This has been the slowest, quietest migration season I can ever remember, which is kind of a bummer when you’re in quarantine with a lot more time on your hands.
I thought we were off to a great start when an Orchard Oriole showed up in late April—a week earlier than the migrating birds usually arrive. But he was alone. Several days later a small flock of bright-orange Baltimore Orioles dropped in and entertained me for several days, but usually they hang around the feeders all day. This group visited very sporadically. Perhaps because more people are home this year, there are more dining options available along the migration route!
By the end of last week it was getting late in the season. Usually the activity at my feeders peaks around May 8th. Many of the birds still need to travel further north to their breeding grounds in Canada. Others will stay in the area but disperse into natural areas to find suitable nesting sites.
Thankfully the show wasn’t completely over. Two pairs of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks and an Indigo Bunting visited the feeders for just a few minutes one morning. I’m glad I was near the window so I didn’t miss it.
