Critter Count 5-2-08 (a tally of the critters in my yard)

Time: 2 p.m.

Conditions: Cloudy, muggy and hazy with a temperature of 70 degrees

Location: the backyard

Notes: Another of my favorite migrants has arrived—the Rose-breasted Grosbeak. So far I’ve only seen a female, but I did hear a male singing. I spotted some other migrating birds but they moved too swiftly for me to snap any photos.

Today’s Count:

• 2 Rose-breasted Grosbeaks
• 1 American Redstart
• 1 Hermit Thrush
• 2 Cardinals
• 1 Blue Jay
• 1 House Finch
• 3 Goldfinches
• 1 Chipping Sparrow
• 2 Crows
• 3 Mourning Doves
• 2 Chickadees
• 1 snacking Chipmunk

• 1 House Wren (my first of the season, and he’s already checking out 2 of my birdhouses!)