Date: 4/21/25 8:50 am From: A. Liebner <000000d98121eaef-dmarc-request...> Subject: Sch. Co. FOY Brown Trasher, Bald Eagles, Ravens, Purple Finches and more
April has been good for birding here in the valley.On 4/01 Black Vultures were seen soaring overhead.On 4/02, a Brown Creeper appeared on the dogwood tree.On 4/09 it was nice to see a Northern Flicker foraging around the grounds. (flickers nested here for the past several years) Also on 4/09, I found a Bluebird nest in one of the boxes.4/10 -FOY Purple Finches showed up at the feeders followed by an Adult Bald Eagle in the neighboring fields on 4/11.There was a feeding frenzy in the neighbor's Chicken Farm fields on 4/14. An Immature Bald Eagle, a Red-tailed Hawk, 9 Turkey Vultures, 2 Black Vultures, 6 Ravens and several Crows were observed feeding on a pile of chicken carcasses thrown on the ground outside on of the chicken farm buildings. Of course, the Eagle had first dibs.The next day, 4/15 an Adult Bald Eagle picked at more chicken carcasses while a Wild Turkey gobbler strutted and displayed in front of a hen at the top of the same field.Also, on 4/15, a FOY Brown Trasher returned to the window feeder but was immediately chased by the resident N. Mockingbird. Things have settled since and the Thrasher is finally able to eat in peace.
Non-birding, but still exciting. on 4/18 I spotted the first Mourning Cloak fluttering through the yard.As of 4/20 there are no eggs in the Bluebird nest, but second pair is inspecting another box on our property.4/21- Juncos and White-throats are still here but their numbers are fluctuating. Tree Swallows have been inspecting a box near the house every day for the past few days. It's time to make sugar water for the Hummingbirds. My records indicate their return to our yard on 4/28 and once on 4/29 since the 80's. Timing is everything - Heuchera is ready to bloom; hummers love those pretty Coral Bells and the best thing is they continue to bloom until fall.
Spring is a great time for birding!
Ann M. Liebner
Wayne Twp. Schuylkill Co.
