A bit of an influx of (mostly) spring arrivals

 In spite of the cool down of late, reflecting more normal weather conditions, birds continue to trickle in. Of course some may never have left, but more of their kind seem to be showing. For example, Northern Flickers were hard to come by over the winter, but now it is not unusual to see a dozen or more in a single outing.

Likewise are the Golden-crowned Kinglets.

Chipping Sparrows are definitely new for the season on the bird front....

....as are Eastern Phoebes. They are notably hardy considering they are a flycatcher, but can survive in the cold by feeding on spiders and such, tucked under the eaves of buildings if necessary, at least for awhile.

They are quite active, on the hunt for small flying insects and don't often give the best view, but you take what you can get!

On the water bird front, the diversity of ducks continues, with more and more of each species to see. Many will be leaving for their nesting grounds soon, if some haven't already, but there are still lots around.

Canvasback

Common Merganser pair

Northern Shoveler

While the female Northern Shoveler has the same body style, the plumage is vastly different!

 

Horned Grebes

 

Shorebirds are beginning to appear. While Killdeer have been seen frequently in recent weeks, I came across this Greater Yellowlegs feeding along a muddy edge of a recently drained down channel not far from St. Clair NWA. Its smaller relative, the Lesser Yellowlegs, has been reported recently but I haven't caught up to one yet. It won't be long, I am sure.

Turkey Vultures are increasing in numbers, most often seen in flight.

But later in the day, or when the soaring conditions aren't what they like, they will come to roost.

Horned Larks are frequently seen along the roadsides and field edges. Some are paired up, and likely are in the early stages of nesting in the un-tilled fields.

Regular bird residents sometimes give a good photo op, which I may take advantage of.

On a nice sunny and partially warm day, this Eastern Grey Squirrel was tolerant of my presence, as it soaked up the sun on a convenient branch and didn't seem to move a muscle.

As mentioned in previous posts, the nesting season for some is already well underway. This next photo is of a nest that can be seen, with some difficulty, along the west South Point Trail at Rondeau. At first I wasn't sure if it was an occupied nest or not, but after taking this photo with a good zoom, and greatly cropping it, I noticed the white tail feathers sticking out towards me. They are a little difficult to see against the bland sky background. It isn't as nearly as visible as the subsequent photo, taken several years ago along the Marsh Trail.

This nest came tumbling down a couple of years afterwards, due to some high winds that took the whole tree down.

And the Black-billed Magpies continue along Fargo Road. Some observers have photographed them with nesting material in their beak, heading for the nest tree.

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