Birds, birds and more birds!

Hermit Thrush at Point Pelee

My husband and I celebrated our 34th wedding anniversary yesterday. We went away for the weekend to Point Pelee, the most southern tip of land in Canada. Many birds migrate through this point, crossing Lake Erie northward in the spring and southward in the fall. A small archipelago is in the area providing places to rest on the long journey across the lake. I will be featuring some posts on this interesting spot but have to organize my thoughts and pictures first. We saw so much in such a short time.

Fox Sparrow in my yard today

After work today, I noticed a couple of unusual birds with spotted breasts in our yard. I assumed they were a pair of thrushes and went out after dinner to take a closer look. I got two good identifying shots and to my surprise realized I had two different species digging in my garden at the same time;- a Fox Sparrow and a Hermit Thrush! These birds confused me before and they confused me again.

There were many thrushes on Point Pelee this weekend and I identified a Hermit Thrush and a Wood Thrush. I find these birds to be quite elusive and was surprised to see one so visible in our yard.

Hermit Thrush in my yard today

Spring migration is in full swing. We have had several warm days with a southerly wind and the birds are coming north in large numbers. Our birding forums are buzzing with sightings and pictures. When I got home my Google reader had 120 new posts up in the past three days. It must be an inspiring time for many bloggers. I will read through the list, but cannot catch up on commenting. I am sure many of you find yourselves in similar situations and want to be outdoors as much as possible now that spring is here.

More to come...