Three Inches of Rain and a Few New Arrivals

Over the last week the park received three inches of rain. As a result the river has been brought up to respectable levels, thus all the fish eating birds have been more active and visible.

Today's survey started out wet and cold, with not many birds singing. I did see Green Kingfishers both at East Park Boundary and Twin Falls, and Belted Kingfishers. An Osprey made an appearance at Tobacco Creek.

Black & White Warblers are back as are Blue-gray Gnatcatchers. Of note were two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers tapping away creating horizontal sap wells in the tree bark. This species will return to collect insects that have been attracted to the sweet sap. Golden-cheeked Warblers are setting up territories at Hackenberg Creek, East Park Boundary, the Twin Falls creek area, and Tobacco Creek.

The cool, wet weather today did not attract any hummingbirds to the flowering buckeye along the river. I suspect temporary territories will be defended over the coming week as the flowers draw moisture to produce sweet nectar. Two male Black-chinned Hummingbirds were sited at park feeders. At the bird blind White-throated Sparrows are still hanging around as are a few Lincoln's Sparrows, and a new arrival, a Chipping Sparrow.

Today was a busy day in the park with many backpackers preparing for entry into the Primitive Campgrounds 2 miles distant. Spring break is definitely evident at the park. My day there finished out with the clouds breaking up and the sun warming the landscape. I know the birds were rejoicing.