It is only a ruby-crowned kinglet, one of the most numerous and widespread birds in the forest of Newfoundland and Labrador, but seeing one now brings much joy.
The spring arrival of this tiny mite in late April and early May is an important step in the order of spring arrivals.
This year, a number of birders encountered their first ruby-crowned kinglet of the year on April 27. The timing was perfect. Over the next two or three weeks, the bulk of the kinglet population will arrive to gradually fill out their nesting range throughout Newfoundland and through Labrador to the limit of trees.
Special appreciation
They become routine during the summer but those first spring arrivals are treated with special appreciation. It is like the return of a friend.
The birds themselves are excited to be back. They are in tip-top shape with every feather groomed and in place. They have come dressed to party. They are looking to hook up with a mate.
The first ruby-crowned kinglet I saw this spring was singing loudly and flaring its blood-red crest. It could not contain itself. It was flamboyant and ready to go. That is how birds are in the spring.
Coming to life
The woods and bogs of the province are starting to come to life now because of birds.
Snipe are back creating their haunting whoo-whoo-whoo sound high in the sky in the evenings and early mornings.
Robins are back in full abundance, singing their cheery song from every part of the woods including city backyards.
Fox sparrows have been back for a few weeks, and for the most part, were singing solo in the woods until now. They will be joined by the white-throated sparrows soon to be numerous across the land singing their simple clear whistled song. Savannah sparrows will sing their musical little trills from the grassy areas.
Greater yellowlegs will be making their presence known in coastal coves while ospreys hover overhead searching for fish.
Birds from all walks of life are returning. Even the Atlantic puffin makes a grand entrance back to Newfoundland waters at this time of spring.
Warbler month
May is warbler month. Warblers are the perennial favourites of spring. Each species is a starlet decked out in their unique design. They are all avid singers and play a leading role in the chorus of bird song in the forest.
The first warbler to arrive back in spring is the yellow-rumped warbler. Like the ruby-crowned kinglet, the yellow-rumped warbler is a very common, widespread species in the province.
The first to arrive are adored by the birders as they are all decked out in black, gray and white, with splashes of vibrant yellow here and there. Soon the birders are seeking other novelties as the palm warblers, the black-and-white warblers, the black-throated green warblers and so on arrive on their time-trusted schedule.
It takes all of May for the 18 or so regular warbler species to arrive in the province. By the end of May, the woods are full of bird songs.
Ducks
Ducks are also part of the welcome-back spring team.
Ducks confined to coastal locations all winter have now dispersed. Some went farther north and others went inland, to newly-opened ponds and bogs.
Migrant geese came back and very quickly this spring went inland to the bogs where they nest. There was not much snow to melt after this winter.
New black ducks, green-winged teal and northern pintail arrive to join the few that toughed out the Newfoundland winter.
Rarer birds
Among the incoming spring ducks, birders are spotting the rare northern shoveler, blue-winged teal and gadwall.
In the southwest corner of Newfoundland, the great blue herons are a normal part of springtime. They nest there in small numbers.
Great blue herons are rare in other parts of the province, but in spring, they do wander.
Its southern cousin, the great egret, also can venture to us in spring. So far this spring, there has been a great egret at Catalina and Ferryland. The lost birds look pretty exotic in the mostly brown Newfoundland scene.
Take a walk in the woods
It is a good time to walk in the woods and feel the changes.
Besides the newly-arrived birds, little bits of green are showing in the buds of certain shrubs and trees. During warm spells, insects – including a few butterflies – may be seen.
It’s also an important season to keep a close eye on your birdfeeders, for wayward vagrants can show up without warning.
Tina Randell had such an experience when a stunning blue grosbeak popped into her Corner Brook backyard feeder for several days.
Enjoy the season.
