I spent a bit more than an hour walking in Sam Smith Park early this morning and found lots of migrants, including a few first of year birds for me.
There was a single Eastern Phoebe near the Powerhouse, and a single male Tree Swallow sitting on a broken bird house near the harbour. ( I tried not to get too close to him because I didn't want to make him fly.) One Savannah Sparrow joined the chorus of Song Sparrows on the peninsula. Lots of Robins, RW Blackbirds, Cowbirds, and Grackles everywhere. There were a couple dozen Red-necked Grebes (some calling), but only 4 Horned Grebes (in a variety of plumages). There weren't a lot of waterfowl, but those of note included one Ruddy Duck, two White-winged Scoters, and at least one Lesser among the several dozen Greater Scaup. The Harbour area was mostly frozen this morning, but by this evening, it was almost completely open.
The male Goldfinches have started singing their spring song, and one of the two Mockingbirds I saw was singing with great gusto. Spring is in the air!
BB
