Birds of the Grand Calumet River basin

Proceedings of the Indiana Academy of Science, Wntr-Fall, 1999 by Kenneth J. Brock

Indigo Bunting (Passerina cyanea).--This colorful species is a common summer resident in the woods of the Grand Calumet River Basin. Summer records have come from Roxanna Pond, the DuPont property, and the Cline Avenue bridge.

Eastern Towhee (Pipilo erythrophthalmus).--The towhee nests in oak savanna habitat on the floodplain. A young bird in fresh juvenile plumage was seen on the DuPont property on 25 June 1991.

Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia).--This sparrow is a common summer resident on the floodplain, where I assume it breeds. The peak count was seven song sparrows on the DuPont property on 11 July 1991.

Swamp Sparrow (Melospiza georgiana).--Melospiza georgiana is a fairly common floodplain resident during the summer, and multiple reports have been made from both Roxanna Pond and the DuPont property. The peak count was two at the DuPont site on 25 June 1991.

Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus).--The Red-winged Blackbird is an abundant breeding species in the floodplain marshes. The species is present at virtually any site that supports substantial cattail growth. A peak summer count of 17 was recorded on the DuPont property on 11 July 1991.

Yellow-headed Blackbird (Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus).--This species, which is currently listed among Indiana's threatened birds, formerly nested on the Grand Calumet River floodplain. Yellow-headed Blackbirds are now believed to be absent as a breeding species from all of Indiana. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus nested at Roxanna Pond in 1984 (at least two pair), 1985 (at least one pair), and 1986 (at least one pair). At least one pair nested in the cattails just east of the Kennedy Avenue bridge (DuPont Reach) in 1986 and 1987.

Common Grackle (Quiscalus quiscula).-- Foraging grackles are common on the floodplain during the summer. The peak summer count was nine at the DuPont site on 7 June 1991.

Brown-headed Cowbird (Molothrusater).--Small numbers of this widespread nest parasite are common along the floodplain during the summer. The peak count was two at DuPont on 11 July 1991.

Baltimore Oriole (Icterus galbula).--Although the Grand Calumet River Basin provides sub-optimal breeding habitat for I. galbula, a few individuals of this species probably nest in isolated trees along the floodplain margin. One bird was recorded at DuPont on 11 July 1991.

House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus).-- Beginning in the early 1980's, C. mexicanus invaded the Calumet region. The species is now a common resident throughout the year. Birds have been recorded at Roxanna Pond, DuPont, and the Cline Avenue bridge during the summer.

American Goldfinch (Carduelis tristis).-- Carduelis tristis is a common summer resident that almost certainly breeds in the marshes along the Grand Calumet River. The peak summer count was five birds at the DuPont marsh on 11 July 1991.

House Sparrow (Passer domesticus).-- This species nests abundantly in the suburban and industrial areas adjacent to the river. Foraging birds frequently appear along the floodplain in the summer.