Cliff Swallows!

If you have not had the opportunity to see a Cliff Swallow, then you must get to Mountsberg (a Conservation Halton park). There is a plethora of Cliff Swallows nesting along the barns. It's amazing how many there are and all so close together! Definitely worth the trip (plus Mountsberg is just a really amazing spot in general. A great family outing!).

In other news, a pair of Bluebirds has returned to the yard (no idea if it's the same pair from a month or so ago) and are using the nesting box. Here's hoping we have some Bluebird babies again this year!

and just as I hit "publish" I had to go back in to add that there's a Blackpoll Warbler in the yard! First sighting this year. Nice way to end a beautiful day!

Volunteers Needed to Help Monitor Chimney Swifts

From Conservation Halton: Volunteers Needed to Help Monitor Chimney Swifts We are looking for community volunteers interested in helping the national effort to monitor Chimney Swifts right here in Halton. This at risk bird is in decline and we are seeking volunteers who can visit by visiting known roost sites on three evenings this spring (May 29, June 2 and June 6). Data will help national recovery efforts as part of the Bird Studies Canada program by monitoring populations and identifying active chimneys. For more information on how you can get involved please e-mail Nigel Finney at nfinney(at)hrca.on.ca. Please respond by May 25 and include which dates you are available and your preferred community to monitor (Burlington, Oakville, Milton).

Grosbeaks and Orioles.

The male Rose-breasted Grosbeak has been visiting the jelly feeder we have out for the Orioles. I've seen him take beak fulls and feed a female RBG. We've never seen this before, but I wonder if it's because we haven't had as much suet out this year? The Orioles are also enjoying the jelly (as are the chipmunks). There are at least two males and one female. One of the males came up to the feeder and had some nesting material in it's beak, which it had to drop in order to scoop up the jelly. Indigo Buntings are in the area (Dave saw quite a few in Glenorchy) but I haven't caught sight of any in the yard yet. There was a Great-crested Flycatcher in the trees for quite awhile yesterday. Just waiting for the Bobolinks to arrive!

I wish everyone who could do this, would do this!

Migration

Amazing! Songbird ‘superhighway’ runs through Toronto as 50 million will fly over in spring migration

Just had a female Ruby-throated Hummingbird fly by the window! And we've had White-crowned Sparrows visit for the first time this spring as well! I can't remember if I've mentioned it before, but we've had Chipping Sparrows frequent the yard in good sized numbers (for us) the last two weeks or so.

More exciting arrivals! Yesterday was the first Baltimore Oriole of the season, and so I quickly put out oranges and grape jelly for them. Today I was rewarded with two male Orioles visiting repeatedly. We also saw two male Rose-breasted Grosbeaks for the first time this spring. So exciting to have them back! There was also a Cowbird in the yard, the first in at least several weeks. Late afternoon, I drove over to my parents place to pick up my dogs. Simon fell asleep in the car, so I parked under their pine tree and opened the doors and windows. Looking up, I saw several small birds flitting around. Warblers! I was so excited! I called my parents on the phone and told them to look out the window. There were at least two male Yellow-rumped Warblers and one female. They were so close to me! It was the best look I've ever had at any warbler (except the ones we did the banding of at Mountsberg). They were literally a few feet above me. I just sat quietly and they kept moving in and then out. Amazing! Then I noticed one was smaller and looked different and I'm fairly certain it was a Ruby-crowned Kinglet. It was great to be able to see all the markings and not even have binoculars (note to self: do not travel this time of year anywhere without binoculars and Sibley's!!). I'm so glad I grabbed the camera last minute on my way out. I did get some pics, but as usual they are not very good b/c the birds move so fast and my camera is not so great. Such a great way to spend the evening! The birds stayed in the tree for the two hours I was there and even when I went inside, I was able to borrow my parents' binoculars and watch them longer. This also goes to show that if you make a bird friendly yard, they will come!!