Date: 5/6/25 9:30 am From: PAUL ROBERTS <phawk254...> Subject: [MASSBIRD] RFI: Shrew Bacchanalia at Plum Island
No, this isn't a request for a recipe for some sort of exotic mammal stew. It is a request anyone who sees a Northern Short-tailed Shrew Bacchanalia at Plum Island over the next several weeks to call, text, or email me when and where you are seeing it or saw it. (Ideally in real time and I might be on the island with a chance to see and video it.) Last year in mid-May a stranger reported seeing 40-50 mice running around in the leaf litter on the Hellcat marsh trail. He gave me directions and then walked back to be sure we saw it. It was a very slow day for migrant passerines, but suddenly we saw dozens of short-tailed shrews running erratically over, under and around the leaf litter. It was a micro explosion of frenetic energy release by very small rodents on very short legs, and apparently very poor vision. I foolishly tried to photograph them, but they were quicker than my brain or the shutter. If you see it, take running video of a specific spot and they will likely rush through your field of view. I've seen lots of small rodents in my life, but this was one of the most amazing mammal experiences I've ever had. Ironically, as I mentioned it to people, some of whom were strangers and others friends, several remarked that they had just seen something like that in Hellcat just that morning or earlier that week, but they had no idea what it was they were watching. Dave Brown, renowned Massachusetts tracker, said he was not aware of any papers or articles on this behavior, but he thought it was a spring mating ritual. Northern Short-tailed Shrews, which some think to be the the most abundant mammal in much of eastern North America, were apparently seeking mates. Shrews have very poor vision but incredible noses. When a female shrew enters estrus, ready for mating, males apparently pick up that scent and initiate immediate hectic nose-searches for that female, or any female in estrus. We saw only a rapid evacuation of the area (several square yards at least), suggesting that the female in question had moved under the boardwalk to a new area and all the apparently male shrews were in pursuit, literally following their noses. Over 50+ years I've spent many a May morning on the island and had never seen anything like this before. I'd like to see it again, and ideally video it. Whatever, keep your eyes open. The whole bacchanalia might last only a few minutes, especially if there is a strong breeze. Call me when you see it, so you can keep your eyes on the whole event. When it's over, text or email me where you saw it and when, and what you saw. I'd add that the same day last year I had two different Meadow Voles sitting out in the open in the marsh sunning and eating away as though they hadn't a care in the world. Perhaps Meadow Voles get a special spring mating fever. They mate pretty much every month the year, but I've never seen two Meadow Voles sunbathing and munching away before, without a care in the world. Usually they seem afraid of their own shadow, fearing that a Red-tailed or Cooper's hawk will spot them. I want to see warblers, but a shrew bacchanalia is much better than not seeing anything. Best, Paul Paul M. Roberts Medford, MA <phawk254...> 339-222-0197
