The boards are down, the hogs are up…

Peregrine Falcon Falco peregrinus

Downy Woodpecker Picoides pubescens
(successfully extracting a snack)

American Robin Turdus migratorius

American Robin Turdus migratorius
With an issue on its legs -
Is it epizootic podoknemidokoptiasis
('scaly leg disease')?

Dark-eyed Junco Junco hyemalis

House Sparrow Passer domesticus

Pine Siskin Carduelis pinus
(honestly, heh heh)

Woodchuck/Groundhog/Siffleur Marmota monax

Ring-billed Gull Larus delawarensis

Buds...

...wet shoes...

...and webs under melting snow...

...all signs point to spring.

NDG ‘Quiet Place,’ April 2, 2023

  …two sure signs of spring in NDG. Went for a 90-minute bimble at a quiet NDG spot to check for signs of spring movement. Several dozy Groundhogs were busy excavating their dens, and soaking up the sun. Sixteen bird species were logged, including two personal firsts for the site. These were a float-over Peregrine Falcon (I’m guessing one of the UdeM birds), and a quick zip-through by a pair of distant Pine Siskins.

  Some Dark-eyed Juncos were singing territorially, while others chased one another through the underbrush. American Robins paced the snow-melt line at a leisurely pace, and Ring-billed Gulls complained from far overhead. Birds heard but not seen included a screamy Merlin, a White-breasted Nuthatch, and several American Goldfinch.

  All in all, spring was in the air, in spite of fresh temps and a stiff breeze. The buds are out on the trees, and underfoot, the greens are pushing through the browns. I can smell Fox Sparrows on the wind.

  (Hockey boards and Groundhogs, BTW)