A Relatively Decent Day

With the first south winds in awhile, it was thought that today might see some good birds, or at least a little push of new migrants. With this in mind, I awoke early and went out to one of my favourite local spots (only a five minute walk away!) Only took a couple photos today, so mostly just commentary!

Right off the bat, I heard a Wood Thrush singing. It is about right on time for the species, however the bulk won't be in until next week likely. Last year I had one on April 22nd! It immediately became clear that there had in fact been a push of birds come in overnight, as there were plenty of White-throated Sparrows, Hermit Thrushes and Ruby-crowned Kinglets which hadn't been there the day before. I also had a good number of Swamp Sparrows and even an Eastern Towhee, only my third or fourth for the neighbourhood (I had one later in the day as well!). I had two warbler species, Yellow-rumped and my first Yellow of the year. I have yet to see a Pine!

I wanted to be back home soon after 7:00, since I wanted to count Common Loons, and see what the flight would be like. Shortly after seven, I began my walk back home. As I turned onto my street, I spotted some gulls flying by. I raised my binoculars and much to my surprise, there were two Great Black-backed Gulls! New for my neighbourhood, but I wanted them for my yard! I sprinted home just in time to see them from my property! Right after, a Brown Thrasher flew over, another new yard bird, and my 100th one at that!

The loon flight wasn't great, but I still managed to come up with 26, as well as 50 Double-crested Cormorants. A flyby Yellow-rumped Warbler is my first warbler of the year for my yard.

After a quick bite to eat, I went back out. I checked out another woodlot nearby, hoping for a Blue-headed Vireo. Upon my arrival, I quickly heard my first House Wren of the year. I usually have already had one by now! Tons more kinglets, White-throats, and Hermit Thrushes. I also came across two Blue-headed Vireos.

On my way to my next spot, I stopped in at a little wetland, and was pleased to hear a Virginia Rail. I had one there a of couple years ago. I looked briefly for the American Bittern, but came up empty. Heard my first Spotted Sandpiper of the year though.

One last stop was the same woodlot I had hit earlier in the day. Not much was new, but I did manage to hear one of the Virginia Rails which have been around for about a week and a half. I missed that first thing in the morning.

Hard to say what tomorrow will bring (hopefully a new patch bird), but I'll be out and about (near home) to see what's up! Hard to believe its already almost May!