April was amazing for Lifers, and May has continued the trend. I’ve found so many great species this month that I’m really excited about. I’m not super familiar with all of the different types of vireo, but this Blue-headed Vireo was really cute and I love the colors on him. The Black and White Warbler has been one that I’ve been wanting to find for quite sometime, and I really felt lucky to have found this one right in my front yard! Such a neat little bird.
Blue-Headed Vireo, Black and White Warbler
I have never seen Swainson’s Thrush before, and they have been all over my yard lately. Anywhere from one to five at a time, enjoying all different types of the bird feeders I have out right now. Another bird I’ve never seen at Lake Bella before, the Black Tern. They are out in droves right now feeding at the lake. They never stop moving or seem to land anywhere, so I’ve had a hard time getting photos, but they are really cute.
Swainson’s Thrush, Black Tern
Sparrows all sort of look the same to me lately, so I always make sure to get at least one photo so I can use Merlin to double check if it might be something new. Much to my delight, I did find this Lark Sparrow and get a cute photo of it. Speaking of looking the same, sandpipers are in that category as well. I really have to trust Merlin when it says it‘s something new, lol. I could tell from afar that this was something a little different, and managed to creep up for a decent shot.
Lark Sparrow, Spotted Sandpiper
And now for my favorite Lifer of the month, I FINALLY got a pair of Ruby-throated Hummingbirds to come to my feeder. They are both so cute, with the male being a little more elusive. At first glance I thought this might have been a red-tail, but this beautiful hawk turned out to be a Broad-shouldered Hawk. It was really neat to watch her collecting materials to make a nest with in the trees.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Broad-shouldered Hawk
Flycatchers are another type of bird that all sort of look really similar to me, except for the Great Crested Flycatcher. I could tell right away that this bird was a little bit different from other birds I was seeing this day. I always love a good pop of yellow!
Great Crested Flycatcher, Alder Flycatcher
May has been the month of new Warblers for me, and I’m pretty hyped about it. I think my favorite has to be the American Restart. It almost looks like a miniature oriole, and makes me think of Halloween. The Magnolia and Chestnut-sided Are both really unique looking as well, with bright colors and pretty striping.
American Redstart, Magnolia Warbler, Chestnut-sided Warbler
