This morning early as we hiked up the wooded trail, dog and I, the sun was out and the air was warm. Warm for the time of day, that is—and not long after, just plain warm. And that warmth drew the insects out. And the insects drew the warblers (and other birds).
My count today—much to my surprise—topped my previous count for the year (by one). Plus, I had two first-of-year birds: Chestnut-sided Warbler and Northern Parula.
Returning down the trail, in fact, we encountered a little warbler fallout—yellow-rump, black-throated green, parula. How fun the next few days will be.
(Also got a pretty nice photo of my favorite sparrow.)
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:04 a.m. real time (7:04 DST), I hiked all trails.
The weather hasn’t been friendly for spring migration—winds from the north and northwest, rain and chill unconducive to flies and insects, etc. But today the sun emerged for the first time in a good while, and a few birds managed to begin moving through our hiking patch, dog and me.
Notable on this sunny morn was a first-of-year Ovenbird (ID’d only after I’d listened to my GoPro footage) and first-blooming Trout Lilies.
The winds won’t be overly friendly for the next few (several?) days, but it won’t be long before a rush of new migrants arrive. I’ll be leading a bird walk at Beech Hill in a few days, and my hope is things will be hoppin’ by then. We shall see.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:28 a.m. real time (7:28 DST), I hiked all trails.
Another gray, chilly, wet, muddy hike with dog. More species than yesterday (although no first-of-year birds), and more greening things and other signs of impending spring. For instance, Trout Lily buds are just waiting for a glimpse of sunshine to quickly blossom.
I wonder what the trigger is? Likely a combination of time of year, weather conditions, and chance. Whatever the case, this trigger is about to get pulled—I can just tell.
Tomorrow should be drier, with a little flash of sun.
Beech Hill List Beginning at 6:41 a.m. real time (7:41 DST), I hiked all trails.
