SNOW and 27.9 degrees!

4-20-21 Cranesbill Geranium in snow (Geranium maculatum) 4-20-21 Violets and Wood Poppies in snow 4-20-21 Virginia creeper in snow

It was strange to see emerging foliage and spring wildflowers covered in snow, followed by two mornings with a hard freeze. For the most part, plants are in recovery mode. Some will need time to push out new leaves.  

4-18-21 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker female 4-18-21 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker female 4-18-21 Yellow-bellied Sapsucker female 4-21-21 Brown Creeper 4-21-21 Pine Siskin

A somewhat late female Yellow-bellied Sapsucker came in briefly last Saturday, 4-18-21.  A Brown Creeper has been seen several days, the last being 4-21-21. Pine Siskins are still around, up to four birds have been at the feeders some days.

4-21-21 Hermit Thrush 4-21-21 Hermit Thrush, tail raised 4-21-21 Hermit Thrush, tail lowered 4-21-21 Hermit Thrush

Hermit Thrushes have been here nearly every day, some days we've seen three of them.  They have a distinct habit of raising, then slowly lowering their tails, barely moving anything else. They will soon move on, giving way to three other thrush species in May. One was singing this morning in the gentle rain. Listen here:  Hermit Thrush

4-20-21 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4-20-21 Ruby-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Golden-crowned Kinglet 4-21-21 Golden-crowned Kinglet

Ruby-crowned Kinglets are also here, feeding and getting in to bathe. On 4-21-21, the coldest morning, the Golden-crowned Kinglet joined the Ruby-crowned at the bubbler rock, and then enjoyed the basin. The Golden-crowned is a bit smaller, only 3.5 - 4" compared to the Ruby-crowned at 4.25". This is the first time they've been photographed this close together. I believe the Golden-crowned was a female as it did not flash the fiery orange crown of the male and the other bird did not chase it away!

4-18-21 Northern Cardinal 4-19-21 White-breasted Nuthatch 4-19-21 Northern Flicker

Nesters have been very busy and a bit more quiet as they find food to take to their young. A Northern Cardinal took time to bathe while the White-breasted Nuthatch and Northern Flicker were busy foraging.

4-22-21 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4-22-21 Yellow-rumped Warbler 4-22-21 Yellow-rumped Warbler

Yellow-rumped Warblers have been regulars! Both male and females are being seen. Soon, more warblers will be coming through, if the winds will only help them.

4-22-21 FOY#59 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4-22-21 FOY#59 Ruby-throated Hummingbird 4-22-21 FOY#59 Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Our FOY #59 Ruby-throated Hummingbird showed up on 4-21-21. It made it through the coldest nights. Typically, they can survive temps down into the 20's. It is another harbinger of spring and of birds to come!