Three days ago the first Eastern Phoebe of the year was sighted in Winnebago County at Blackhawk Springs Forest Preserve, a wonderful yet often busy birdspot. With Red-winged Blackbirds calling on nearly every country road fence post, Eastern Meadowlarks singing at Rock Cut State Park, it feels like Spring is finally here.
A cool fact about Eastern Phoebes:
In 1804, the Eastern Phoebe became the first banded bird in North America. John James Audubon attached silvered thread to an Eastern Phoebe’s leg to track its return in successive years. - Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Of course, in a few months Eastern Phoebes will be abundant but the first one of the year is always a pleasant treat. They winter in the southern U.S. and summer in all of Illinois.
All About Birds
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Mon@rch 03.21.07 at 3:47 pm
Still waiting for my Phoebes to return!! They must not mind being late due to all the snow we have been getting!
The Birdfreak Team 03.21.07 at 3:56 pm
What’s the “normal” date for Phoebes in your area of New York? We are due for some potentially severe thunderstorms in N. Illinois, but thankfully no snow anytime soon.