10-March through 16-March

Hey everyone!

What a week it has been! We had some beautiful spring weather, only for winter to remind us it’s not entirely done with us yet. Despite the quick temperature drop, it was still a fantastic week for birding, and I got some great photos while out on the trail.

I didn’t quite find the time to work on my Python script, and by the time Sunday rolled around, it was already getting late to knock anything out in Excel. So, I stuck with last week’s structure. That being said, I need to carve out some time to create a listing of weather patterns similar to how I’ve been tracking bird behaviors. Standardizing how that data is logged will be useful in the long run—especially when analyzing trends over time.

So far, the Excel file I’ve been using has been working great, and capturing everything has been relatively easy. Below, you’ll find some of the photos and charts I thought were worth sharing this week. Does anything stand out to you?

I’m also looking forward to diving into some classification models. As the weather warms up, it’ll be interesting to see if we can start predicting which bird species will show up and where.

I hope everyone has a great week ahead. Happy birding!

Perched Perfection: The Song Sparrow 🎶

This little song sparrow found the perfect spot to take in the view. Their streaked chest and subtle rusty hues blend beautifully with their surroundings. A common but charming companion on any birding adventure!

Bird Behavior Observations (Bar Chart)

Birds are always on the move, and this chart highlights their most common activities. Foraging topped the list, as many birds spent time searching for food. Static perching was also common, proving that sometimes, even birds enjoy a break.

I always enjoy trying something new, so I put together this gallery of fun bird photos to share. Take a look—do any stand out to you as a favorite?

Canada Geese and Ring-billed Gull on the Lake

A peaceful lakeside scene with two Canada geese gliding across the water while a ring-billed gull floats nearby. A beautiful display of coexistence in nature.

Crow Perched on a Branch

A watchful crow perches on a branch, its dark plumage contrasting with the bright sky. Known for intelligence and problem-solving, these birds are fascinating to observe.

Northern Cardinal from Behind

A unique perspective of a male Northern Cardinal perched among branches. Even from behind, its vibrant red feathers make it unmistakable.

Female Mallard Swimming

A female mallard glides across the water, displaying her beautifully patterned brown feathers. Ducks like these are a familiar sight in lakes and ponds year-round.

Canada Geese Walking on Shore

Canada geese exploring the shoreline, taking a break from swimming. These adaptable birds are often seen migrating in large flocks.

Bald Eagle and Airplane in Flight

A fascinating contrast between nature and technology—a bald eagle soaring above the treetops while an airplane climbs in the sky behind it.

Cherry Blossoms in Full Bloom

Spring is making its grand entrance! This cherry blossom tree is bursting with pink petals, creating a dreamy canopy that feels like walking through a fairytale. It is a perfect stop for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.

A Slow and Steady Explorer

Not all wildlife moves fast! This little snail was making its way across the pavement, reminding us that even the smallest creatures have their own journeys.

Daffodils Signaling Spring’s Arrival

These vibrant yellow daffodils are the first signs that warmer days are ahead. A cheerful pop of color against the earthy tones of early spring.

A Peaceful Riverside Rest

Ducks taking a break on a fallen log, perfectly blending in with their surroundings. A quiet moment on the water, proving that sometimes the best wildlife sightings come when we slow down and just observe.

Bird Sightings Over Time

Birdwatching patterns fluctuate daily. March 15 saw a major spike in sightings, possibly due to weather or migration patterns. March 11 was quieter, but overall, sightings increased towards the end of the week.

Time Spent Birding vs. Sightings

The more time spent birding, the better the chances of spotting birds. This chart confirms that extended outings tend to lead to more sightings, but even short walks can yield great results.

Bird Behavior Observations

A pie chart displaying the distribution of bird behaviors observed over the past week. Sitting in water was the most frequent activity, making up 25% of observations, followed by flying at 16.7%. Other behaviors, including searching for food, singing, and worm hunting, were evenly distributed.

Most Frequently Spotted Birds

Some birds are just everywhere! House Finches and American Robins were the most frequently spotted, while rarer finds like the Bald Eagle and Cooper’s Hawk made brief appearances.

I’m excited to see how bird behaviors shift as we move into spring. With migration patterns changing and more birds becoming active, we might start noticing increased behaviors like nest-building, courtship displays, and territorial singing.

One interesting fact is that some migratory birds, like warblers and thrushes, can travel thousands of miles north each spring following temperature changes and food availability. It’ll be fascinating to track whether warmer days lead to different species showing up on the trail.

Looking ahead, I’d love to incorporate some predictive modeling to see if certain conditions—like temperature, time of day, or habitat type—can help forecast which birds we might see. Until then, I’ll keep logging data, refining my process, and enjoying time outdoors.

What bird behaviors have you noticed in your area? Are you seeing signs of spring migration where you are? Let me know in the comments!