Looking Forward to Spring Birds

It's been two weeks since our last snowfall. The spring peepers are now out, the daffodils are up and the forsythia are in bloom. I am looking forward to the return of the migratory birds as they pass through, or in some cases stay to nest.  However, even before the snow left, the spring arrivals started to appear. The first were the robins and red-winged blackbirds.

Robins are better known for digging up worms, but crabapples and other fruit offer an alternative when the ground is frozen

An article in the Winter issue of Living Bird magazine explained that 25 years of data show that American Robins are returning earlier to their northern breeding grounds, and in some cases, are not bothering to migrate south. 

Like the spring peepers, the trill of red-winged blackbirds are a sign that wetlands are coming to life, and I was pleased to hear these birds in our backyard a few weeks ago.

These Red-winged Blackbirds didn't appear happy to have snow on the ground

The male Red-winged Blackbirds (above) return first and establish their territories. The females will return later, when their diet of insects is more readily available. 

Cedar Waxwings are one of the most distinguished looking birds around, and finding a flock of them in a fruit tree is always an amazing sight. Two weeks ago, these birds spent the better part of two days feasting upon the same Crab-apple tree. From what I read, Cedar Waxwings remain in New England year-round. That may be the case, but in our neighborhood I typically only see them one or two times a year, always in a group, and always in a fruit tree.

Cedar Waxwing

Cedar waxwings and Robins in Crab-apple tree

Last week, I dutifully took down our bird feeders in order not to attract bears as the awake hungry from a long winter's sleep. I do miss seeing all the birds feeding in the morning, but for now I know that it is the  right thing to do and that the birds will manage just fine.