Yesterday afternoon I was finishing up the late "mid-day" meal. I caught the
sight of a hummingbird lifting off from the feeder, the first of the season.
I didn't see another yesterday, but this morning Jane reported seeing one
while preparing breakfast. Then we both saw two. All so far have been males.

My previous reports have failed to include the first of season house wren,
heard Saturday (4/23.) There are more of them around now, with three heard
during this morning's walk. Interestingly, I am not hearing any Carolina
wrens, which is usually a fairly common local species. I saw a winter wren,
an unusual spring observation, down in the deepest ravine at the "Falls"
last Friday.

The sparrow mix this year is a little different. It seems that chipping
sparrows are everywhere. They must have had a good breeding season last
year. Lots of field sparrows as well, with a few song sparrows around, but
perhaps not as abundant as in years past. Interesting, the ebb and flow of
the species from year to year.

This morning a host of white-throated sparrows were giving their reports
about Mr. Peabody.

The Louisiana waterthrush was singing incessantly, and beautifully from
somewhere below the "Falls."

The year-round forest residents are all doing well this year. Cardinals,
chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, all are thriving if the dawn chorus is any
indication. I have got to get up and get out there some early morning this
week, if I can chase away some other responsibilities, and find the energy.

Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Hopewell Township, Muskingum Co.

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