Today, it felt more like Winter than Spring with temperatures in the 30's, drizzle and fog. Our fingers and toes were freezing while we tried to spot some birds! Crazy, huh?
Most people, I'm sure, would avoid birding on a day like today but it was a great day for birding! It ended up being a "minor" fallout. We found lots of migrating warblers, Lazuli Buntings, Chipping Sparrows and Black-headed Grosbeaks in higher numbers than usual.
A couple of weeks ago, we went out on a similar day and found a rare Red-throated Loon. That was quite exciting as well!
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| Lazuli Bunting |
I absolutely LOVE Spring! I am totally obsessed with finding migrating birds and newcomers from the Neotropics who plan on breeding in our wilderness. I have been lucky to see this beautiful Lazuli Bunting on a warm, sunny day as well.
These are a few of my favorite wire birds that have recently arrived....Bulloch's Oriole, Horned Meadowlark and the Western Kingbird. They all love open landscape for foraging.
This striking Tri-colored Blackbird has been recently added to threatened and endangered species list in California. Like so many birds, habitat loss is to blame.
This beautiful Western Tanager must be the favorite of most birders like me! It always amazes me when birds arrive from Central and South America to breed in our mountains! What a feat!
This striking Red-breasted Sapsucker is a year round resident but it is not often seen. On this day, he made his presence known to all the sapsuckers by drumming loudly on this trash can. It was quite impressive!
Along with songbirds, we have found some "hunters" like this Merlin. He/she should be heading north soon.
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| Yellow Warbler |
Hope you take time to enjoy Spring! What a special time of year!
Remember, if the weather is cold and stormy, you might have your best chance to see some great birds! If you venture out on a freezing morning, don't forget the hot chocolate!
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos and content by Robin Roberts.
