Weekly Report - 2018-03-02 - Standing on the Precipice of Migration
Spring migration is *almost* here for songbirds! Over the next few weeks, songbirds will begin to sing more frequently and even act more brazen as they engage in territorial duels with other birds. It should make my morning walks more birdy, and the species totals the last two weeks alone are showing an increase in activity. 23 species seen on my weekly walk on the trail!
While the songbirds prep for their next step, some birds are already migrating, courting, and even nesting. Canada Geese are beginning their journey north. Check the skies at sunrise and sunset for high-flying Vs as they pass overhead. I observed approximately 75 Canada Geese in a flock passing north over BSES on Wednesday AM.
Songbird wise, there was a flurry of activity on the trail this past week. I had spectacular looks at both male and female Northern Cardinal. Also, a male Eastern Towhee made its presence known while perched in a tree across from the "Succession" sign on the main trail. I had my first Brown-headed Cowbirds of 2018 on the trail. Finally, I had a few tiny groups of Red-winged Blackbirds streaming overhead. I'm sure there will be many more in the coming weeks!
In summary, all of the species for the week were expected this time of year on the trail. However, the species total is increasing, which means there is that much more to see and enjoy on the trail this week!
For more photos, check out:
Bethel Springs E.S.--Nature Trail Feb 28, 2018 7:31 AM Traveling 0.25 miles 22 Minutes All birds reported? Yes Comments: Sunny, warmer morning for February with temps in the low 50s. Lots of bird activity, and the grass is starting to grow back on the main trail! Submitted from eBird for iOS, version 1.6.5 Build 36 75 Canada Goose -- Estimate 3 Mourning Dove 1 Red-bellied Woodpecker 1 Northern Flicker 1 Blue Jay 4 American Crow 1 Fish Crow 1 Carolina Chickadee 2 Tufted Titmouse 1 White-breasted Nuthatch 2 Carolina Wren 1 Eastern Bluebird 15 American Robin 12 European Starling 1 Dark-eyed Junco 8 White-throated Sparrow 1 Song Sparrow 1 Eastern Towhee 3 Northern Cardinal 14 Red-winged Blackbird -- All flyovers 2 Brown-headed Cowbird 8 Common Grackle 4 House Finch
