Despite today’s high winds (35mph gusts) and frigid conditions due to a recent arctic air mass that moved over the area the last two days, signs of spring seem to be on the rise, albeit slow and unsteady. Two days ago a lone Turkey Vulture soared above a nearby highway, and today a single Killdeer called out its plaintive call near the Hudson River. Even migrating Red-winged Blackbirds appear more numerous at each visitation to the feeders at the house. 

However, it’s safe to say the recent arrival of the TUVU and KILL are a bit unusual and several weeks ahead of when I normally detect them here in Columbia County, NY. Even in central NY near Ryan’s home, the Onondaga Audubon Society lists the average arrival dates for Turkey Vulture and Killdeer somewhere in the first week (days 1-7) of March.

Nevertheless this recent blast of arctic air reminds us that even with recent temperatures making it into the upper 50 degree F range, and migrants pushing north, the cold grip of winter is far from over. And with that thought, our searches for irruptive species and winter wraiths like gulls, raptors, field birds, and finches should not be given up in vain just because early migrants like Eastern Phoebe, Tree Swallow, and Eastern Meadowlark are just a few weeks away.

~Chad