April 11, 2006 [LINK]

Catbird returns; warblers scarce

Oh, what a beautiful MOR-ning! On the trail behind the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad I saw a Gray catbird for the first time this spring. It was not the first time I had seen one this year, however: A Catbird stayed for most of the winter in that area, and I last saw one there when it snowed on Feb. 12. I was a little disappointed not to see very many warblers, which should be arriving in good numbers by now. Perhaps the most notable sighting today was three Hermit thrushes in one place. Today's list:

• Gray catbird
• Goldfinches (30+ M & F)
• Purple finches (20+ F, 2 M)
• Ruby-crowned kinglet (3, incl. 1 M)
• Cedar waxwings (15+)
• Downy woodpecker (M)
• Flicker
• Hermit thrushes (3)
• Yellow-rumped warblers (3+)
• E. towhees (2 M, 1 F)

Above right: female Purple finch. Roll mouse over the image to see the Towhee, which has a red eye.
Below right: Roll mouse over the bird names below to see each one.

We have had several Purple finches (the one on the right is either female or a first-year male) and Chipping sparrows in our back yard lately, and I have taken some closeup photos of both.

UPDATE: I took an improved photo of a Robin late this afternoon out back. It has replaced the old one.