Spring Migration is in Full Swing which means there will be a lot of interesting birds to see if you spend a little time looking around your yard, and it seems we will all have plenty of time to do that for a few more weeks, or at any of our wonderful parks and greenways. If you are going out for your morning, or afternoon walk don’t forget your binoculars because the neo-tropical migrants are arriving or passing through middle Tennessee on the way to their summer breeding areas. Many species of Warblers, Vireos, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, Tanagers, Swallows, Indigo Buntings, Ruby-throated hummingbirds, are there for the viewing if you put in a little effort. Catching a glimpse of a Blackburnian or Hooded warbler is well worth the effort.
Early in the morning, between 6 am and 10 am are best to see some of these birds because many of them migrate at night then settle down in the mornings to feed and rest. While they are feeding they are much easier to spot.
We’ve not had any reported sightings of Ruby-throated hummingbirds yet but it will be any day now. Usually one hummingbird feeder at this time of year is enough. Don’t bother filling your feeder to full capacity as the feeders are of little interest to them this early.
In the coming weeks at your feeders expect to see the always popular Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings.
Of course American Goldfinches are here in abundance year-round and are now putting on their bright yellow spring plumage.
RB Grosbeak males are quite handsome with their black and white plumage and v-shaped splash of red on the chest, while females are brown and white with heavy streaking. Both have the distinguishable heavy beak. These birds may be seen in good numbers at your feeders. In years past I’ve seen as many as a dozen at a time, or some years just a few. They are fond of several types of seeds and feeders. Sunflower and Safflower are the more preferred seeds, while platform, hopper, and tube type feeders all work well. Let us know when you see one.
The winter visitors we’ve had, like Juncos, white-throated sparrows, and Yellow-bellied sapsuckers, are now leaving us and going north.
Reports of Bluebirds with completed nests and eggs are sprinkling in. It’s still relatively early and plenty of time to attract Bluebirds to a nest box. In years past I would not see a first Bluebird nest until mid to late April so do not think you’ve missed them.