Spring Is In The Air!

Sap is dripping at A.W. Campbell Conservation Area!

Blue Jays are often detected by their noisy calls, but this one was silent! Blue Jays are found in all kinds of forests but especially near oak trees. They are more abundant near forest edges than in deep forest. They are also common in urban areas where bird feeders are found.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Blue_Jay/lifehistory

Cedar Waxwings are social birds that can be found in flocks throughout the year. 37 were together in Canatara this week.

They will sit in fruiting trees such as Juniper and swallow berries whole, or pluck them in mid-air with a brief fluttering hover.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/id

The name "waxwing" comes from the waxy red secretions found on the tips of the secondaries of some birds. The exact function of these tips is not know, but they may help to attract mates.

https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Cedar_Waxwing/overview

Downy Woodpecker checking for insects hiding under the bark.

A vocal Red-winged Blackbird marking his territory!

A Black-capped Chickadee caught an insect at the top of a spruce tree.

A White-breasted Nuthatch spent time lurking on top of a cabin in Canatara Park. It may have been checking the small spaces under the roof shingles for sunflower seeds cached by other birds.