Early Spring: The Transition

Early spring is a very exciting time to be outside observing the changes of the seasons and bird life. Like a giant Newton's Cradle, the new migrants seem to arrive just as our winter visitors are leaving. We had many new arrivals this week. On Tuesday, a male Eastern Bluebird arrived and immediately began investigating the nest boxes. We also saw our first butterfly (Milbert's Tortoiseshell) on Tuesday. Songs Sparrow arrived and were singing profusely by Wednesday, and Thursday marked the first Grackles.



But as all this excitement over new birds took place, a bird who has been around for months put in an appearance before it's own journey north. On Thursday, a beautiful first-winter Norther Shrike was hanging out on the property. Most surprisingly of all, it was singing! Shrike are typically silent while on their wintering grounds in Vermont, but towards winter's end, they do begin to serenade, despite being 100's of miles from the taiga and tundra where they breed. The video below managed to pick up the Shrikes song, which consists of harsh call notes interspersed with more complex, Robin-like phrases.



The juxtaposition of summer and winter residents makes for great time to watch wildlife. It's best to enjoy this short window while it lasts, because in a few short weeks the shrikes will be gone and the Song Sparrows far less exciting. Cheers to early spring!