Last week was busy at work and so I only managed to do a few short walks around the campus. Given all the construction activity, I wasn't expecting to see many new birds but there turned out to be quite a few. Unfortunately, most of these were being very secretive and didn't allow me to get photos. This was the case with a Yellow-throated Vireo and a pair of Baltimore Orioles - two species we've never had on campus before - an Indigo Bunting and a Great-crested Flycatcher.
Others let me get only snatched photos.
Warbling Vireo
Orchard Oriole
Nashville Warbler
Summer Tanagers
A bird that was more cooperative was one of my favorite migrants: Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Other Sightings We continue to have several Scissor-tailed Flycatchers on campus, and I was happy to see that the Purple Martin houses have become a hive of activity. 
The start of the Nature Trail is now a mass of blossoms. Here, like everywhere in our area, honeysuckle seems to be flourishing more than in other years and its scent is sometimes almost overpowering. Another plant that is doing well is the one shown below, whose name I'm afraid I don't know.
As you would expect, the mass of blossoms is attracting butterflies, including this type that I've never seen before. I think they must be some sort of Comma.
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The variety of birds around these days is a bit mind-boggling.
ReplyDeleteThat butterfly is a Question Mark - no, it's not unknown, that's its name! They are around the area at all times of the year even in winter. They hibernate during the coldest times and come out on warmer days. This was the only butterfly I saw in my garden throughout the winter months.
Thanks, Birdwoman. I don't know much about butterflies!
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