Chirps and Cheeps

A couple of hikes the last couple of days have brought a few more season firsts.  The warblers are beginning to show up and I saw my first Yellow-rumped and Palm Warblers just this morning at Bird Song Park. What a joy to finally find these guys after such a long winter.  I had a Pine Warbler last Sunday at my feeders at home, so that makes 3 different warblers so far this spring.

I also saw my first Broad-winged Hawks of the year, Northern Rough-legged Swallows, two Winter Wrens, and a Gray Catbird. A  nice, little flock of Cedar Waxwings was fun to watch too. And Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers continue to show up almost everywhere. I'm always surprised at their loud drumming; they are STRONG drummers!

I enjoyed a couple of  hours at the Hawk Watch with Jim Landau yesterday too. There wasn't a lot of activity but it was a great opportunity to practice some ID skills. Broad-winged Hawks, Red-shouldered, Red-taileds, and Cooper's all gave us some nice views.

The season is gearing up and so many great birds are being found!