I returned from Spring break early this week and would like to thank the volunteers that helped cover a few of the days while I was gone. We have added 13 new species and now have a total of 56 species for the early Spring season. Some of the more notable new species are Barred Owl, Belted Kingfisher, Pied-billed Grebe, Pine Warbler, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker and Yellow-rumped Warbler. Some of the new species were only seen flying over the preserve (European Starling, Hooded Merganser and Sandhill Crane).
I am in awe of what the early Spring migrants must endure weatherwise during this time of year. It is very variable with sunny and warm one day, then rain and Thunderstorms the next and then snow and cold temps with all of these changes happening within just a few days of each other. Some species can tolerate these changes better than others, however a species like the Tree Swallow has a hard time during extended cold and wet weather. Even though the Tree Swallow is the hardiest of the swallow species they can perish usually in their roosting location if they are unable to find enough food and get the energy, they need to get out of their roost the next morning. It is one of the risks an insect eating species takes when arriving this early to claim the best locations for nesting. So, fingers crossed that some warmer temperatures are on the way soon for the bird’s sake and mine.
Pictured: Tree swallow & winter wren
