More first of the year sightings

Last night I was lucky enough to spot a Great-Crested Flycatcher in the trees. I heard him calling out first, and knew it was a new sound in the yard. I crossed my fingers that he would stick around while I ran in to get the camera and he did! He actually flew a bit closer and I was able to snap a few pics. A quick consultation with Dave and Sibley's confirmed it was the GCF. They were checking out nesting boxes last year, so it would be great if they decide to settle this season.





On May 19th, we had our first two Eastern King birds in the dead tree behind the house.

And on Saturday, we saw a Blackpoll Warbler (male) in an oak tree in the front yard. This is not just a first of the year, but a first time ever sighting! A new addition to the life list! We didn't get a picture of him, but here's one from http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blackpoll_Warbler/id



Cool Facts

* The song of the male Blackpoll Warbler is one of the highest-pitched of all birds.
* Part of the fall migratory route of the Blackpoll Warbler is over the Atlantic Ocean from the northeastern United States to Puerto Rico, the Lesser Antilles, or northern South America. This route averages 3,000 km (1,864 mi) over water, requiring a potentially nonstop flight of up to 88 hours. To accomplish this flight, the Blackpoll Warbler nearly doubles its body mass and takes advantage of a shift in prevailing wind direction to direct it to its destination.


AMAZING!!


In other news, the Chickadees have hatched! There appears to be one egg that didn't hatch, but I count at least 7 babies. They are so tiny, but they are already pretty noisy. We'll be checking on them again soon.