Spring-ing into Action

Spring is here, although some of the temps up here in the Northeast may fool you.  Birds are definitely moving through and some real rarities are popping up.  I dipped out on a Yellow-Throated Warbler that appeared at a local park but I am so excited to get all the great birds that are going to start moving through our state and across the continent.  With migration here, you should expect a lot more pictures of warblers on this blog, but I thought I would wrap up this post with a couple of useful tips for this migration season.

Know Your Habitat - Knowing what kind of habitat can help eliminate some species and help you figure out what to look for.

Know Your Trees - Similar to above, some birds like certain trees.  Knowing if you are looking at a cedar instead of a pine or a oak can help you eliminate one or two possibilities.

Listen First - Constantly listen as you walk.  Try to distinguish between the various calls and sounds you hear around you.

Check Flocks - If you know that the group of 6 Yellow-Rumps is just a group of Yellow-Rumps instead of just guessing, you are sure not to miss an odd bird.

Walk Light and Check the Trail Ahead - Don't go stomping like a mad person.  You will miss great views and sounds if you make a lot of noise.  You will even be able to catch some birds on the trail posing if you can be quiet enough.

More pictures coming soon!  In the meantime, get out and go birding!

Pine Warbler

Eastern Cottontail ... Warbler?

Blue-Grey Gnatcatcher

Next Time More Warblers!

Linking to Wild Bird Wednesday