Spring!

While March has only just ended, the weather thus far has felt far more like mid April. With temps in the thirty’s and 40’s and very little snow on the mountain. Despite the generally warm temps winds have been less than optimal for migration, but the 196 raptors for March is the highest March total of my five seasons here. Fingers crossed that’s a sign for how the rest of the spring will go!

The flight thus far has been decidedly March. With Bald Eagles making up the bulk of the numbers thus far, with a few Golden Eagles mixed in to keep things interesting and the Ravens on guard. Buteo numbers have been low, with just a handful of Red-tailed, Red-shouldered (picture below), and Rough-legged Hawks(pictured below). The first Turkey Vulture of the spring arrived on March 30.

Locally Copper Harbor has been awash in winter finches. A few Pine Grosbeaks have been passing though, along with flocks of Evening Grosbeaks and excellent numbers Common and a few Hoary Redpolls. Of note both subspecies of Common and Hoary Redpolls have been present, a first for me in here.