migration in full swing

Short walks today -- partly because of the showers and partly because of other obligations. Even so, there were birds around, notably four Scarlet Tanagers (two males and two females), several warblers (Yellowed-rumped, Pine, Black-and-white, N. Parula) as well as Ruby-crowned Kinglet and Eastern Towhee. Somewhat surprisingly, I haven't seen any Rose-breasted Grosbeaks yet this year (it's still early) but Peter Beston had four in his East Quogue yard this morning and sent me these neat photos (the one on the right is a female).

Bob Adamo, who led an ELIAS walk in Hunter's Garden today, was there yesterday afternoon and found a Wood Thrush (as well as the Veery and Hermit Thrush that we saw earlier). Hope he has good luck pursuing the warblers et al amid the raindrops today.

Green Herons appeared here on Wednesday; they regularly nest on or near the property. We've also had Black-crowned Night Herons and there were two Belted Kingfishers by the pond this morning -- whether antagonists or lovebirds I could not tell. Both are local breeders.

Speaking of nesting birds, it is very noticeable how quiet the crows are. In fact, the only crow sounds heard regularly these days are Fish Crows. The reason? I think the American Crows are sitting on eggs or feeding young while the Fish Crows are still in pre-nesting mode. As I watch the American Crows leave and return to their nests, I am aware how they take a circuitous route from and to their nests or nesting area, a sure sign that they are in the breeding process! Another bird that is very quiet at the moment is the Blue Jay, probably for the same reason.

In my recent run-down of early flowers, I missed a few. The Celandine are in full flower (this is the large buttercup-like bloom that I confused with Marsh Marigold). Also the pretty little yellow Cinquefoils. There are violets in bloom but, as usual, I have no idea which species; IDing violets is not easy. A fascinating plant that is in bloom right now is Cypress Spurge. This is a Euphorbia and, if it noticed at all, it is regarded as fast-growing weed. Like other Euphorbias, it has a milky latex and the curious greenish/yellowish 'flowers' are really just bracts. Like most of the other early bloomers (the violet may be an exception), it is an alien introduction but one of our more fascinating weeds.

We have a plant that is common near the house and that is almost certainly an introduction. It blooms profusely at this time of year with small white bunch-like flowers and we always called in Bridal Wreath but I have never been able to figure out what it is.

Eric Salzman