CNP Update: Sparrows, Sapsuckers, and More

Spring finally hit this past week with warm temperatures and lots of bird song. Unfortunately, the warmth comes and goes..there is even a possibility for snow this weekend. But nonetheless, spring has come. Each day seems to bring in new birds to our Callaway Nature Preserve, so we plan to update each Thursday.

Fox Sparrows have arrived! They have such a beautiful sound. Our high count is three at one time.

Fox Sparrow

The Dark-eyed Juncos are still flitting around and one Song Sparrow has joined the Fox Sparrows. They are finding a lot of food, but there is quite a bit of standing water due to heavy rain on Tuesday. More rain is scheduled to dump 1-3 inches today (Thursday). Spring has soggily sprung!

The other big highlight this week was a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker that drilled a few sap holes in our birch tree. In this same tree a Downy Woodpecker pair has been working on a hole.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Downy Woodpecker

We’ve also had several Northern Cardinals, American Robins, and a Common Grackle (which aren’t that common in our yard, but are in the area). The American Goldfinches are molting into their fine gold plumage. Each passing day brings the excitement for new birds and a larger mix of wonderful avian music.

Okay, Crocuses (or Croci) aren’t native…but they’re still pretty and are the only flowers blooming so far.