May 22 / the warbler

I've noticed that I am seeing fewer migrating songbirds than I was this time last spring.  In 2012 & 2011 there were lots of warblers around by now.  That said, I am seeing some, and this morning, I saw one I don't remember seeing in my yard before.  There's also one I can't quite figure out yet.

Common in my garden: cardinals, sparrows, grackles, robins.

Spring visitors: baltimore oriole, red-wing blackbird, brown headed cowbird.  A heavily streaked sparrow with a central/chest spot - probably song sparrow. 

New today: common yellowthroat (warbler)

Not quite sure: there's a little bird, creamy underneath and taupey/olive on top, no wing bars, black eye bar.  I think it's most likely a philadelphia vireo, could possibly be an orange crowned or tenessee warbler. 

In one of my posts to come, I'll also note some interesting birds I've seen so far this spring, before beginning to write them down. 

International Day of Biogological Diversity

It's only a coincidence that I start this blog on the International Day of Biodiversity.  This is something I've been thinking about for a while.  My suburban garden either contains or is surrounded by a mixture of trees - spruce, crab apple, maple, cedar, apple, cherry, to name a few.  It also has two bird feeders, seed in one and fat blocks in the other.  Combined with the plants, both intentional and incidental, it seems to attract a fair bit of life - butterflies, rabbits, raccoons, a possum or two, and lots of birds.  I'm a bit obsessed with butterflies, so I'm sure I'll mention them on occasion, but it's the variety of birds, and when in the year I see them, that I want to explore here.  My goal is to keep track, daily if possible, for a year, of the birds I see, even if I only post the lists weekly.  Just to clarify, I won't be spending half the day every day staring out the window, usually just a few minutes, longer only if there's something really exciting.  My sightings will be mostly in my own yard, and some from the bits of my neighbours' yards I can see from my own window or garden.  If I find myself away from home, I'll try to note what I see wherever I am. You should also note that I am not an experienced birder, just a curious girl with a pair of binoculars and a guide to birds book.