Happening in Nature - April

• This time of year, Snowy Owls will depart for the Arctic, but only if it is an irruptive year.

• Springs birds are still arriving! Keep a look out for Caspian Tern, Barn Swallows, Purple Martins,
Wilson’s Warblers and Common Yellowthroats.

• Make sure to have tree nuts or peanuts available at your feeders and you may see Red-Breasted
Nuthatch courtship behavior!

• Kildeer eggs will be laid this month and incubate for 24-26 days.

• Great Blue Heron egg-laying begins in April with incubation lasting 28 days.

• One of the first native butterflies to emerge from its overwintering chrysalis is the Sara Orangetip!

• Rufous Hummingbirds are still arriving from Mexico! Keep a look out for the Rufous orange-red flash
of color at hummingbird feeders or while bird watching.

• Listen for Ruffed Grouse drumming if you're taking a hike in the lower-elevations of mixed woodlands!

• Two beautiful camas species (Camassia Quamash and C. Leichtlinii) should be blooming this month!

• Cliff Swallows come from southern South America to build their mud nests under eaves and bridges.

• Western Tanagers and Black-headed Grosbeaks arrive from central Mexican forests. Keep your
sunflower chip or oil sunflower feeders full to attract these beautiful birds!

Nature Events

• This month marks the end of Project FeederWatch.
Click the link to submit your information: www.birds.cornell.edu/pfw

• Time for another meteor shower! Lyrids meteor shower is usually best to watch around late April.

• April 22nd is Earth Day!

• Orcas Island Bird Fest will be held late April. For more information, please visit: orcasislandbirdfest.com/home.html