Eggs in a Nest: Bernd Heinrich talks Birds at Craftsbury

Blue-headed vireo snug in its nest

Tree swallow’s nest lined with wood duck, great horned owl and blue grouse feathers

Female yellow-shafted flicker feeding her nestlings

Young flicker almost ready to fledge

Noted naturalist, biologist and author, Dr. Bernd Heinrich spoke to a crowd Monday night in the Dining Hall on a dark and stormy night. Amid flashes of lightning and with nearby trees crashing down in the violent winds, Dr. Heinrich transfixed his audience with his tales of nests, egg coloration and the egg dumping exploits of cowbirds.

Among his stories, he related how a yellow-shafted flicker pair excavated a nest cavity in the side of his house in Maine. By removing an interior portion of the wall and replacing it with glass, Dr. Heinrich was able to observe the nest from egg laying all the way to the fledging of the 7 nestlings. His descriptions of the fierce inter-fledgling struggles to be first in line for feeding were a solid reminder of how unforgiving it can be for birds to survive to adulthood.It's always a treat when Bernd joins us, and this time was no exception. Thanks Bernd for sharing your passion and knowledge with all the Craftsbury community!