Folks

Puttering around the house proved to be successful from a bird perspective.  I picked up three new year yard birds.  Tree Swallow (up to five before I came in) began flying over about 5 PM (#59 for the year) and two Eastern Phoebe were calling just south of the house shortly there after (#60).  The best surprise was about 7 :50 PM when I stepped out after dinner to listen to the peepers, wood frogs (maybe), and anything else, a single Woodcock (#61) delighted Gwen and I with about five calls.  It may have been starting to display from the side yard.  Our presence must have disturbed the little feller - sorry.  It bolted and did not display.  This is the first time in two years this species has been around the house.  They use to be regular, but with all the development they have been completely absent for about two years.  Likely a migrant since 10 days short of safe date. I hope not.

Other birds of note were Black Vulture, Turkey Vulture, Canada Geese, a probably male Sharp-shinned Hawk, adult Bald Eagle, Barred Owl, 2 Hairy Woodpecker males doing a Flicker type wicka-wicka-wicka call (maybe competing for the local female?), Downy Woodpecker eating Gum Tree seed, a single female Yellow-rumped Warbler, two Fox Sparrow, one Chipping Sparrow, and 250 Common Grackles (AM only thankfully).  The usual suspects were also present.

What will tomorrow bring?

Good bird watching.

George


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