The Rhythm of Spring
We are fully into spring and the awakening of the earth. The birds feel the pull northward to their breeding grounds and the earth is warming up enough for ephemeral shoots to emerge. I have been enjoying it so much, even amid the cold damp weather that I forgot to write a post for my blog's 1st anniversary. It has come and gone, but no matter, I tend to write when I feel like it and that is fine by me.
Today I was thinking about the way that the migrating birds come in waves. The vanguards of this push are the American Robins and Red Winged Blackbirds, for me they indicate that winter is waning and spring is on its way. Turkey Vultures are next as they gracefully soar above us in numbers.
Eastern Phoebe and Golden and then Ruby Crowned Kinglets have come back about a month ago, along with the Fox Sparrow and Yellow Bellied Sapsucker. Belted Kingfisher come in as well, though some will overwinter if the conditions are right. Right now we are experiencing a visible migration of Hermit Thrush and Blue Jays! Masses of Blue Jays flying overhead during the day. Killdeer have been back in numbers, migrating at night. Yellow Rumped Warblers as well as Pine and Palm warblers are arriving now. This time of year it seems overwhelming to see the masses of birds arriving,, but in reality they do follow a strict schedule and will flock with other similar species. Large numbers of Northern Flickers have arrived as well. Eastern Towhee are everywhere now! I saw my FOY Northern Yellow Warbler the other day at Wawanosh, looking forward to others moving through and some staying to breed like American Redstart and Common Yellowthroat amongst others. You really know that the warm weather is here when the aerial foragers such as the swallows and Nighthawks are back!
The last of the Dark eyed Junco's and American Tree Sparrow have moved on from our feeders here where they overwintered to their north woods breeding grounds.
Next will be the Oriole's , Rose breasted Grosbeak , Flycatchers and Vireos, and of course the Ruby Throated Hummingbirds!
The waterfowl have been quietly moving as well. We no longer see the Long Tailed Duck and Glaucous and Iceland gulls on the bay. They have been outnumbered by Common Loon and Red breasted Mergansers. Bufflehead, Hooded Mergansers, Common Mergansers, American Wigeon, American Black Duck, Wood Duck, Gadwall, Green and Blue winged teal are returning to their breeding grounds on inland lakes and rivers.
In our wetlands and sewage lagoons I have been seeing American Coot, Virginia Rail, Common Gallinule and Sora.
Bonaparte's Gulls are making their brief but beautiful appearance on the bay, as well as the Common and Caspian Terns.
Nice to see one of the few raptors that migrate, the Osprey come back to the bay. Gorgeous fishing hawk.
The shorebirds have been appearing recently and I have been treated to good views of Greater Yellowlegs, Marbled Godwit, Dunlin, Pectoral Sandpiper and of course the ever present Killdeer! Can't forget one of my favourite shorebirds that lives in the forest the Common Woodcock!
The spring ephemeral wildflowers have been gorgeous this year. The White and Red Trillium, as well as Dutchman's Breeches and Spring Beauty and Trout Lily!
So excited to be able to go out and experience this season, hope to see you out there!
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