May 2: A Lincoln's Sparrow was in my yard this evening. This uncommon
transient is much more likely to be encountered in the fall than in spring.
Last year this time I had one hang out in the yard from April 24-29; even
heard it sing. Could this be the same guy?
Speaking of sparrows, havn't the White-throated Sparrows been vocal lately?
This morning I enjoyed a dawn chorus of Grasshopper, White-crowned and
Vesper Sparrows near Stuarts Draft. (Need to go see that Harris's sparrow
this weekend.) Also, Horned Larks were singing on Guthrie Road and were
periodically harrassed by a small group of Savannah Sparrows. I could not
find the shrikes, however.
Warblers are here but not in great numbers. A Nashville, Chestnut-sided and
multiple Yellow-rumped Warblers were in the yard this evening, drinking and
bathing at the water garden. It's a treat to view them from above and close
enough for naked eye identification. Redstarts (lots), Ovenbirds, Black &
White, Parula, Hooded and Worm-eating Warbler and Common Yellowthroat were
seen or heard during a brief pre-dusk stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway last
night (May 1). Yellow warblers are in the usual scrubby rural places near
Augusta Medical Center. Waiting to hear the first Willow Flycatcher in some
of those same areas soon.
This front may bring some migrants down and I hope to find a few in the
morning.
John
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