June 14, 2015 - Spring Birds

This spring Diana and I went to the Forest History Center near Grand Rapids, MN. It was migration season and this male Rose-breasted Grosbeak was one of the new arrivals. At this time of year, birds have fresh feathers so they look really sharp.

GrosbeakRosebreastedmaleForestHistoryCenterGrandRapids20150521

Warblers were abundant at the Forest History Center. This male Black and White Warbler was one that we spotted. Many warblers are very colorful but this bird is impressive even though its only black and white.

WarblerBlackandWhiteForestHistoryCenterGrandRapids20150521

This is a Yellow-rumped Warbler. I’m used to seeing them in the winter when they are very drab. It’s refreshing to see this one in bright breeding plumage.

WarblerYellowrumpedGrandRapids20150515

Here’s a colorful one: a Blackburnian Warbler. You can see why it has the nickname of “Fire Throat

WarblerBlackburnianForestHistoryCenterGrandRapids20150521

My friend Shawn and I were birding on some private land near Deer River when this Broad-winged Hawk soared over us.

HawkBroadwingedflightRicePaddiesDeerRiver20150522

Diana and I drove along Itasca County Road 325 and stopped at a marsh right along the road. We saw this Virginia Rail among the cattails.

RailVirginiaItascaCountyRoad32520150515

Here are two close-ups of that Virginia Rail. Notice how different the eyes look. Birds have a second eyelid called a nictating membrane. The bird on the left has closed this transparent membrane to protect its eye but it can still see through it.

RailVirginiacallingItascaCountyRoad32520150515comparenictating