Beginning of Spring Migration in Southwest Missouri

It was a very active weekend in Southwest Missouri to begin the Spring 2013

migration.



Friday afternoon at Bicentennial CA, a Black-and-white Warbler had just

arrived and was gleaning a barren tree, a very active male Cooper's Hawk was

patrolling his nest, and a pair of Barred Owls called to one another throughout

the day.



Saturday morning after a steady rainfall, Pine Warblers and Red-breasted

Nuthatches were sighted at Walter Woods CA.  Additionally, a Blue-gray

Gnatcatcher was buzzing about alongside several Golden-crowned Kinglets and

Eastern Phoebes.  Barn Swallows were also perched on the telephone lines in

front of the CA.



A midday trip to the river trail at Wildcat Access brought the first Northern

Parula and Louisiana Waterthrushes of the Spring.  Yellow-rumped Warblers

were in high numbers throughout the park.  A striking adult Yellow-crowned

Night Heron, a quiet Hermit Thrush, and a pair of Pied-billed Grebes were also

sighted.



An afternoon drive on Old Scenic highway following Shoal Creek brought several

pairs of Wood Ducks, Blue-winged Teal, and a couple Chipping Sparrows.



Finally, Saturday evening before another thunderstorm arrived in the area, a Brown

Thrasher sang his great variety of songs at Fort Crowder CA, along with several

Fox Sparrows and Eastern Towhees.