Now that was a nice day.
I have an idea the temperature would have reached 15 or so.
The snow melts, puddles form, mud gets muddy and the birds relish the spring day.
The northeast was a bit cooler today but sunny and the birds were in that area in a big way.
A couple more reports of robins.
Marianne is surprised by the number of redpolls still feeding on the ground.
This area has the same thing happening.
I am told that one big flock will head north and another from the south fills in the void.
What about hummingbirds I was asked today? I would say it is a bit early.
Just the same it might be prudent to be at the ready with your white sugar and a clean feeder.
The mixture is 4 parts water to one part sugar. Boil the sugar and water.
Don’t use that red powder.
I have a raven family nesting in my big pine trees.
They find it difficult to get all the sticks brought in for the nest since the crows are not keen on the big bird in their territory.
One raven will draw the crows away, the other raven makes a dash for the nest to deposit the stick.
Quite a performance.
Eugene from the northeast was saying the boreal chickadees have been picking up bits of horse hair for nesting material.
I have seen the black-capped chickadees taking moose hair.
Earlier this evening I saw a pair of mallards by my pond.
They soon left for somewhere else. Still too much ice on the pond.
Lots of raptors around now. Red-tailed hawks in great numbers. Eagles flying over. merlins in most areas.
No reports yet of the kestrel but I am sure they will be around soon.
The varied thrush are here in greater numbers that other years.
Lots of juncos out and about as well.
The purple finch has made an appearance in the Dawson Creek area.
Saw my first swallows today.
They will be in the northeast soon as well. Make sure you clean the swallow boxes.
I was asked today if there is some way to keep squirrels away from bluebird nesting boxes.
A good question.
I am not sure what would work the best.
Let me know if you have a good idea.
Cranes have been reported east of here but as yet I have not seen any.
How about you?
Time to ready ourselves for the big spring display as those magnificent birds heading north.
Time to leave you for another week.
Thanks for reporting those birds to me when you call 250-846-5095. An e-mail is appreciated when it comes to mallory@bulkley.net.