Northland Nature: Tiny kinglets migrate to region
Apr. 12—As we get to the middle of April, the days are longer (13 1/2 hours). It can be a month of snow (as seen in 2013); it can also be rain (April showers) and plenty of sunlight. Temperatures in the 70s are not unheard of.
April is known as the thawing month. In a normal April, we see plenty of melting snow and most years, ice-out time (not in 2024). These conditions provide for continuing spring migration of birds to the Northland from winters in the south.
Starting with raptors, earlier than usual, we saw the movement of bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, red-tailed hawks, harriers, kestrels and turkey vultures. This flight of birds of prey was followed by some water birds taking advantage of the early ice-out conditions.
Canada geese and trumpeter and tundra swans came over, many pausing to rest in the newly open sites. Common and hooded mergansers added to the arrival as did several kinds of ducks: goldeneyes, mallards, buffleheads, ring-necked and wood ducks. These raptors and aquatic birds were a marvel to watch, but many of us looked forward to the smaller birds, songbirds, in our yards.
The migrant and breeding songbirds rely greatly on insects to feed upon. Early spring, even if it is warm, does not usually provide such meals. The earliest of the songbirds to show up in our vicinity are those that can also tolerate a diet of other foods, such as seeds, dried berries and fruits. Robins were able to do so, and they arrived, as did some grackles.
I saw several flocks of tree sparrows that were apparently the first of these small brown birds. Other sparrows made sporadic appearances, too: song, fox and white-throated.
The gregarious juncos, often seen in large springtime flocks, are a scene also associated with April.
Red-winged blackbirds have begun their calling from the swamps while hermit thrushes sing their melodious song in the woods.
Two woodpeckers, flickers and yellow-bellied sapsuckers, add their pounding sounds to those woodpeckers that wintered with us and now prepare to nest here.
It seems like this month always ushers in the first of two large groups of birds that remain in the Northland: flycatchers and warblers. Typically — rarely an exception — the first flycatchers are the phoebes, while the very common yellow-rumped warblers lead their diverse and abundant group. And we may note the first swallows at this time as well.
A couple very tiny birds have been arriving now, too. The diminutive brown winter wren moves among the downed trees and sometimes sings its lengthy song.
Two kinds of kinglets are also in the woods. Both are only 4 inches long, gray and easy to miss. Energetically, flicking wings as they feed on insects among the branches, helps us see them better. Both are named after colors on the top of their heads (often hard to see).
The golden-crowned kinglet is the first to arrive; some even stay with us all winter. They give high-pitched thin notes as they move.
The ruby-crowned kinglet has a red spot on its head. Their return to the region is expected in mid- to late April. They sing a long, loud song. The white eye ring is fairly easy to see.
We may not notice these kinglets much during the rest of the season, but now is a good time to get acquainted with them.
