 Feathered Friends on Their Way: Migrants and Births
Image of a migration map by BirdCast. Click image to see current live map.
This is such an exciting time of year! Birds that we've not seen since last autumn are returning to summer with us once more. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds have arrived in my yard. The Osprey have returned to nest at Wolfe's Neck Woods State Park, and the Hawk Watch on Bradbury Mt. continues through May 15. Visit between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to watch the bird biologists at work. View the daily counts on the mountain (Bradbury Mt State Park, Pownal) or see the online report.
Learn more about migration at BirdCast, a website that features migration forecasts that predict how many birds would be aloft over the continental US and live migration maps that report how many birds actually took flight. Here are links to start exploring the site:
Nesting season is here, and many species of birds will be hatching soon. Baby birds that fall out of a nest and are not injured but cannot perch or begin to fly should be returned to the nest. These guidelines from Avian Haven include a decision flow chart and will help you know what to do if you find a grounded nestling or injured bird.
Help protect birds by keeping cats indoors and reduce window strikes. See additional resources at BirdSafe Maine. And, consider volunteering for Avian Haven or your local wild bird rehabilitation center.
I'll be reporting on the progress of the Phoebes that nest above my porch every year. Until then, see my Nature Note from last year, First Flight: Nestlings to Fledglings.
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