The First Tanager
May 29th, 2019
This past weekend Mr Chiots and I spotted our first scarlet tanager of the season. It wasn’t super close, so I couldn’t get a great photo. It’s always exciting to watch for birds to return in the spring. The first bluebird, indigo bunting, robin, and phoebes always give reason to celebrate.
For bird idenficiation, we have both ‘The Stokes Field Guide to the Birds of North American’ and ‘Peterson Field Guide to Birds of North America‘ and use them both regularly. If you’re into birds they’re worthwhile additions to your library.
Are you a bird watcher? What birds do you most enjoy seeing in spring?
We know it’s really spring when the grey catbirds reappear in our yard. They are heavy users of the birdbath, and if there is one splashing around in there, I can often spot another perched nearby waiting to take a turn.
I am a fan of both the Peterson and Stokes guides, and also the Merlin Bird ID app from Cornell Lab of Ornithology. I find it especially helpful to use the app instead of a hard-copy field guide when travelling; checking out ebook copies of regional bird guides from the library is a convenient option too.
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