Signs of spring are here! The migratory waterfowl are moving north, and some birds are starting their nesting activity, like the Red-tailed and Red-shouldered Hawks on my property.
I checked in with Audubon member Manfred Kusch who lives along Putah Creek and always writes eloquently about the birds on his patch. He reports that the first Rufous Hummingbird, shown here, showed up on March 2nd. Tree Swallows are back, checking out the real estate, and Bushtits and Anna’s Hummingbirds are busy building nests. He expects more and more spring migrants to arrive as the month goes on.
Speaking of new arrivals, I’d like to introduce you to Emmett Iverson, who has taken over the “Recent Sightings” column for Steve Hampton. Emmett grew up in Davis and is pursuing studies in biology with the aim of a career in wildlife ecology. He’s extremely active in the birding community as a birder, an eBird reviewer and a field trip leader. Emmett says “Especially interesting to me is trying to find patches of under-birded habitat and piecing together the status and distribution of birds in our area.” We’re lucky to have a person of his talents and enthusiasm join the newsletter team. Welcome, Emmett!
Ann Brice, President