Greetings,

This afternoon on the way into town from my girlfriends house, the two of us were driving on Spring Rd. in Livingston when a bird startled from my car flew up onto a nearby branch, where it immediately proceeded to bob its tail. “EASTERN PHOEBE!” were the first words out of my mouth as the bird sat perched in all its flycatcher glory. This individual was my first one for me since they departed last fall, and Betsi’s official first one since she has taken up birding proper. How awesome!
Later in the evening, the two of us went on a stroll through the woods before checking out the continuing American Woodcock display in her yard. While doing this we had many American Robins singing, as well as at least another two Eastern Phoebes! It is amazing how a particular species can not be found with intensive searching for days, but in the blink of an eye several will be heard countersinging with each other in close proximity. As our walk came to an end, and we approached the house, we heard our first “Peeent”, and the dusk chorus of American Woodcocks began (7:20pm). Within a few short minutes at least 6 individuals could be heard from one vantage point, with several displaying directly above our heads, or nearby. However, just as soon as it began, it was over, and by 8 o’clock all the peenting had stopped. Fortunately, the birds will be displaying for several more weeks at least, so I am hoping to get some more time, and a few birds located in the hopes of snagging a few photos of these cryptic sandpipers.

Good Birdin’
~Chad