Palm Warbler
I’m sorry I promised you a spring report from our front yard and the surrounding woods last week but an ongoing project kept me busy and any photography activities are put on the back burner right now. Nevertheless, there is a lot going on, starting early in the morning with the gobble calls from the Wild Turkeys in the woods and the chatter of countless goldfinches and other little ground feeders. It’s just pure joy to sit on the front porch, listen to all the birds, and making a few clicks with the camera. Here are some photos, telling us the story, spring is here in full swing.
Palm Warblers are early migrators. They spend the winter in a narrow strip along the southeastern United States and in the Caribbean. Their breeding grounds are in Canada, and in the northern parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. This little guy flew in and even visited our sunflower seed feeder.
White-throated Sparrow
Since about two weeks we see at least four White-throated Sparrows in the yard. They feed always on the ground below bird feeders. It’s not uncommon to see a couple sometimes during winter time, but it’s the first time for us that so many stay here for so long.
Chipping Sparrow
First there is the loud thrilling call of this tiny pretty sparrow. I heard one for several days but didn’t see it. I call them my ”spring indicator” and always wonder where did they spent the winter? Some fly south to Mexico while others spend the non-breeding season in Florida. By the way, the same day my ”winter indicators”, the Dark-eyed Juncos, were still present as well. It’s going to freeze again tonight. No wonder the juncos are not in a hurry to move up north…
American Robin
The American Robin is a bird that is around here all-season. While during the winter time they congregate in large flocks, now the pairs are busy with nesting activities. The dry grass in the yard was easy to find and the female will build the nest from the inside out, pressing dead grass and twigs into a cup shape using the wrist of one wing (source: allaboutbirds.org). There are several pairs present but non started to build a nest on our balcony yet, as they sometimes do. Will see, robins can have up to 3 broods per year…
I hope my little report encourages you to get out with your camera and catch the spring activities around your neighborhood. I look forward to see your photos, wherever you post them…