Birding At Home and Patch Birding

Biridng has been a bit slow the last day or so, but some migrant are showing up.  Today, I saw another Yellow-bellied Sapsucker in the yard.  Seems to be lots of those lately!

Another Pine Warbler and a Blue-headed Vireo were also present.  It is the fourth Pine Warbler I have had in the yard this spring!  (Time for something different though....)

Many birders have been beefing up their yard lists lately.  Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) has created a birding at home challenge in conjunction with eBird.  From now until the end of May, birders will submit lists from their yards or local patch and have the chance at winning some prizes.  With most popular birding spots closed, and with travel restrictions encouraged, it is a great idea!
One has to register and follow certain rules.  See:
http://www.ofo.ca/birdingathome/content/birding-at-home-overview

Once a week I go a little farther for a change in scenery.  Yesterday I ventured a little farther and I lucked upon a Wilson's Phalarope (reported just before I arrived!).  Last year, I completely missed that species, so that was nice to get out of the way early.  The brightly coloured female was quite distant though, as this highly cropped photo shows.

As well, I added another Eurasian Wigeon to the my year list.

I also saw another Trumpeter Swan, calling as it arrived.

Tomorrow will likely be fairly good for migrants, as we are certainly due for an influx!