I was out with the dogs at lunch and heard the unmistakable sound of a Red Wing Black Bird.

The last two days I've had Blue Birds at my feeder.

A first for me.

What state are you guys seeing these birds?

Mocha: "What state are you guys seeing these birds?"

NW Indiana.

No sightings of migrating birds yet here in southern Minnesota.

But, there are plenty of signs the seasons are changing; flocks of crows are becoming more vocal and active. The woods are getting noisier from woodpeckers, nuthatches, cardinals and chickadees. We are now beyond the “dead of winter”. And that sun has some warmth to it!!

Bird houses are cleaned out and I installed several more today, for those wanting to make our location their home…

I love the seasonal changes!!

JW

The bird song and activity has really increased this past week with the longer daylight, stronger sun beams and puddles of water.
In the northland, Canada jays will be nesting and hatching young soon. Chickadees will start their funny courtship rituals. And our northern visitors will soon be headed for nesting territory in the arctic circle. We had some common redpolls at the feeder yesterday - expect them to be leaving soon!

I witnessed a flock of Canada geese heading north this morning. Maybe they are making a stop here before heading on? Or just staying put…

JW

Heard sandhill cranes on the move the last few days in the NW Chicago suburbs.

Tomster

For several days the cardinals have been calling in the morning, "what cheer, what cheer, Spring is near". Yesterday red wing blackbirds were at the feeder and back today with some ladies.

Grackles we’re flocked at the feeders today…

I saw three Trumpeter Swans flying close to the river in downtown Minneapolis the other day. Not sure if they went south for winter or not, but they have not been around here all winter. I regularly see migratory birds who stop downtown to visit, but this is the first time I've seen Trumpeters right downtown.

I just spent 5 days dispersed camping in Mittry Lake WIldlife Area 10 miles north of Yuma, AZ. Joint area managed by the BLM, AZ Fish and Game and others.
Wish I knew more about birds but every evening around sunset flocks of ducks/I think, would fly into the marsh. The ducks were fast and smallish, and in flocks from 30 -100 I would guess. I was close to Yuma Proving Grounds, military base and I, at first thought it was jets flying by. Then I looked up and saw these birds flying in somewhat of a formation heading for the interior of the marsh. I should know what they are but I let my birdig skills slide 30 years ago. They sounded like an aircraft was above me.

Mittry Lake Wildlife area.

LindenTree: "I just spent 5 days dispersed camping in Mittry Lake WIldlife Area 10 miles north of Yuma, AZ. Joint area managed by the BLM, AZ Fish and Game and others.
Wish I knew more about birds but every evening around sunset flocks of ducks/I think, would fly into the marsh. The ducks were fast and smallish, and in flocks from 30 -100 I would guess. I was close to Yuma Proving Grounds, military base and I, at first thought it was jets flying by. Then I looked up and saw these birds flying in somewhat of a formation heading for the interior of the marsh. I should know what they are but I let my birdig skills slide 30 years ago. They sounded like an aircraft was above me.


Mittry Lake Wildlife area. "

Most likely Teal, they winter in Mexico mostly.

Haven't had any new arrivals yet, as far as I can tell. In fact, I have seen a decline in the birds at my feeder. During the winter, I would go through 10 pounds of seed about every ten days. Now, I fill the feeder about every 3 days. Still have the occasional junco, but they all seem to have left. Had juncos all winter, along with a pair of blue jays, couple of cardinals, and the usual mix of chickadees and sparrows. On a different note, I added another albino squirrel coming onto my deck for a handout of peanuts (unsalted).

When birds disappear like that in my yard it usually means they are taking cover because something is hunting them, like a cat or Coopers hawk.

airmorse: "When birds disappear like that in my yard it usually means they are taking cover because something is hunting them, like a cat or Coopers hawk."

But these birds have been gone for over a week, maybe two. I do have a variety of raptors around, even a couple of eagles, but they aren't around continuously. It's like the bunch of them decided to relocate. I don't know, it is pretty strange. Heck, I even cleaned the feeder and everything. Time will tell, I guess.

Bearpath9: "

airmorse: "When birds disappear like that in my yard it usually means they are taking cover because something is hunting them, like a cat or Coopers hawk."

But these birds have been gone for over a week, maybe two. I do have a variety of raptors around, even a couple of eagles, but they aren't around continuously. It's like the bunch of them decided to relocate. I don't know, it is pretty strange. Heck, I even cleaned the feeder and everything. Time will tell, I guess."

Here is a short section from a Minnesota Phenology book I have, written by Larry Weber.

“Longer days with plenty of sunlight and milder temperatures have slowed the activity at my bird feeders. I still get about eight kinds of birds visiting each day, but those that come by seem to stay for a shorter time and the numbers are down from earlier days. The goldfinch flocks that were composed of about fifty just a couple of weeks ago have now dropped to about ten. And some days only a few purple finches arrive. Perhaps a snowstorm or cold will bring them back.” (Page 55)

He does not go into detail as to why, but it sounds like it is just a seasonal change occurring this time of year. I am experiencing this as well. Just a couple weeks ago I was refilling my feeders daily. Now it is once every several days. I’m guessing other food sources are becoming available. Just a guess of course.

JW

That is probably it. Now with the melt going on, a lot more food sources should be available.

Robins are here!

I was told last week that when the robins arrive, there are three more snow events to come. Never heard that before. Time will tell..

JW

The Cranes just got back. Stillwater.

JWilder: "Robins are here!


I was told last week that when the robins arrive, there are three more snow events to come. Never heard that before. Time will tell..


JW"

A few inches of snow today. The first of three?? We will see…

Second (maybe third) snow event. Depending on what is signified as a snow event.

Also, Eastern Bluebirds in the yard during dinner…

Saw Loons, Red wing Blackbirds, Cormorants, Herons, and an Osprey today.

The Juncos came back, if they even left. Also had the first Red Wing Blackbird show up, a Robin that I had been hearing for a week I finally saw. And the annual visit from a mallard and hen. After the blackbird showed up, I put a pound of Safflower seed in and never saw him again. But I did see an uptick in cardinals after that, along with many smaller birds that I thought had left.

As of three days ago i still had dark eyed junco's here in NW Indiana.

However the gold finches have their summer colors.

I had 3 fox sparrows scratching around under my feeder this morning.

First mourning dove this morning, south of the TC.

Ruby crowned kinglets in the lilacs today

I had a pair of Brown Creepers going up and down one of my trees today looking for food.

Also had a pair of Catbirds at the feeder.

Juncos are still here.

List of migrants this morning on the Kinni:
brown creeper
Eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet (many!)
golden-crowned kinglet (many more, and gregarious)
house wren
and for a real treat - orange-crowned warbler (a first for me)
haven't seen/heard catbird yet!

Not much here in Apple Valley, MN to report.

I did post an article from the Star Trib about the Raptor Center at the U of MN asking people to remove feeders due to an increase in Avian Flu. I deleted the post as I did not want it to deteriorate into a political "debate" as happened in the Strib article.

That said, I sure hope the lack of birds in our yard (prior to removing the feeders a couple days ago) is not related to avian flu.

jillpine: "List of migrants this morning on the Kinni:
brown creeper
Eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet (many!)
golden-crowned kinglet (many more, and gregarious)
house wren
and for a real treat - orange-crowned warbler (a first for me)
haven't seen/heard catbird yet! "

I would love to see a male Ruby crowned kinglet!!! Jelly!!!

airmorse: "

jillpine: "List of migrants this morning on the Kinni:
brown creeper
Eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet (many!)
golden-crowned kinglet (many more, and gregarious)
house wren
and for a real treat - orange-crowned warbler (a first for me)
haven't seen/heard catbird yet! "

I would love to see a male Ruby crowned kinglet!!! Jelly!!!"

They are in large flocks right now with the golden crowned kinglets. Drive to river falls, park at Glen park, then walk to the “swinging bridge”. There, you will be suspended above the south fork of the Kinni, migrating bird highway. And, you’ll be eye-level with the tree canopies, so you’ll get some great sightings. The trails all around the park are terrific for birding. Kinni state park is another hot spot. PM if you want take a bird walk and have a coffee!

jillpine: "

airmorse: "

jillpine: "List of migrants this morning on the Kinni:
brown creeper
Eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet (many!)
golden-crowned kinglet (many more, and gregarious)
house wren
and for a real treat - orange-crowned warbler (a first for me)
haven't seen/heard catbird yet! "

I would love to see a male Ruby crowned kinglet!!! Jelly!!!"

They are in large flocks right now with the golden crowned kinglets. Drive to river falls, park at Glen park, then walk to the “swinging bridge”. There, you will be suspended above the south fork of the Kinni, migrating bird highway. And, you’ll be eye-level with the tree canopies, so you’ll get some great sightings. The trails all around the park are terrific for birding. Kinni state park is another hot spot. PM if you want take a bird walk and have a coffee! "

Ha. That would be a long drive from the armpit of America otherwise known as Indiana.

Thank for the info and invite I love a good cup of coffee. Especially in the morning watching the birds in my backyard with the dogs.

I was walking in the front door at work and found this guy. Unfortunately the front of the building is almost all glass and I find a lot of migrating birds dead bc they flew into the building. Sad.

airmorse: "

jillpine: "

airmorse: "

jillpine: "List of migrants this morning on the Kinni:
brown creeper
Eastern phoebe
ruby-crowned kinglet (many!)
golden-crowned kinglet (many more, and gregarious)
house wren
and for a real treat - orange-crowned warbler (a first for me)
haven't seen/heard catbird yet! "

I would love to see a male Ruby crowned kinglet!!! Jelly!!!"

They are in large flocks right now with the golden crowned kinglets. Drive to river falls, park at Glen park, then walk to the “swinging bridge”. There, you will be suspended above the south fork of the Kinni, migrating bird highway. And, you’ll be eye-level with the tree canopies, so you’ll get some great sightings. The trails all around the park are terrific for birding. Kinni state park is another hot spot. PM if you want take a bird walk and have a coffee! "

Ha. That would be a long drive from the armpit of America otherwise known as Indiana.


Thank for the info and invite I love a good cup of coffee. Especially in the morning watching the birds in my backyard with the dogs.


I was walking in the front door at work and found this guy. Unfortunately the front of the building is almost all glass and I find a lot of migrating birds dead bc they flew into the building. Sad.


"

In the face of overwhelming challenges, there is hope:
better glass for birds

Thanks for the article. I wish more people would take into consideration the wildlife when constructing buildings.

Frenchy19: "Not much here in Apple Valley, MN to report.


I did post an article from the Star Trib about the Raptor Center at the U of MN asking people to remove feeders due to an increase in Avian Flu. I deleted the post as I did not want it to deteriorate into a political "debate" as happened in the Strib article.


That said, I sure hope the lack of birds in our yard (prior to removing the feeders a couple days ago) is not related to avian flu.
"

Saw the article, read the comments on the stribs page. I didn't think it would last long, I just hope people read it. Over here in Eagan, I walk the trails of Lebanon West. There are Piliateds out there, I hear them all the time. and quite a few others. I expect the Piliateds will continue to frustrate my desire for a picture of one.

Long time a amateur ornithologist. Basically just a bird lover.
First time poster. Hi.

North of Duluth we are getting hammered with large flocks of Redpolls. Almost a 100 in my yard for a short time yesterday.

Every year on almost the same day (May 1) the white throated sparrow will return. Their timely arrival is Devine.

Tom

Bearpath9: " In fact, I have seen a decline in the birds at my feeder. "

With the spread of a new avian flu, I understand the best advice is to take down bird feeders in order to stem the spread of disease. I understand that jays, crows, waterfowl or raptors are the most affected.

It has been a good morning so far.

Rose Breasted Grosbeaks are back.

And....wait for it................

White Throat Sparrows.

Rose-breasted grosbeaks - hooray! Now who's jelly!? :)

Meanwhile, south of Brule, spring waits with abundant patience this year. The late snowfall is a blessing for the parched duff.

We need to a talk about if this is a good idea with the avian flu spreading.
I have a hundred birds on this feeder.

tumblehome: "


We need to a talk about if this is a good idea with the avian flu spreading.
I have a hundred birds on this feeder."

Very legitimate post. I am erring on the side of caution and listening to what the U of MN Raptor Center is recommending: removing feeders until more is known about this.

Me too. Breaks my heart to not be feeding them during this harsh migration, and I’m not shaming those who are. But Minnesota Ornithologists’ Union is also recommending to help curb spread of AI infection by taking down the feeders right now.
This strain has been particularly (and uncommonly) pathogenic in wild birds. As if they need another challenge.

Maybe some southern winds in the weekend rain. Hearing the sweet, constant two-song mimicry of a catbird this morning. I like to imagine the early migrants bring mimicked phrases of songs from the neotropics, though that is probably just wishful thinking. White throated sparrow scratching the ground yesterday, and the cheerful and bustling yellow rumped warblers in the budding maples. Eastern towhee bonus! Birds on the wing!

First Baltimore Oriole and jelly is now out.

Finally saw a Pileated today. Of course it was in flight, and landed about 100 feet away from me, and scooted around to the opposite side of the tree it was on. Also either a young male or a female goldfinch. Maybe. Lime green in color, light gray or white patch on wing. Couldn't see the tail feathers. Little smaller than my fist.

Baltimore Orioles have arrived in my backyard.

Hummingbirds have arrived in my backyard this morning as well.

Just waiting for the white crowned Sparrows and scarlet tanagers.

I woke up to the wood thrushes singing their flute-like song this morning in north GA. Right on time.

White Crowned Sparrows have just arrived.

Amazing what warmer temps will do.

Now if I can only get the grass seed to grow.

First Wren back in the hood singing double over-time this morning!!

Arcola: "First Wren back in the hood singing double over-time this morning!!"

Same here.

airmorse: "

Arcola: "First Wren back in the hood singing double over-time this morning!!"

Same here."

I am literally sitting here this Saturday morning with my coffee hearing the the first wren of the year. Jumped on to share and see others are gifted with the same thing!

Still waiting for that first hummingbird….

JW

I was up earlier today because the sun has made its first appearance in several weeks. The birds, (myself and my dogs) were loving it. The birds were singing and looking for food. Robins activity nesting and taking care of their little ones.

Busy morning.

Rose breasted Grosebeaks, Orioles AND hummingbirds! All at the same time!

JWilder: "Busy morning.


Rose breasted Grosebeaks, Orioles AND hummingbirds! All at the same time!"

That's a good day!

airmorse: "

JWilder: "Busy morning.



Rose breasted Grosebeaks, Orioles AND hummingbirds! All at the same time!"

That's a good day!"

4 pairs of Grosbeaks. Half a dozen Orioles…