Photo Tammie Hache/The Echo
Male Pine Grosbeak

Once again, it's pretty quiet for birds lately.  I've gotten very few reports on sightings this winter.  Mainly, I've been fielding questions on why there are so few birds at feeders this winter.  At the risk of sounding like a broken record, it is because there is more natural food elsewhere.  They WILL return!  Just ..... likely not this winter. 
I have been informed this week though that our one single White Throated Sparrow is still doing well.  I'm glad to hear this.  His relatives will be returning next month!
Starlings are being seen more and more.  By the sounds of it, quite a few have spent the winter in the area.  By that, I mean over 20 that I know of, seen in different areas of town.  Some of them have been seen up on Warbler Avenue, making quite a mess going in and out of the eaves of one house.  They are obviously getting ready for nesting season.  If the eaves are not blocked now, before they start nesting, the mess will be even bigger as Starlings will possibly have 2 clutches in a season.  If it's your house they're going into, you will want to fix this problem as soon as possible.
The Whiskey Jacks aren't coming around anymore but for them, it's no surprise ... they are our earliest nesters, beginning in late February, so sightings of them will drop off significantly in the coming weeks.  
Signs of nesting are very minimal right now, of course ... it IS only March 1st, after all.  But, within the next month, the signs will be stronger.  I am seeing Ravens pairing up, quietly talking to and preening each other.  By April, we are liable to be seeing them hauling branches to rebuild their nests with.  It's getting to be that time of year!
I noticed this week that  some Crows have either returned or more likely, they never left.  I just never saw them until now.  I've seen 2 or 3 around my neighbourhood and backyard.  Being March now, some Bald Eagles will likely return before the month is out.  Robins will be migrating by now and some could be seen at any time.
Also by the end of this month, it is quite possible to see the pretty Purple Finches.  They sometimes return before March 31 but the past couple of years, they haven't come back until into April.  American Goldfinches won't be too far behind them along with ... dare I say it? .... Blackbirds and Grackles!  I really don't mind the blackbirds too much but for some people, they are a nemesis.  I figure they're all birds and need eat, especially during migration.  The only ones that bother me are the parasitic, non-native species like the Brown Headed Cowbird but there's nothing I can do about it.
It's a little early to mention everyone's favourite migrator ... the Ruby Throated Hummingbird.  His arrival is still at least 2½ months away but ....... they ARE coming!
Sadly, with spring and migration comes the time for my beloved Pine Grosbeaks to leave for the summer.  I hate to see them go and dearly wish they would stay all year round.  Ah, but some of them might.  In the past 3 years, I've seen or heard of at least 4 pairs that have spent summers in the area.  We can hope.  I have my fingers crossed too that the Evening Grosbeaks will remain in the area in good numbers for the summer.  They do nest here and it's always such a huge treat to see their babies in particular. 
Please keep me posted on your sightings.  I like to document arrival dates of migrating birds so please contact me when you start seeing our summer species.  Thanks to all who have written or called with their reports and questions.
Happy Sightings!
tammie@theecho.ca     826-4561