April 13, 2009 [LINK / comment]
For the first time in at least a couple weeks, I took a quick walk along the trail behind the Staunton-Augusta Rescue Squad ("SARS") this morning, and spotted one first-of-season species: a Blue-gray gnatcatcher. It seemed to have more bluish tint than others I have seen, which may indicate that it was a male. One of the Ruby-crowned kinglets showed why it is named as it is: the male's red spot was prominently displayed as it engaged in territorial disputes (or romance) with others of its species. The Yellow-rumped warbler was in full breeding plumage, another sign of spring. No other warblers as of yet, however, and no Catbirds, either. Today's highlights:
Male Cardinal, out back last week.