Looking More Like Spring

Today was the day for birds with brownish backs and spots on the breast. Brown Thrashers and Hermit Thrushes were absolutely everywhere today! The Hermit Thrushes were calling with their flute-like call. I don't think I've ever seen that many of them at a time! I saw several Golden-crowned Kinglets today too. I haven't seen one all winter, but they were out in good numbers today.

Springtime migrants are increasing. There were at least two Northern Parulas calling this morning. Hooded Warblers are singing their territorial song. Tree Swallows and Northern Rough-winged Swallows (FOS) are flying over in large groups. I had an FOS Black-and-white Warbler hopping around in the thickets of tri-foliate orange trees. Cardinals, White-eyed Vireos, Inca Doves, and Tufted Titmice were filling the woods with their songs. At one point, I heard so many birds calling that it was hard to distinguish between them all. Pileated Woodpeckers were calling back and forth. On my way back in, an Upland Sandpiper called as it flew overhead.

Later in the afternoon while riding the four-wheeler through some standing water, a Spotted Sandpiper flew away from me. He makes property bird #174.

Birds Seen (33 species): Great Egret, Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Red-shouldered Hawk, Spotted Sandpiper, Upland Sandpiper, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Inca Dove, Pileated Woodpecker, White-eyed Vireo, Blue Jay, Purple Martin, Tree Swallow, Northern Rough-winged Swallow, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Hermit Thrush, American Robin, Gray Catbird, Brown Thrasher, Northern Parula, Yellow-rumped Warbler, Black-and-white Warbler, Hooded Warbler, Song Sparrow, White-throated Sparrow, Northern Cardinal, Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle

Other Wildlife Seen:
Mammals: Eastern Gray Squirrel

Reptiles: Eastern Three-toed Box Turtle

Butterflies: Giant Swallowtail