More May Birds

Black-throated Blue Warbler, Yellow Warbler, Baltimore Oriole, Rose-breasted Grosbeak

The best trails are the ones that go through a variety of animal and bird habitats. One of my local favourites is along a river that meanders beside forests, mud flats, old orchards, marshes and creeks. The eagle nest is high above the river where Kingfishers, water birds and gulls are also seen. An old orchard marks the edge of a farm that is now an urban subdivision. Baltimore and Orchard Orioles, Rose-breasted Grosbeaks, Catbirds, woodpeckers and warblers are easy to see in this area.

Eastern Bluebird, Eastern Kingbird, Chipping Sparrow, Grey Catbird (backlit photo)

Meadows are home to Bobolinks, Bluebirds, a variety of sparrows, larks and fly-catching birds like Eastern Kingbirds. Our most familiar birds have adapted to urban environments and I enjoy them as much as the less commonly seen birds. We have taken down our feeders for the season, but the garden, lawn and trees still attract nesting and feeding species.

Song Sparrow, American Coot, Belted Kingfisher (f), Greater Yellowlegs, Solitary Sandpiper

Spring is the best time for birding as this is when birds are generally in their brightest mating plumages. The males are acting territorially with loud singing and displays. And leaves on the trees are still small, making the birds easier to see. Many species are passing through on their way to destinations further north.  We hope to spend a week a few hours north of home this summer and it will be interesting to explore a different variety of habitats. Here is hoping that vacations will be allowed by then!