Birds and stuff, lately

Hairy Woodpecker Picoides villosus

Red-bellied Woodpecker Melanerpes carolinus

American Goldfinch Spinus tristis

Chipping Sparrow Spizella passerina

White-throated Sparrow Zonotrichia albicollis

Northern Green Frog Rama clamitans

Compton Tortoiseshell Nymphalis vaualbum

Eastern Chipmunk Tamias striatus

American Red Squirrel Tamiasciurus hudsonicus

Morgan Arboretum

-Relatively quiet at the Arbo, with no sign of the razzle-dazzle birds spotted there in recent days (Hooded Warbler, Field Sparrow).

-Loads of Northern Green Frogs calling at the flooded quarry.

-One of the birdiest spots, traditionally, Blossom Corner, was unfortunately populated with a bunch of chainsaw dudes. They seemed to be clearing the fallen branches from the recent ice storm, but perhaps also practicing climbing trees and testing equipment for a final exam or something. Has to be done, eh.

-A Compton Tortoiseshell was a nice first-of-year on the butterfly side of things.

-37 species in 4.5 hours.

-No warblers yet.

Hermit Thrush Catharus guttatus

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

Cooper’s Hawk Accipiter cooperii

Ruby-crowned Kinglet Regulus calendula

A Groundhog illusion

'Quiet Place' in NDG
-Windy, with brief bursts of rain (and…hail…maybe) at a ‘quiet place’ in NDG.

-A skulky House Wren was spotted in the shadows – a first of year (and personal first for the site). Shortly thereafter, a European Starling was heard engaging in some solid House Wren mimicry.

-21 species in 90 minutes.

-No warblers yet.