Birds of the Grand Calumet River basin

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

Yellow-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus americanus).--The distribution and occurrence of C. americanus is similar to that of the Black-billed Cuckoo. Summer records include the observation of lone birds at Roxanna Pond on 25 July 1987 (seen by author) and at Ivanhoe on 15 June 1991.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus).--Active B. virginianus nests have been observed in the cottonwoods along the Grand Calumet River in the USX Reach.

Common Nighthawk (Chordeiles minor).--Although this species does not nest on the floodplain, birds forage above the river throughout the summer. Records during the summer include two birds at Roxanna Pond on 21 July 1988 (seen by author) and one on the DuPont property on 11 July 1991.

Chimney Swift (Chaetura pelagica).--Although the floodplain probably contains no appropriate nesting habitat for C. pelagica, the species is frequently seen foraging above the Grand Calumet channel and nearby ponds. A peak summer count of 20 individuals was observed over Roxanna Pond on 23 June 1990.

Belted Kingfisher (Ceryle alcyon).--The kingfisher is seen occasionally along the channel, and the species may nest in sandy embankments on the floodplain. Summer records include three at Bongi Pond, three at Roxanna Pond, two at the Cline Avenue bridge, and one at DuPont.

Downy Woodpecker (Picoides pubescens).--Although nesting has not been confirmed on the floodplain, P. pubescens is occasionally observed foraging in the marshes and scrubby vegetation of the floodplain during the summer. One was noted at the DuPont marsh on 25 June 1991, and two were seen at that location on 11 July 1991.

Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus).--This species has been observed foraging in scrubby vegetation on the floodplain and in the oak savanna habitat on the DuPont property. The Northern Flicker was recorded at the latter site on 7 June and 11 July 1991.

Willow Flycatcher (Empidonax traillii).--Empidonax traillii is sighted regularly during the summer and very likely breeds in the floodplain marshes. Summer period records include five birds at DuPont and three at Roxanna Pond. The peak count was three at DuPont on 25 June 1991.

Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus).--The kingbird probably breeds locally on the floodplain, where it is seen regularly during the summer. Breeding period records include eight birds on the DuPont property during the summer of 1991 and singletons at Roxanna Pond in 1985, 1986, and 1991 (seen by author).

Purple Martin (Progne subis).--This large swallow is occasionally observed foraging over the floodplain during the summer. In addition, late July pre-migratory flocks are sometimes noted on the power lines at the Grand Calumet Lagoons (e.g., 20 birds were seen on 25 July 1995).

Tree Swallow (Tachycineta bicolor).--A few individuals of T. bicolor very likely nest locally on the floodplain wherever the requisite cavities or nest boxes are available. Many others forage over the waterways and wetlands of the Grand Calumet River. Summer period records include seven birds at DuPont, four at Roxanna, and one at the Cline Avenue bridge.