Another migration influx at Lake Leatherwood

It was a beauiful morning at the park. New birds for the year were Mourning Doves, Blue-gray Gnatcatchers, and Northern Parulas. The missing-all-winter Blue Jays have returned, but the Pine Warblers in the cabin area have disappeared, maybe due to the growing number of Common Grackles. Some other sightings were a Cooper's Hawk, and many Field Sparrows and Red-wing Blackbirds. A small flock of Cedar Waxwings was present. Wood Ducks were numerous, and both Kinglets were still around, as well as one Winter Wren. In all, 41 species seen. Most of the Pied-bill Grebes are still present but all the Buffleheads are gone. Most gratifying ducks were four beautifully plumaged pairs of Blue-wing Teal, and there were a few Green-wings too.

There were Tiger and Zebra Swallowtail butterflies, and some of the Trout Lilies had blooms. There were blooms on the Common Violets, and I found one yellow one.