Caspian Terns Hydroprogne caspia, the largest tern species in the world, are common summer birds near where I live, but completely vacate this area in winter. Their return is always welcomed as a sure sign of spring.
Savannah Sparrows Passerculus sandwichensis are one of the most common breeding sparrows in our area too, but are rare in winter. I found my first-of-the-year (FOY) Savannah sparrow yesterday, and today they were singing all over the grassy wetland area I visited.
Swallows are another sure sign of spring here. For the last week or so Tree Swallows Tachycineta bicolor like this one have joined the slightly earlier returning Violet-green Swallows, and today I found my FOY Cliff Swallow.
Pretty soon the rest of our neotropic migrants will be returning and our full dawn chorus will have arrived.
Birds tell the story of the seasons and are such a joy to welcome back as good friends.
Good birding.
