HONOR'S HAVEN NATURE ALMANAC 2

Date: 04. 19. 2010

Two of the more colorful birds at Honor's Haven are the bluejay and the bluebird. As the names imply both birds are blue, but that is where the similarity ends. The bluejay is somewhat larger with a crest similar to a cardinal. They tend to be quite aggressive. Their normal call is often raucous and loud. I say normal because they often imitate other birds such as the Red-shouldered hawk. In addition, both male and female are similar in color.

In contrast the male bluebird is much brighter in color than the female. Nor is it so raucous with its call, but has a quieter and more melodious tone. The male’s breast is also red in contrast to the bluejay's white breast. While both are blue, when the sun shines on the male bluebird, its blue becomes iridescent. Both can be seen at Honor's Haven at this time of year. The bluejays can be seen almost anywhere there are trees and are usually heard before they are seen, whereas the blue birds are usually seen near the Sandburg Creek.

One other animal you might see, especially if you are up early and walk around the pond is a muskrat. Muskrats look like a small beaver with a long narrow tail instead of a round flat tail. There are beavers on Honor's Haven property, but they tend to stay in the Sandburg Creek. Evidence of their work can be seen in the picture on the right. The muskrat however can be seen the pond and in the picture below. Enjoy the great outdoors while you are here. You never know what you might see.