Spring Brings ...

The first day of spring is only one week away. This post contains photographs from my archives featuring several birds I am looking forward to seeing over the coming spring season.

Beautiful Yellow Warblers will soon flutter about the marsh area at the back of our property

I've already spotted many American Robins hopping through the grass seeking sustenance

Tiny Ruby-crowned Kinglets are always a delight to observe

Pretty Yellow-rumped Warblers will soon fill the trees

One of the most lovely birds I have ever seen ~ Blackburnian Warbler

This stunning Prothonotary Warbler was a life bird for me last year

The the high-pitched song of Common Yellowthroats will soon fill the marsh

Rusty capped Palm Warblers will be passing through on their way to Canada

I am looking forward to the arrival of diminutive Ruby-throated Hummingbirds during the month of April

Resplendent Black-throated Green Warblers briefly visit the Chicago area during spring migration

Eastern Bluebird  ~ We already have a few bluebird couples checking out several of the nest boxes on our property ~ Last year, one pair raised three successful broods in the same nest box

Migration Magic ~ Part 2

This post is part 2 of a series featuring beautiful birds observed during the month of May. Most of these lovely feathered friends are just passing through on their migration north. Though the weather this spring has been quite volatile, stormy and chilly, I did manage to spend a few glorious days at my favorite birding spots in the city.

I wanted to get this colorful post out earlier but wedding plans took priority. I am now officially a married woman filled with great joy. I hope to post blogs more often now that the wedding planning is over.

A glimpse of a handsome Canada Warbler

The brilliant feathers of a stunning Scarlet Tanager

I love the curious look on this pretty Nashville Warbler

A busy Ruby-crowned Kinglet seeks sustenance in a leafy bush

A beautiful Black-throated Green Warbler feeding around the interior tree branches

Common Yellowthroats were a frequent and welcome sight for me this spring

A striking female Baltimore Oriole delights in the blooming tree buds

A splendid sight ~ Magnolia Warbler

A lovely Pine Warbler feeds at North Pond

Seeking tasty snacks ~ Wilson's Warbler

This Virginia Rail was so very secretive ~ I was thrilled to catch a brief sight of this beauty

Migration Magic ~ Part 1

The spring season is one of my favorite times of the year. Along with milder temperatures, the greening of foliage and flowering trees, bird migration occurs. Colorful, active birds make regular stops throughout the Midwest seeking nourishment and rest before continuing on their long trek north. Below I feature several of the beautiful birds I have observed over the recent weeks.

A stunning Prairie Warbler uses a prickly branch to assist while foraging for insects

Singing a delightful melody ~ Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle)

Posing pretty ~ Warbling Vireo

In the springtime, beautiful Yellow Warblers fill the marsh at the back of our country property

 

A Blackburnian Warbler shows off his brilliant breeding plumage

A sightly Northern Waterthrush looks over the reflective pond

The pond I visited was teeming with sightly Palm Warblers flicking their feathery tails

Peek-a-boo! A Prothonotary Warbler seeks food under a fallen tree limb ~ A life bird for me!

Foraging amongst the budding tree branches ~ Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

The lovely colors of a Chestnut-sided Warbler

A Sora balances upon a branch ~ Take note of the extra long toes!