The air is full of flying geese, precursers of the spring migration.  The redpolls instantly disappeared, but there are still one or two pine grosbeaks: they live here year round.

The hot weather brought a lot of “firsts.”

First robing singing.  (They had been around for a couple of weeks but the prior dull, cool weather did not inspire them.)First song sparrow.

First chipmunk.  (It’s windy, which is why his fur is parted.)The chipmunks fight among themselves.  The one sticking his head up the back of the feeder is not too sure of himself.The birds are not as frightened of the chipmunk as they are of the squirrel, but they are still cautious.The male blackbirds are reduced, but still argumentative, but they are also leary of the chipmunk.One or two female blackbirds have arrived, but the males beat them up so they usually come to the feeder alone.The first flickers are cackling, and woodpeckers are drumming (Probably mostly the hairies.)

Following these passerines are the red tailed hawks.

As the ice moved off the ponds, the ducks arrived.I am always amazed how small the little species of ducks are compared with the mallards.  Here is Mr Bufflehead.

And with his ladyfriend.Another tiny duck is the very handsome hooded merganser.

His ladyfriend is not far away.  She has her crest raised.Unfortunately, another first is – mosquitos!

One other migrant deserves a mention.  After a year of preparation, my new neighbours have finally arrived for good!  (Ryan’s Dad, in the middle, helped them move in.)