After the terrible winter we had, any excuse for being outdoors is welcome. Fresh air is the best cure for cabin fever. So our monthly birdwalk was perfect medicine for 17 deprived birders. It was officially spring. The birds knew. People sensed it. Even the weather was spring like. Everything combined for a pleasant morning walk.
The official tally of birds seen was 38 species, a nice total. Many of these were the same winter hardy species we have been seeing for the past few months – wintering ducks, Juncos, White-throated Sparrows, Cardinals.
But we also celebrated the return of several early spring arrivals, friends who had travel south for winter and were just now returning home. Friends we haven’t seen for months.
Early Spring Arrivals : E. Phoebe, E. Wood Pewee, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Tree Swallow, Great Egret,
Waterfowl: Mute Swan, Canada Goose, Mallard, N. Shoveler, Hooded Merganser, Red-breasted Merganser, Double-crested Cormorant, Gadwall,
Backyard Birds: Cardinal, Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, Robin, Mourning Dove, Blue Jay, House Sparrow, Goldfinch
Woodpeckers: Downy, Hairy, Red-bellied
Birds of Prey: Osprey, Red-tailed Hawk
Common Birds: Grackle, Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Ring-billed Gull
Others: Great Blue Heron, Brown Creeper, Song Sparrow, Carolina Wren, Junco, White-throated Sparrow.
No single sighting or species stood out above the crowd. The real highlight of the day was the return of spring and (hopefully) the end of winter.
Particpants included: Avril Armstrong, Billy and Joanne, Bill Anderson, Johnny, May, Bernadette, Issac, Fred and Liz, Don and Sue, Sandy, Larry & daughter,
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