More Seasonal Arrivals

A couple weeks ago I posted images of some of the early arrivals; birds that will spend their summer here:

I’ll Take One Of Each

More recently I have spotted additional species that I’ve been waiting to see.

The first Flycatcher species I saw, an Eastern Phoebe, was perched on a fence where I’ve seen this species in previous years. It is near a mowed area of grass which makes for good hunting grounds for insects. I suspect this may be the same bird that used this hunting spot last year, which is a fun idea to consider.

“Where shall we go for the summer, Fred?”

“Let’s go back to DarnFar Ranch in Illinois. I love that place! Remember how great that one fence rail is to nab a late afternoon snack?”

I heard the Goldfinches before I saw them. Then, once I spotted this lovely male in his brilliant, breeding colors, I wondered how I could have missed him.

The House Wrens have returned and are beginning to select their nest boxes.

I’m proud of myself for having developed my ear for bird songs over the past few years. When I first started going out to observe them, I could hardly distinguish a bird vocalization from a frog or an insect sound. A couple of days ago, when I heard this Bobolink singing, I immediately knew it was a song I did not recognize. In fact, I have only seen this species a couple other times. When I spotted my first Bobolink, I recall trying to decide whether I should even lift my camera to take a photo because I assumed it was just another Red-winged Blackbird obscured by the branches of a tree. This bird’s song helped me realize it was not just a Red-winged Blackbird.

In contrast to the Bobolink ID-by-song, I saw this Indigo Bunting before I heard it. There’s something so unique about the color blue in nature. These are quick moving, tiny birds. I am happy that I was able to capture it’s image before it flew off.

The photo of this Eastern Kingbird is hardly worth sharing, except for the fact that it is the first sighting of the species that I have this year. This is one of my favorites, so I am thrilled to see this bird show up.

There’s one more species that I filmed for the first time this year, and in fact ever.

I’m creating a unique page for the Pipit because I think it’s an especially unusual sighting.

A Pipit