![Eastern Towhee m 2000 BINNS 1D2A4223 copy 2 Eastern Towhee m 2000 BINNS 1D2A4223 copy 2](https://mlidtupnuhh2.i.optimole.com/cb:CW8P.34791/w:1920/h:1279/q:90/ig:avif/https://wildsidenaturetours.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Eastern-Towhee-m-2000-BINNS-1D2A4223-copy-2.jpg)
IN THE BACKYARD: Philadelphia late April
May 1, 2020 | by Adrian Binns
A wonderful mix of passerines have been in the yard over the last 10 days. Our summer breeders, Gray Catbird and House Wren arrived on the 29th, as did a Blue-gray Gnatcatcher that was busy flitting about the hedgerow.
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Gray Catbird
It has certainly been a wonderful spring for Hermit Thrushes as they were very conspicuous through the third week, as were Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Eastern Towhees have been “tow-weeting” on most days, with three here for a day. Our second Blue-headed Vireo this spring was spotted in the red maple tree. We had not seen Hairy Woodpeckers at the feeders since mid-winter, so it was a bit of a surprise when a pair put showed up, but they only stayed for a short time! Scanning the skies on favorable winds, Broad-winged Hawks were on the move with individuals seen overhead heading north.
An unexpected Field Sparrow was here several days in a row, keeping to itself as it hopped about the lawn. A pair of Chipping Sparrows have also been around, while White-throated Sparrows are getting less numerous as it warms up.
![](https://mlidtupnuhh2.i.optimole.com/cb:CW8P.34791/w:auto/h:auto/q:eco/ig:avif/id:45d7ee1b05c1c429d301ce0dc8d9277d/https://wildsidenaturetours.com/Northern-Parula-600-ab-BINNS-1D2A4359-copy.jpg)
Northern Parula, male
There was a stunning Palm Warbler (the eastern race known as a yellow) for three days, but it was not until the last two days that other warblers followed – Black-and-whites, Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) and a Northern Parula, the latter enjoying the birdbath.
![](https://mlidtupnuhh2.i.optimole.com/cb:CW8P.34791/w:auto/h:auto/q:eco/ig:avif/id:11d094994f298a0d8f570982512c7db8/https://wildsidenaturetours.com/Black-and-white-f-600-ab-BINNS-1D2A4538-copy.jpg)
Black-and-white Warbler, female
On the non-avian front, over the course of an hour on one day, we had five mammals in the backyard – Eastern Chipmunk, Gray Squirrel, Groundhog, Eastern Cottontail and a Red Fox, which is most impressive!
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Red Fox