[Birdtalk] Spring Arrivals and No Shows

[Brian Maxfield]

Winter is still trying to hold on at my house but I do have my spring 
arrivals showing and making themselves at home.  A pair of AMERICAN 
KESTRELS has taken up residence in the nest box.  A pair of BLACK-BILLED 
MAGPIES have made a nest in on of my apple trees (with a COMMON RAVEN 
hanging out at the nest).  Two pairs of SAY'S PHOEBE are attempting to 
find a nesting spot (they will probably try under the porch again).  The 
WESTERN MEADOWLARKS, RED-WINGED BLACKBIRDS, AND AMERICAN ROBINS are all 
busy singing.  A couple of SAVANNAH SPARROWS have even been singing in 
the field.

I am still waiting for any swallows, western kingbirds, and Brewer's 
Blackbird.

This morning I had the most unusual bird make an appearance in my yard.  
While fixing breakfast a single RUFFED GROUSE walked across the lawn and 
spent some time picking at some grass.  There is a small stringer of 
willows and a couple cottonwoods along an irragation ditch but the 
closest suitable habitat is 3-4 miles away through pastures and hayfields.

Brian