Embark on a journey through the Shenandoah Valley's wilderness, where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the vibrant pulse of life today. In the early 1700s, intrepid explorers marveled at the many creatures that roamed the land. However, as European settlers carved out their homesteads, introduced domestic animals, and pursued game, the once-abundant populations began to dwindle.
By the late 1800s, the thundering herds of American bison were but a memory, followed by the haunting absence of elk in 1855. Beaver and river otters slipped silently into oblivion, while wolves, cougars, deer, turkeys, bears, and bobcats faced the relentless march of extinction or steep decline. However, through reintroductions and natural population recovery, Shenandoah's wilderness has become a thriving sanctuary for a remarkable array of fauna.
Today, as the Shenandoah National Park stands as a testament to conservation efforts, it provides refuge for over 190 species of birds, more than 50 mammal species, over 20 reptiles and amphibians, and around 40 fish species. Additionally, countless insects, spiders, and other invertebrates call this biodiverse haven home. Part 1 of "Discovering Wildlife in Shenandoah National Park" will introduce the 4 amazing bird species for you.
1. Scarlet Tanager
The Scarlet Tanager, though resplendent in its crimson plumage, remains a rare sight, concealed within the upper canopy of trees where it methodically forages for sustenance. It is often mistaken for the calls of the Robin or Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Physically, the Scarlet Tanager dazzles with its vibrant red body and contrasting black wings and tail during the breeding season. Uniquely among Neotropical tanagers, its plumage undergoes seasonal changes. Females and immature males don an olive hue, while winter males sport a subdued palette. These birds measure approximately 7 inches (18 cm) in length.
Breeding pairs nest high above the ground on sturdy branches, fashioning their homes from woven twigs and grass. Courtship dances unfold amidst the branches, with males displaying scarlet backs to entice potential mates. Eggs, typically four in number, hatch after a fortnight of incubation, with both parents aiding in chick-rearing.
The Scarlet Tanager's range spans from southeastern Canada to the southern United States, favoring mixed deciduous forests enriched with hemlocks and pines. Their migration sees them traversing from South America to North America, arriving in March and peaking in April. Throughout, they fend off predators like owls and snakes while contributing to ecosystem balance by consuming insects.
2. Cerulean Warbler
Once thriving in the lower Mississippi Valley, the Cerulean Warbler's population has dwindled due to habitat loss. Despite this decline, remnants of these beautiful birds still grace Shenandoah National Park. Easily recognized by their thin, pointed bills and distinctive wide white wing bars, both male and female Cerulean Warblers are about four inches in length, though their appearances differ significantly.
Adult males boast a bluish hue with black streaks, while females and juveniles exhibit a bluish-green upper body and a yellowish-white underside. Nest construction falls to the females, who craft open-cup nests on horizontal branches, concealed by foliage. Monogamous by nature, they raise a single brood per breeding season, typically consisting of 3-5 eggs. Cerulean Warblers play a crucial role in controlling forest pests by feasting on insects like caterpillars and moths.
Found in mature forested regions with tall broad-leaved trees, Cerulean Warblers undertake a vast migration, spanning from the Great Lakes to South America. Their vocalizations, marked by rapid buzzy notes, resonate through the forest.
3. Downy Woodpecker
Downy Woodpeckers, known colloquially as “Downys,” are year-round residents of Shenandoah National Park and are prevalent throughout their range, often observed at suet feeders during winter. Despite being the smallest American woodpecker, they hold the most common title. Their presence in Shenandoah during winter is notable, as they are among the few bird species frequently spotted in the colder months.
Measuring between 6 and 7 inches in length with a wingspan of 10 to 12 inches, Downy Woodpeckers exhibit distinctive black and white plumage with a white breast and a touch of red on the males' nape. Often mistaken for the larger Hairy Woodpecker due to similar markings, Downys are relatively short-lived, with a median lifespan of one to two years. However, exceptional individuals have been recorded living up to twelve years, showcasing their resilience.
Nesting in tree cavities without lining, Downy Woodpeckers typically produce broods of 3 to 6 eggs, although few young survive their vulnerable early stages. Their habitat spans across the United States, favoring open deciduous forests, parks, and suburban areas. They can be endangered by predators like hawks and snakes, but their populations remain stable, contributing to ecosystem balance by consuming vast numbers of insects, including wood-boring beetles. While suet feeders attract them in suburban areas, in the wild, Downys primarily feed on insects and grubs found beneath the bark and on plant stems.
4. Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine falcons, renowned for their global presence and historical significance in falconry, have faced significant challenges recently. Once widespread across the world, excluding Antarctica, their populations dwindled drastically in the eastern United States from the 1940s to the 1960s due to the pervasive use of the pesticide DDT. Accumulating in the falcons' systems through contaminated prey, DDT disrupted calcium production, resulting in thin-shelled eggs prone to breaking.
Peregrines image a striking appearance, with slate blue backs, speckled white breasts, and distinct black "sideburns" beneath each eye. Females, larger than males, boast wingspans exceeding three feet. Starting as fluffy white chicks, they quickly grow into formidable hunters, doubling their weight within six days and reaching nearly full size in seven weeks. Breeding typically begins around three years of age, with elaborate aerial displays by males to court females. Nesting on high cliffs overlooking rivers and valleys, their breeding sites, known as "scrapes," are often simple depressions in gravel, though urban structures have increasingly become alternative nesting sites.
Masters of the skies, peregrines soar at high speeds, reaching over 60 mph in level flight and exceeding 150 mph in stooping dives. Their diet varies with location, from shorebirds along coastal regions to medium-sized birds in urban areas. Mortality for young falcons in their first year is roughly 50%, with primary threats including large windows, utility lines, owl predation, and starvation. Other threats throughout a peregrine's life include pesticide ingestion (primarily DDT through prey from Central or South America), poisoning (e.g. urban prey such as pigeons), West Nile disease, and illegal harvest.
In there, it has 190 species of birds, the list above is just a tiny part of the rich flora and fauna of Shenandoah National Park. You can explore more in the video below.
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