Birds

A Big Year - April Update

Thomas Moore

01 May 2024 — 1 min read

Into April, and the bird numbers are slowing down a bit.

I am also breaking one of my rules for bird watching. Normally, I like to see a bird in person before I add it to my lifer list. So, for example, if I just hear a Scarlet Tanager before I’ve ever seen one, I won’t mark it down until I can get eyes on it.

I’m making an exception for the Chuck-will’s-widow for a couple of reasons. The first is it is a natural bird with amazing camouflage, so the chances of me seeing one are rare. The second reason is their call is so distinct that it is difficult to mistake it for anything else.

In the early morning hours of a camping trip, I heard two of them calling back and forth with no other bird song around. So, I’m going to count that (unless I change my mind down the road).

The New Birds to the Bird List!

Field Sparrow
Green Heron
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Chuck-will's-widow (lifer!)
Cape May Warbler
Greater-crested Flycatcher
House Wren
Cedar Waxwing
Hooded Warbler
Baltimore Oriole
Tennessee Warbler
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Red-eyed Viero
Northern Waterthrush
Ovenbird (lifer!)
Black-throated Blue Warbler
Blackburnian Warbler
Worm-eating Warbler
Scarlet Tanager

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