Vultures, Swallows, & Buntings, Oh My!

When March and April weather is less than stellar, our changing cast of birds, finding their voices and sporting breeding plumage, reminds us that winter won’t last forever. Spring is a time of wonder for humans and frantic activity for birds as they prepare to nest and raise young. Spring migration is a “race to the finish,” accomplished in weeks rather than the leisurely southward movement of fall months. Males often migrate ahead of their future mates, to secure prime breeding territories. For example, Red-winged blackbirds are always present, but numbers increase exponentially in spring. Winter males that calmly shared seed at feeders turn quarrelsome, making harsh onk-a-ree calls and flashing their glossy red and yellow epaulets in defensive displays. Some pass quickly to nest farther north; local breeders establish territories near water and await females. Female red-wings are brown, heavily camouflaged with dark streaks; if noticed, they are often mistaken for a different species! Even in urban areas, almost every pond, lake, or grassy field will host these intriguing birds. The female attaches a cup-shaped nest to tall vegetation; once she hatches the eggs, both parents feed the young, often producing two broods per season.

Traditionally, robins and bluebirds were considered harbingers of spring, but Christmas Bird Count data confirms that these thrush family cousins remain all year, leaving only if food is scarce or weather is severe. They’re simply more conspicuous as they resume singing and courtship activities. Bluebird houses should be ready by the first week of March; these enthusiastic breeders may nest three times in a season!

Birders happily award our “Bird of Spring” title to the Turkey Vulture (looks aren’t everything)! Remember to glance up occasionally during seasonal garden chores and you’ll almost certainly spot these large dark carrion-eaters (with pale wing linings) effortlessly gliding and circling within warm air columns (thermals) on sunny days. Vultures return to our skies by early to mid-March after spending the winter only a few hundred miles south, with their smaller Black Vulture relatives.

When “TVs” arrive, swallows and flycatchers aren’t far behind! Most of these insect-eaters winter in Central and South America. Purple Martins appear earliest, after journeying from Brazil—their houses should be opened by March 12. Young birds arrive first, to establish new colonies; older birds generally reuse former nesting areas. Iridescent Tree Swallows soon follow; near water, they often compete aggressively for bluebird houses.

Eastern Phoebes visit yards, especially near woodland edges. These agile bluebird-sized flycatchers, grayish brown with pale bellies, are recognized by their long, constantly bobbing tails. Listen for their distinctive fee-bee calls. Phoebes typically swoop from a perch

Elizabeth Stoakes

Birding Enthusiast

and snatch insects from the air (“hawking”), returning to their initial roost to eat. Especially fond of butterflies, moths, and dragonflies, they also glean small insects from foliage. By “leaving the leaves”, you’ll help nourish these early migrants!

Winter sparrows slip away unnoticed during April and early May. Most migrate at night, to breed in the woodlands of Canada. Whitethroated Sparrows refuse to go quietly, practicing their melodious songs before departure. If you hear a clear Old Sam Peabody-PeabodyPeabody, you’ll know at least one winter bird remains in the bush!

Late April heralds the arrival of hummingbirds, orioles, and gorgeous Indigo Buntings. These sparrow-sized Cardinal relatives eat an omnivorous diet, including feeder fare. Males display rich blue coloration, without blue pigments! Their color is “structural”, created entirely by light reflected from their feathers. Brown females are inconspicuous as they tend their nests in dense, low shrubs. Males perch in the open and sing their loud sweetsweet-chewy-chewy songs fre- quently, even on hot days.

How can we support and protect birds during this strenuous, hazardous, and challenging season?

• Leave feeders in place to provide “refueling stops” for migrants and early nesters.

• Mitigate window collision hazards. Parachute-cord “Wind Curtains”, semi-transparent “bird tape”, painter’s tape, one-way window films, and washable markers are some options to make windows more visible to birds.

• Close curtains/shades and turn off outdoor lights at night to avoid attracting and disorienting nocturnal migrants.

• Leave brush piles in place.

• Delay removal of leaves and plant debris until the end of April to help insects as well as birds.

For more information, please visit Cornell University’s excellent bird guide at allaboutbirds.org. You’ll find photos, sound recordings, range maps, and life histories of every North American species. See how many new species you can spot as spring progresses!