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Just got back from an overnight trip to Delaware, where I dipped on my target, Razorbill, which would have been a lifer. However, I did add nine species to my Year List, which is now up to 129.
104. Red-breasted Merganser, a lone male on lake at Rosecrans Airport, Saint Joseph, Missouri
105. Wilson's Snipe, on Nelson Road slough, Saint Joseph, Missouri
106. American Golden-Plover, on shoreline of Muskrat Lake, Saint Joseph, Missouri
Today was the first day that really felt like spring. It was sunny and warm, the grass is starting to turn green, daffodils are in bloom, and phoebes are back and calling.
Things are picking up here - finally some spring migrants have shown themselves. I am particularly happy to be hearing Song Sparrows again - this is one of the the best signs in our part of Canada that winter is definitely on its way out, and we can relax a bit.
The Merlin was another very pleasant surprise; but then, they have become so much easier to find in the last few years, thanks to a general recovery of the species.
6) House Finch
7) Black-capped Chickadee
8) Mallard
9) Ring-billed Gull
10) Red-winged Blackbird
11) Song Sparrow
12) Merlin
108. Brewer's Blackbird, around Muskrat Lake, Saint Joseph, Missouri
109. Pectoral Sandpiper, around Muskrat Lake, Saint Joseph, Missouri
110. Eastern Phoebe, around a bridge over Contrary Creek, Saint Joseph, Missouri
* This morning the Smith's Longspurs were picking around in the harvested corn fields in the same location they were in yesterday. Of course, there is no way to tell if they were the same flock or a new flock passing through the area! There appeared to be about the same number of them as yesterday though (~100).
Another stunningly warm day here in southern Ontario - about 16º this evening when I went out (4º would be about average). This is really pushing certain species up here for us, and making some of the birds that are here already (e.g. Am. Robins) much more active.
13) European Starling
14) Mourning Dove
15) Turkey Vulture
16) Common Grackle
I really seem to have already "picked all the low-hanging fruit" around my neighbourhood - at least until spring migration gets underway in earnest. Just one new one yesterday.
First time I have ever kept a year list, and quite pleased so far, with 88 species of which 86 are UK sightings.... But then I look at some of the more seasoned listers, and realise what an amateur I am! As I don't unfortunately have the time to dedicate days or half days out birding, I have been picking up sightings from the odd 15 minutes here and there, and from a few trips out on my bike. TBH, I had not really thought about how many species I commonly see, and keeping a count has been an eye-opener.
One question: what are others' opinions on counting unseen birds? I have heard my first chiffchaff this week, but did not see it, so wonder if I can add this to my year list... and then have just heard a GS woodpecker calling and drumming from my home-office window, but again not seen, but wonder if I can add to my garden list....?