Some New Spring Visitors

Some New Spring Visitors 

Spring migration is well under way and we are seeing new birds around us on a daily basis. Some of our winter visitors have either left us or are in the process of heading north. These include Pine Siskins, Common Redpolls, Bohemian Waxwings, and the like. 

Some of the first which we see returning are the Canada Geese. Some geese will remain here over-winter at times, but I always look forward to when we start to see significant numbers in Spring. One of my favourite places to see them is the TryonRiver. In late March and early April one can find huge numbers here. 

Canada Geese 

 

Canada Geese at Tryon River 

 

Everyone seems to regard the American Robin as a sign of spring but again these are a bird that often over-winters and can be found in the woods where there might be an abundance of food. None the less, it is always fun to see them in numbers in the spring. Our snow cover made it hard for early migrants, like robins and woodcock, to find food. Recently, I came across about thirty robins enjoying some left over crab apples in Victoria. However, a week or so later, I found it a little strange to find a flock gleaning the shore. 

 

Robin eating a crab apple 

 

Robins 

 

Robins on the shore

 

The Robins were quickly followed up by the likes of Red-winged Blackbird, Common Grackle and members of the Sparrow family – Song, White-throated and Fox. Of these, I always took forward to the Fox Sparrow, the larger, rusty cousin. It is always great to see them scratching under the feeder and to hear their cheery whistling song (not heard here every spring). 

 

Red-winged Blackbird 

 

Common Grackle 

 

Song Sparrow 

 

 

White Throated Sparrow

 

Fox Sparrow 

 

Fox Sparrow singing

 

We are also seeing Osprey and Great Blue Heron. 

Now bring on the Warblers!