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.
They’re usually accompanied by palm warblers.
I’ve seen a few yellow warblers, too.
Other birds are returning as well. The Eastern towhee has been out and calling for a mate.
A couple of flickers were drumming and calling back and forth in the woods nearby on a recent walk.
A pileated woodpecker was calling for a mate, too.
I’ve heard a couple of brown thrashers making themselves known. They’re favorites of mine, such endless chatterboxes!
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.
Those are just a few recent sightings. Of course, there are encouraging signs in the world of flora, too.
Though it’s taking far too long to warm up, I think it’s safe to assume that spring is here.
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.