If you’ve wandered through the prairies at Faville Grove in summer, especially along Prairie Lane, chances are you’ve heard a buzzy, rhythmic “see-see, dic-dic, ciss-ciss-ciss,” ringing from the tops of prairie plants.
Typical of this small, fast-moving denizen of the treetops, our gnatcatcher led us to the spot where he and his mate were busy constructing their nest, a compact cup positioned on the top of a limb and resembling a tree knot.
While their more famous cousin, the Baltimore Oriole, gets most of the backyard bird buzz, Orchard Orioles offer a subtler, equally rewarding spectacle.
Birding by ear is a wonderful way to enjoy the birds around us—and it takes a LOT of practice! This weekly series is a great way to help you get to know bird songs and calls, one species at a time.