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.
Still waiting for my Phoebes to return!! They must not mind being late due to all the snow we have been getting!
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.