We saw our first Ruby-throated Hummingbirds of the season! Both male and female made an appearance. We have seen them frequently at the feeders since Friday. We really enjoy these little birds.





We were up early Sunday to attend a bird-banding workshop at Mountsberg Conservation Area. It was a very interesting and informative session. We would really like to learn more about this program and get involved. It seems it's done mostly on a volunteer basis and I don't believe there is a formal banding location that's very close to us. Mountsberg had one in the past but apparently it hasn't been happening for a few years due to lack of staff/volunteers. It would be fantastic if it could get up and running again (whether at Mountsberg or not). We would need more training before delving into that. It is something to investigate further.


This male Baltimore Oriole was not pleased about being caught. He was squawking up a storm and attracted the attention of two other males Balties, who flew in to see what all the fuss was about. The entire process only takes a few minutes and the birds are then released. Mountsberg seems to be the Baltimore Oriole haven- there were so many singing in the trees.



The Common Yellowthroat was another bird we were able to get a close look at during the banding session. This is a warbler and the since these birds usually stay high up in the trees and move so quickly, they are difficult to spot. We only have 8 Warblers on our life list out of the 30 (or more?) that are found in Ontario. It was a great experience to be able to see Warblers up close and personal this way. Dave saw this bird once before but it was my first sighting of it.



and a female Black-throated Blue Warbler was banded. This was our first ever sighting of this bird. Sibley's describes the females as "more difficult to identify", compared to the unmistakable male Black-throated Blue, which unfortunately we did not see.


And a beautiful Barn Swallow was also banded (along with a female Cowbird, Chipping Sparrows and a second Barn Swallow).

We also saw the American Redstart (first of the year), two Ospreys (first ever!). They are nesting at Mountsberg and we walked to the viewing area for the nest, didn't see any movement, started to walk away and then both flew overhead!


After we left Mountsberg, we drove by a water/muddy area and saw Greater Yellowlegs (first of the year), Semi-palmated Plover (first of the year) and the Spotted Sandpiper. There were also some Peeps in there, but we were unable to determine exactly what they were.