IN THE BACKYARD: Philadelphia late April

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. 

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.

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.  

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!

Red Fox