Birds & Blooms

I slept late this morning and was still working on my first cup of tea when I spotted a flash of yellow out in the garden - first warbler sighting of the year!  I planted myself outside (with Jax) and waited for it to come back, which it eventually did ... with two other friends!  This is our earliest warbler species to come through, the Pine Warbler.  It is a short-distance migrant, spending winter in the southeastern US and breeding in the northeast US, southern Canada and the Great Lakes area.  This time of year the males are a bright yellow with grayish wings and noticeable wing bars.  The females are more drab only showing soft yellows.  I was lucky to see two males and a female today so I will put a female in Extra.  These little warblers are likely just laying over for a day before continuing north to breed so I won't count on seeing them again.

It's beautiful out today, with a light overcast and temps in the 60's.  Very comfortable to sit outside with a long sleeved tee and a vest (and pants, of course!). Jax spent quite a bit of time watching for squirrels before he retired to his elevated bed on the deck where he could watch over me in between naps.  

Surprisingly, the cherry trees are still blooming and once the temps warmed up today I could hear the low level hum of pollinators buzzing around the blossoms.  Most of the bees were honey bees but I did see a few Eastern Bumble Bees in the mix.  I don't think it was quite warm enough today for some of the smaller bees.  

I ran some errands this morning but have mostly just enjoyed being out in the garden today.  A soft landing after my quick trip to the west coast.

xoxo
Debbi