What I’ve been thrilled about this year’s spring migration is discovering American Redstarts in our neighborhood park!
The small black bird with striking orange patches and the big voice may be breeding at the park. I’ve heard male American Redstarts singing and seen females at the park for the past three weeks.
Continue reading Photo of the Week: American Redstart in the Neighborhood
A striking cinnamon-brown, black, and white shorebird, the American Avocet stood out on the mudflat of the Lake Erie marsh near the Michigan/Ohio state border.
The slightly-upturned long thin black bill is distinctive as is the white body with white-striped black wings.
The American Avocet is a rare bird in Michigan and one I had never seen before.
Continue reading Photo of the Week: Elegant American Avocet
Despite our back and forth winter weather in southeast Michigan this month (yesterday, we had snow squalls and “feel-like” temperatures of 9 degrees Farenheit, two days ago we had temperatures in the mid-50’s), signs of spring have arrived.
Spring-flowering purple crocuses are blooming, maple buds have burst, and Song Sparrows have returned to our area.
Continue reading Photo of the Week: Song Sparrow, Sign of Spring