Kip’s Comments - February 9, 2025

Questioning Instincts and Early Birds

Most living creatures, including humans, survive to some extent by following instincts. Humans often tend to override their instincts, but we do have them. Animals follow their instincts with much more intensity.

With each subsequent generation a species’ instincts are modified based on external conditions and lessons learned. If instincts change based on external conditions - such as global warming or climate change - how long does it take young species to recognize those changes. Specifically I am wondering about trumpeter swans.

This year, more than any other, I am seeing impressive flocks of swans wintering in our area. Open water has been limited by ice. Temperatures have been cold. Yet, the swans have not moved away to more accepting climates.

When I study the flocks, I am seeing swans of all ages. Is it possible that some of the birds we are seeing on the limited open water or feeding in fields have never migrated, even short distances? If that is accurate, do those same birds know how or where if migration is necessary due to extended cold, snow and ice? Might the migration process have to be re-learned if we ever return to typical snowy winter conditions where open water and food are nearly impossible to find? I am curious about the complexities of instincts.

On to another topic - Today I found two males and one female eastern bluebird. Like American robins, bluebirds are in the thrush family. We often think robins and bluebirds migrate during the winter. The reality is that they may not go too far. Still, I think February 9 is the earliest I have ever seen bluebirds in our corner of Iowa.

Eastern Bluebirds in February - Image 942061

Eastern Bluebird in February - Image 942062

That I even noticed the bluebirds was a surprise. They were on the opposite side of a little pond. I watched them move into the adjacent timber and intercepted them on the back side for photos. Oh how I wish there were wildflower blossoms to photograph too, along with these colorful birds of spring.

Eastern Bluebird in February - Image 942089

Eastern Bluebird in February - Image 942125

Eastern Bluebird in February - Image 942168