The Spring Migration
Posted: Mon Apr 03, 2017 2:30 am
It is that time of year when the birds are moving to or through depending on where you are. I have been on the road this week to Louisville and through Cincinnati on my way back. They had green grass and blossoms on trees down there and it got me in the mood to start watching for birds to arrive, and especially some that may be just passing through.
Last year around this time we had a loon on our lake. I will see them around here on their trip up north on rare occasion. I thought it was a treat, and a few neighbors who I rarely see on the lake, were like yeh we see them all the time. Right.
Anyway, yesterday my neighbor Ann asked what was up in the bare cottonwood, and I said that is a cedar waxwing. Went to grab the binocs and it flew off, but it was definitely a waxwing, grabbed the bird book and showed them and they agreed.
So yesterday I was at the kitchen sink looking to the canal and I see a beaver swimming up the canal. Today I am looking for birds, just saw an eastern phoebe out the kitchen window, not to be confused with a slate colored junco. Junco's have a seed cracking beak like a sparrow, while the phoebes have longer dark beaks and a head like a mini flycatcher, and longer tails, while we are at it. Stepping on the front porch a sterling, a few robins, and the usual nuthatches and chickadees.
So, I may take a ride across the lake and go for a stroll. Then I will add to my list. With the leaves off of the trees, and the migration upon us this is the best time of year for bird watching.
If you decide to chime in on your findings, please put your location if it is not in your signature. It really helps to know where you are seeing things.
Last year around this time we had a loon on our lake. I will see them around here on their trip up north on rare occasion. I thought it was a treat, and a few neighbors who I rarely see on the lake, were like yeh we see them all the time. Right.
Anyway, yesterday my neighbor Ann asked what was up in the bare cottonwood, and I said that is a cedar waxwing. Went to grab the binocs and it flew off, but it was definitely a waxwing, grabbed the bird book and showed them and they agreed.
So yesterday I was at the kitchen sink looking to the canal and I see a beaver swimming up the canal. Today I am looking for birds, just saw an eastern phoebe out the kitchen window, not to be confused with a slate colored junco. Junco's have a seed cracking beak like a sparrow, while the phoebes have longer dark beaks and a head like a mini flycatcher, and longer tails, while we are at it. Stepping on the front porch a sterling, a few robins, and the usual nuthatches and chickadees.
So, I may take a ride across the lake and go for a stroll. Then I will add to my list. With the leaves off of the trees, and the migration upon us this is the best time of year for bird watching.
If you decide to chime in on your findings, please put your location if it is not in your signature. It really helps to know where you are seeing things.