Nature Happenings

• Over 250 species of wildflowers bloom this month in our fields and forests.

• Dark-eyed Juncos disappear early in month.

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• Dark Eyed Junco

 

• Peak of warbler migration happens very early in month.

  
• Yellow Warbler

 

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• Yellow Rumped

 

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• Common Yellow Throat

 

• The first half of the month is peak migration for flycatchers, thrushes and northerly vireos.

• 
• Vermillion Flycatcher

 

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• Thrush
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• Vireo

 

• Nighthawks and Chimney Swifts return.

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• Nighthawk

 

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• Chimney Swift

 

• Sub-adult Purple Martins return to establish new colonies early in month.

• 
• Purple Martin

 

• Peak of bird courtship. Listen for the morning chorus.

• Nesting materials are being collected.

• Orioles return and begin nesting. Be sure to have their feeders, nectar, fruit and jelly out early.

• 
• Baltimore Oriole

 

• The first fireflies of the year can be seen.

• Black-bellied Whistling-Duck, Wood Duck and Mallard ducklings hatch and venture forth early this month.

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• Black Bellied Whistling Duck

 

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• Wood Duck

 

• 
• Mallard

 

• Eta Aquarids meteor shower is early-May.

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• International Migratory Bird Day is mid-May.