Well, it has been an interesting April here on Flint Ridge in Muskingum
County. Sunday I saw my first ever April yellow-billed cuckoo, albeit
briefly.

Among popular migratory species:

The Louisiana waterthrushes are beautifully singing in the deepest ravine.
I think there may be two territories, one at the upper end of the drainage
and one down near the falls. Either there are two spots or this is one very
mobile bird.

Ovenbird is regularly heard calling in the same ravine, close to the falls
is the most common spot.

Today a yellow warbler was singing in this ravine as well, but they are
more common up around the edges of the pasture. Arrived a few days ago, and
increasingly common.

I heard my first common yellowthroat yesterday, and heard a few more today
around the edges. They are usually common here, fittingly.

I heard and saw my first redstart yesterday. Same experience today, but in
a couple places so there may be a few around.

A blue-winged warbler is singing frequently in the "back forty," actually
six acres of successional field. This bird is singing the standard song,
unlike the first-of-season bird from a few days ago, which sang a
non-standard song. I don't know if this is the same bird or not. I suspect
not.

Yesterday I saw a warbler with unusual plumage, but with enough resemblance
to chestnut-sided to make me think that is what it was. It looked more like
a fall bird, and with a streaked but "chestnut-sided" pattern. Strange.

I was doing some groundkeeping around our picnic/campfire area this
afternoon, overlooking the successional field. My first-of-season
white-eyed vireo was asking me to "pick up the beer check!" Delightful...
Made me smile. Same place I usually find them, the top of the "ARA Trail."

As I was preparing to wrap up the clean-up activities I head my
first-of-season Nashville warbler.

Rose-breasted grosbeaks and scarlet tanagers are occupying the trees along
the north boundary line at the end of the tributary ridge.

I think tomorrow I will make a day list for the first of May. A lot seems
to be around.

Bob Evans
Geologist, etc.
Valhalla Acres Fiber Farm
Hopewell Township, Muskingum County

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