Migration Magic

Male Baltimore Oriole

While Perry Como may declare December "the most wonderful time of the year", the annual spring bird migration holds the exact same "magic" as Christmas morning did as a child.

I have often declared to friends and family that my idea of heaven would be the 1st week of May in Southeastern Wisconsin. The newly emerged foliage on the trees and shrubs glows a brilliant green, and the flowering crabapples and lilacs are in full, fragrant bloom.

Female Ruby-throated Hummingbird

This glorious time also heralds the return of my favorite migrating birds. I get a little giddy when I hear, but haven't yet caught a glimpse of a Baltimore Oriole.  If my oranges aren't already out, I have been known to hop in the car and make a mad dash to the local grocery store to pick up a bag.

Equally as exciting is the first Ruby-throated hummingbird to visit my feeders. Yes, a 52-year old empty nester can still get as excited as a toddler seeing Santa Claus when the hummingbirds arrive!

American Goldfinch and Indigo Bunting

It happens all at once, and it is a joyous sensory overload.  In addition to the orioles and hummingbirds, the Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings come through at the same time.

I make sure that my feeders are filled (finch, hummingbird and mixed seed) and sit back in awe as the American Goldfinch, Indigo Bunting and Northern Cardinal create a surreal living version of the primary color wheel. This marvelous display against the backdrop of brilliant, bright green, it is a feast for the eyes, as well as the ears.

Male Rose-breasted Grosbeak

I listen closely for any unfamiliar bird song, as it often belongs to a mystery wood warbler or Scarlet Tanager tucked into the woodlot behind our property. In order to capture these rare visitors, I make sure that my field guide and camera are always at the ready.  All of the photos in this blog post are images captured in those magical moments of early May!

Nothing is quite as exciting as having a rare bird species visit your backyard. As I write this blog post, I am torn between continuing to type or investigate the "new" bird song I am hearing just outside the patio door.

It is most likely a wood warbler of some type, and they often only give me a brief opportunity to enjoy their company as they move further north to their nesting grounds.

Hoping that you are enjoying a magical migration in your neck of the woods!

I am available for birding presentations to your business, group or organization. For more info:  Belinda's Website

HAPPY BIRDING!

A Great Dad!

As we get ready to honor our dads on Father's Day, I thought it appropriate to give a "shout out" to one of my favorite feathered fathers...the cardinal.

I had an opportunity the other day to watch a male cardinal take his fledglings out for flight lessons and lunch.  It has always fascinated me to watch as the male cardinal feeds his mate.  It was a real treat to watch the cardinal "kids" sit and flutter their feathers on the fence post as dad took turns feeding each of them from the sunflower hearts in our feeder.

Not all male birds are this attentive to their young and participate in the nesting duties.  In fact, the beloved ruby-throated hummingbird has nothing to do with his family following mating.  The tiny male hummingbird will mate with several different females during the breeding season, but does not participate in nest building or the care of the young.  The cardinal male, however, remains monogamous and chooses just one female.  He may select a new mate the following Spring, but remains dedicated to his family each season.

The cardinal is one of the easiest birds to attract to a feeder.  They prefer a sturdy hopper or fly thru style feeder, as opposed to a hanging feeder.  They love black oil and striped sunflower, as well as safflower seed. Northern cardinals do not migrate like many other species, so those you attract will most likely hang around through the winter months.

Once again, nature puts on a great show for us if we just take the time to watch.

Happy Father's Day!

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