Palm Warbler

These are the first warbler shots of the year for me. There were few Yellow-rumped or Palm Warblers
until today. They seemed to be everywhere today although I had less luck with the Yellow-rumps.
April 26th, East Jordan.

Preening Drake Blue-winged Teal

I was pretty happy when this bird along with his three female companions decided to swim
in front of me and preen on the nearest patch of ground. April 20, Hemeon's Head.

Another Purple Finch

I like the expression on the face of this bird. April 15, East Jordan.

Piping Plover

This was my first sighting of a Piping Plover this year. There were at least two on Black Rock Beach and I took this shot
without having to approach and disturb the birds. It actually walked past me as I stood behind my tripod.
April 13.

Blue-winged Teal



There was one male and three female Blue-winged Teal in one of the ponds at Hemeon's Head.
They were fairly approachable and determined to stay in the pond despite my persistence to take
their photo. They even displayed some courtship/mating behaviour at one point.
April 10-11.

Long-billed Dowitcher

These shots were taken on three different days at the same location. I've photographed lots
of Dowitchers in the past but never in the Spring and never a Long-billed Dowitcher.
They're rare in the Fall and there are few reports for the Spring in this area. This bird
was my first definitive Long-billed. April 10-13, Hemeon's Head.

Purple Finches

The Purple Finches arrived at the feeder in the last few days, at least on a regular basis. I had seen one
female in past weeks and one male during the blizzard almost two weeks ago. Today there were several
along with many goldfinches which are quickly turning bright yellow.

Mourning Dove

A pair of Mourning Doves arrived in my yard last week. Looks like they're pairing off in
preparation for breeding season. The familiar mourning call must be one of the first signs
of spring nowadays. There was a time when they were considered rare in this part of the
world, now they're ubiquitous. The first shot was from today -April 2, the bottom one from
March 25.