If you've always wanted to learn about birds and birding, migration is a great time to get out and do it! Birders are very excited during this time of year and you will find numerous guided tours through local Audubon centers and town conservation commissions. Google: "Guided bird tours near me" and see what comes up! You can also sign up for birding email lists and Facebook groups to receive notifications when birders are going out, as well as alerts about rare birds are in your area. Birding is fun, it's healthy (you get exercise, fresh air and vitamin D!) and you'll be so happy you took that leap! Most birders are happy to take a beginner "under their wing" since everyone needs to start somewhere and we all know that first you learn, then you participate and then you are more likely to conserve, and we all want birds protected.
Remember, you can play your part to keep migratory birds safe and healthy by eliminating pesticides from your lawn and garden, growing native plants that attract insects which are a critical food source for many migratory birds, only buying Bird Friendly Certified coffees and never cutting trees in the spring and summer (nesting season). We don't want to lose these treasures, so we all need to do our part to protect them.
Above are a few of the amazing migratory birds you may see in your area during the months of May and June. Many of these are east coast species.
From left to right they are: bobolink, rose-breasted grosbeak, chestnut-sided warbler, black and white warbler, bay-breasted warbler, magnolia warbler, yellow-bellied flycatcher, cedar waxwing, indigo bunting, eastern towhee and common yellowthroat.
Happy Birding!
Above photos