The bestest time of the birding year is in progress. Migration is in full swing in Ohio and we have had some spectacular weather. We have had some awful weather too but that is the definition of spring in Ohio. I didn’t get out birding a ton and my bonus photos will explain why. But the couple times I did get out, I was treated to some great birds.
Red-headed Woodpeckers are what’s termed ‘facultative’ migrants, meaning some populations migrate and some don’t migrate based on food availability. Facultative is a fun new word for you to try to use in a sentence soon. This one was calling beautifully while perched in the open so nicely.
A Brown Thrasher is what’s called a mimic and can sing over a thousand songs. Recent research suggests some sing close to 3000 songs. Pretty impressive memory and sometime these ‘songs’ sound more like car alarms or smoke detectors. Birds are amazing.
This Eastern Towhee played hide and seek pretty well…at least he didn’t let me get a great shot. But he sung beautifully for me.
This was the first Gray Catbird I saw and heard in 2025, singing and looking gorgeous at Prairie Oaks metro park in late April.
And here’s one of the biggest reasons I didn’t bird a lot in April. I fostered Loki, a 68 pound boxer/pit full of unconditional love. He was adopted by a wonderful family and I enjoyed getting to know him on our long walks. I miss the big blockhead and am soooo happy he’s found his forever home!
Last but not least, the 5 other reasons I didn’t get out birding as much in April. Because I didn’t have enough going on, I agreed to foster momma and her 4 kittens. They will be available for adoption soon…assuming I don’t foster fail hard. :)