It was quite the birding day at our place yesterday - probably record setting
for a single day. I identified 45 species, including both a first of year
Hermit Thrush and, for only the second time since I began keeping records here
(and for first time since 2014), greater yellowlegs. Species included pretty
much the usual suspects for this time of year, as well as Western Bluebird,
which we have seen now with greater frequency this year after never seeing it
here until about two years ago. Species I didn’t see, perhaps because I was not
watching the feeders closely enough, included American Goldfinch and Dark-eyed
Junco (which I almost certainly would have seen had I looked out my office
window), Red-tailed Hawk and American Crow. There are still some flooded fields
along Gillihan Road and near the Gilbert River, so between those fields and our
pond, I got seven species of duck. The cacklers are still flying over in large
numbers, but some of the species that have been here all winter (white-throated
sparrow, chestnut-backed chickadee) may have left.
Since April 1, I have identified 59 species on or from our property. With five
days left in the first half of this month, I should break 60, especially if the
common yellowthroats arrive. Only one time in the past 9 years have they
arrived as late as April 11, and in that year it was on April 11, so if they do
not come today, it will set a record for lateness. Usually they arrive between
April 1-5. I am also keeping my eyes open for Barn Swallows, which most often
arrive between April 11-15.
One other note. The tree and violet-green swallows are now here in very large
numbers and claiming the 25-30 nest boxes on our property and our neighbor’s
property. And while they haven’t started nesting yet, the purple martins are
making their presence very well known with their voices.
Mark Greenfield
Sauvie Island, Oregon
sauviemark@xxxxxxxxx
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