House Finch, Chipping Sparrow

There are still some winter birds around, but the numbers have certainly decreased since the beginning of April. I did see one Common Redpoll over the weekend and I'm still getting three Pine Siskins in my backyard. Actually, yesterday I was surprised to see a Bohemian Waxwing and Pine Grosbeak on my street. There was a great variety of winter birds here in New Brunswick, but it is nice to have our other backyard birds return.

Two weeks ago I heard a different song out back. I looked around and noticed two bright House Finches on top of a tree. I've had females before, but never males. The females can trick you when they are with Purple Finches or Pine Siskins, but they do stand out if you know what to look for. Just in the past couple of days Chipping Sparrows have been showing up around the province. One day I had an American Tree Sparrow (soon leaving) in my yard in the morning and then a Chipping Sparrow in the afternoon. They do have some similarities, but their differences stand out when you know what to look for!

Osprey, Great Blue Heron, Belted Kingfisher

You can tell it is officially Spring in New Brunswick when these three species have returned!

Snow Goose

There are lots of Canada Geese passing through and stopping around Woodstock now that it finally feels like spring. I was in Hartland last week and made a point to stop to check along the river as it opened up there first. I was pleased to find a Snow Goose as it was only the third time I have found one! I plan on continuing to scan the flocks of geese as it'd be nice to find a Cackling or Greater White-fronted Goose.