when a Chickadee flew
chickadee-dee ing right over its roost it hardly moved except to show its
lovely head with the distinctive black eye and cheek markings.  Then it went
right back to sleep and just got fluffier and fluffier. Even when a
beautiful Brown Thrasher flew nearby it just sort of shook itself and then
settled right back down.  I hated to bid it "good night" but it was getting
quite dark.
I have a question.  If one sees a Rock Dove (domestic pigeon) that is
banded, should this fact be reported to someone?  Today one appeared across
our street shortly after a heavy, blowing rain.  It was wearing a light blue
band on its right leg and a light orange band on its left leg.  It stayed
around for about two hours eating whatever was on the ground and then
disappeared.

Marjorie Clark
mjclark@darientel.net