Birds,  Plants

Looking for spring

Spring is really dragging its feet around here. It’s been so cold that there are still bare branches everywhere. But here and there are signs that this too shall pass, and warmth and color are poised to return. Over the past few days I’ve seen the first of the warblers coming through on their way back to the north country, and it cheers my heart.

Yellow-rumped warblers are always among the first wave.

IMG_4109cr sm

yellow rumped warbler sm

IMG_4044 ed sm

They’re usually accompanied by palm warblers.

IMG_4129cr sm

IMG_4134cr sm

I’ve seen a few yellow warblers, too.

IMG_4106ed sm

Other birds are returning as well. The Eastern towhee has been out and calling for a mate.

IMG_3989 cr sm

A couple of flickers were drumming and calling back and forth in the woods nearby on a recent walk.

Male flicker
Male flicker
Female flicker
Female flicker

A pileated woodpecker was calling for a mate, too.

IMG_3981sm

I’ve heard a couple of brown thrashers making themselves known. They’re favorites of mine, such endless chatterboxes!

thrasher

The catbirds are back too, but they aren’t making a lot of noise yet. These two hopped silently up from the bushes to where they could examine me.

catbird2sm

catbird1sm

Those are just a few recent sightings. Of course, there are encouraging signs in the world of flora, too.

IMG_3971 cr

hyacinth sm

daff sm

Though it’s taking far too long to warm up, I think it’s safe to assume that spring is here.

So long, fall and winter...
So long, fall and winter…
Spring battles through and wins the day!
Spring battles through and wins the day!

2 Comments

  • Jeane

    Your bird photos are very nice. I wish I could get as good of pictures. I’m still learning to recognize the birds (and their calls) around me. Our catbirds are making their mewling cries already- and I can pick out robins, mourning doves, cardinals, but the other bird calls are just a mix to me still.

    • Janet

      That’s where the camera is a help, because it makes you try to locate the bird, and then you can separate out one call from another. There are always more to learn, that’s for sure!

      I think catbirds are very elegant birds. I love that they’re back to patrol our yard.