Birding observations for the first two weeks of May

The fits and starts of spring migration across Cape definitely hit a steadier stride starting on the fourth day of May. A herald of springtime, Baltimore Orioles have been showing up every day now with their fluid whistling tones that seem to carry across the upper canopies of our forests. On this same day along Shore road there were a wonderful dozen or more Blue-headed Vireo’s announcing their arrival with sweet slurred songs. This neotropical migrant is, in general, challenging to see, and is more often heard. One way to quickly identify a Vireo is to watch the bird’s movement. Blue-headed Vireos move in a deliberate, methodical fashion, which is in contrast with the lightening quick pace of wood warblers occupying the same middle elevations of mature and second growth woods. Interestingly, when male Blue-headed Vireos compete over a territory boundary they usually begin in a very polite manner by counter singing. This is when the males looking to claim the territory sings in turn to resolve their dispute.

The first of season Ruby-throated Hummingbird was welcomed back to our yard on May 4 as well. Other first of season birds on this day include Rose-breasted Grosbeaks (male and female) and a single Purple Sandpiper (Pond Cove).

The excitement continued the following day with the first of season Gray Catbirds arriving across cape. Black throated Green Warblers could be heard calling throughout the woods as well. A solitary Nashville Warbler was spotted along Shore Road, more precisely the bird was foraging along an area of streamside woodland on the Robinson property. Nashville warblers have a gray head, white eye ring and are yellow below, olive above. Ironically, this bird, at most, passes through Nashville during migration and does not nest anywhere near Tennessee, preferring the cool, open mixed woods of places far north.

Northerly breezes, breaking clouds and a guiding glow from the waxing crescent moon on the night of May 7 created the right conditions for a totally massive movement of migrant birds. Walking along Shore Road that night I counted well over 500 peeps and calls within a 20-minute time span! At some points along the way it felt like I could feel the collective energy of thousands of little gems racing towards their northern haunts. Early the next morning Black and White Warblers had arrived in very solid numbers along with Common Yellowthroats (a spectacular and common warbler).

On May 8 the American Yellow Warblers arrived in our swamps and watery places with force. Additionally, on this day we had a White crowned Sparrow at our feeder. Upon first impressions this bird’s largely plain gray appearance can be rather deceiving. Best described by ornithologist Edward Forbush, “It is a red-letter day for the novice in New England ornithology when he or she meets this bird of distinguished appearance. Its gray vesture, black and white crown and elegant form give it an aristocratic appearance as if it were above the common heard of sparrows and in a class by itself.” This sparrow is an uncommon migrant in Cape and in most years one or a couple are seen here and there, from time to time for two or so weeks.

Additional and previously mentioned warblers seen and/or heard across Cape so far this Spring include (listed by frequency of spotting), Myrtle Warbler, Palm Warbler, Pine Warbler, American Yellow Warbler, Common Yellowthroat, Northern Parula, Black and white Warbler, Ovenbird (a very special warbler of the deep forest floors), Black throated Green Warblers and a Northern Waterthrush! I was particularly excited about my seasons first Northern Waterthrush, spotted along the pond margins of Robinson Woods II. This large wood warbler is a very shy and furtive character that can be found with some luck within the shadowy understories of Cape’s woods near still and stagnant water pools. Interestingly, this warbler has longer legs than most other warblers which allows it to do some wading for insects.

On May 12 I spotted three Laughing gulls on a rock outcropping just offshore along Crescent Beach State Park. My wife, son and I were also treated to our first of the year Veery. Wintering east of the Andes in South America, the breezy spiraling song of this little thrush is heavenly.

Also, on May 12 I made a visit to a hidden gem of a birding spot - Turkey Hill Farms 20 acre preserve under easement. Working my way up towards the top of the property, I was pleasantly surprised to find a big congregation of warblers, including my first of season American Redstarts and a Great-crested Flycatcher. Rounding out the weekend, we had a female Great-horned owl calling from a towering oak tree on our property. Based on the piercing screams coming from the distance I was able to confirm a rather longstanding hunch I’ve had this spring - that this screeching noise was a young Great-horned owl begging for food!