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Backyard Philadelphia – April 17
Apr 19, 2020 | by Adrian Binns
There has been a great of activity this week with Mourning Doves, House Finches and Cardinals all exhibiting courting behaviour. American Crows are busy on the periphery of the yard building their nest. Our male Red-bellied Woodpecker is busy putting the finishing touches to his nest, occasionally poking his head out of the hole to toss loose chippings that have accumulated.
![](https://wildside.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/20240831193913/Red-bellied-Woodpecker-v600-ab-BINNS-1D2A3224-copy.jpg)
Red-bellied Woodpecker
After an absence of a couple of days a Hermit Thrush was seen once again. Was this one of the ones from the previous week or another migrant passing through? No warblers this week but other migrants included a beautiful Blue-headed Vireo on the 11th, a female Eastern Towhee a few days later and several Ruby-crowned Kinglets along with a Golden-crowned. At the conclusion of a strong storm on the 13th a Broad-winged Hawk circled overhead before moving northwards.
![](https://wildside.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/20240831193916/Blue-headed-Vireo-600-ab-BINNS-1D2A3154.jpg)
Blue-headed Vireo
American Goldfinches are losing their dull winter colouration and coming into their brilliant bright breeding plumage, and while I’m mentioning colour, the Blue Jay perfectly matches the blue porcelain bird bath!
![](https://wildside.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com/wp-content/uploads/20240831193911/Blue-Jay-800x293-ab-BINNS-1D2A3175-copy.jpg)
Blue Jay