April 10th - 15th Birds (in the field and woods)

There were so many birds this week that I divided the posts up into two. Things are really starting to hop at the lake. I think it helps that the temperature is finally getting a little warmer. As I walked through the woods and the fields I saw lots of little birds. 

It was nice to see an Eastern Phoebe. It's a flycatcher and can often be seen sitting, perching and waiting for opportunity to catch a bug or two. 

It's a lovely little bird with a chirpy call that seems to repeat its name fee-bee

Another favourite of mine is the Kinglet. These are Golden-Crowned Kinglets. They flit from tree to tree and are hard to catch a photo of. Once in a while they seem to co-operate and sit still!

Another little kinglet that can be seen returning at this time of year is the Ruby-Crowned Kinglet. This little has a white eye ring and the males have red on the top of their heads. 

Now that it's way into April the Red-Winged Blackbirds are growing in numbers. I love hearing their call. It's so distinctive and so brings to mind spring it can't help but make me smile. I love the way the males puff up and spread their wings as they let loose with their song. They do fly in the fields but are mainly seen - at Asylum Lake - in the reeds down by the lake, where they make their nests. 

The females aren't as pretty but they are coming back in numbers ready to build nests and lay eggs. 

This is always such an interesting time of year when there seems to be birds everywhere and all the old friends are coming back. 

These lovely birds can be seen flying over the fields and vying for the birdhouses with the year-round Bluebirds that frequent here even in winter. 

I also saw some Song Sparrows this week - another sure sign of Spring! And a Swamp Sparrow. Who knew there were so many types of Sparrows? According to BirdwatchingHQ there are 23 types of Sparrows in Michigan

Above : Song Sparrow 

Below : Swamp Sparrow

So many birds this week!

Returning birds : - 

The lovey Yellow-rumped Warbler. These birds are so colourful. They are another one that moves really quickly!

Turkey Vultures - not the most handsome looking bird but when they fly they glide and look really beautiful. 

All Year-Round Birds making an appearance this week :-

Goldfinch: - I see these most of the year round though in the Springtime they are coming back into their bright colours rather than the dull gold colour of winter. 

Robin: - these are Michigan's state bird. A lot of them do leave for winter, but there are always quite a few around year-round. 

Downy Woodpeckers: - I love these little birds. I saw several of them as I walked this week. The milder weather has certainly brought out the birds! These two were dancing around a tree, both males. They were funny to watch, posturing and showing off. 

As I walked through the field and back to my car there are several times when I look up and see birds flying overhead. This week there were a couple of Red-tailed Hawks flying around calling to one another. Not sure if they are male or female. 

It was a great bird week at Asylum Lake!