Just back from two busy weeks of birding at Whitefish Point. Juncoes were abundant feeder visitors, but the Cardinal was a pleasant surprise.
Fox Sparrows were moving through in small numbers.
Flickers were abundant migrants, sometimes with 40-50 and hour passing through.
On some of the warmer days we had a lot of dragonflies. Wandering Gliders (on the left) and Variegated Meadowhawks (on the right) made up this early season flight.
The first rarity of the season was this White-winged Dove, which is quite un usual for Michigan.
The day after the dove made an appearance there were three Eurasian Tree Sparrows. This are now annual in the spring.
The next day this Western Meadowlark made for a first ever Whitefish Point bird.
About a week ago Purple Finches started showing up. Now they are heard singing every day with 5-6 at our feeders.
A non-bird highlight are Red-backed Salamanders. Four other species are possible in the next few weeks.
We now have a Red Fox that has been visiting the feeders (and compost) in the mornings.
Hermit Thrushes are becoming more regular, with many sticking around to nest.
Walking trails always turns up something of interest like the Brown Creeper (left) and Ruffed Grouse (right).
A couple of days ago Broad-winged Hawks appeared in numbers.
A big “kettle” of Broad-winged Hawks, Turkey Vultures and Red-tailed Hawks.
And finally, a Merlin snacking on a junco.
Back to humor tomorrow…
Michael's Place 