17-March through 23-March

Hey everyone!

Another great week of birding is in the books! While the weather has taken a noticeable turn toward the cooler side, the bird activity has definitely been heating up. The birdwatching has been pretty exciting—American Robins have been busy hunting for food, and House Finches have been all over our windows, scoping out the perfect nesting spots.

Did you spot anything interesting this week? I'd love to hear about it!

As we head into the end of the month, I’m looking forward to doing a full overview of the data we’ve collected so far. It’ll be fun to review everything and see what kind of new charts and graphs we can create. I’ve also been experimenting with Copilot in Excel, so the weekly wrap-up might be all about what insights Copilot can help us uncover. If anything cool comes out of the Python side or some scripting ideas pop up, I’ll be sure to share those on my GitHub page.

Hope everyone has another great week ahead—keep your eyes sharp and let me know what you find out there!

Song Sparrow by the Water

While scanning the lake's edge for movement, this little Song Sparrow quietly perched on a trimmed branch, silhouetted against the blurred backdrop of mallards gliding by. Its stillness contrasted beautifully with the subtle ripple of the water behind it—a peaceful moment on an overcast morning.

Song Sparrow Among the Branches

Tucked between a tangle of branches, this Song Sparrow seemed curious, tilting its head as I clicked the shutter. The intricate brown streaks on its chest stood out against the soft winter bark—like camouflage and art all at once.

Canada Goose by the Trail

This Canada Goose held its ground right by the walking path, as if to remind passersby who really owns the trail. Its glossy black neck and bold white chinstrap practically demanded a portrait. Luckily, it gave me a full side profile before waddling away.

American Robin on Alert

The American Robin is always a welcome sight—and this one was all business. It paused in the grass just long enough to give me a sharp glance before hopping forward, likely in pursuit of a tasty earthworm. You know it’s spring when the robins return!

Mallard Pair Gliding Together

There’s something classic about a mallard couple floating side by side. The iridescent green head of the male glistened even in the soft light, while the female’s speckled plumage blended perfectly with the water's reflections. A calm, cooperative moment.

Crow Scouting from Above

High above, this clever crow surveyed the area, possibly looking for a snack or just watching the world below. Crows are always a fascinating study—their sharp eyes, intelligence, and bold presence make them one of the most misunderstood birds in the area.

Bird Behavior Observations

This week, our feathered friends were busy! Foraging and flocking topped the list of observed behaviors, while chipping, perching, and even a few daring chases added variety to the mix. It's always fascinating to see how different species interact with their environment and each other as the season shifts.

Bird Behaviors by Species

Each species brings its own unique flair to the landscape. Canada Geese stole the show with high activity across multiple behaviors, while House Finches, Robins, and Mockingbirds showed off their diverse behavioral repertoire. Whether soaring, calling, or foraging, every moment told a story worth watching.

Bird Sightings vs. Miles Walked

Here's where birdwatching meets fitness! This chart shows how many birds we spotted depending on the distance walked. Interestingly, both shorter and longer walks yielded solid sightings, hinting that it’s not always about the miles—sometimes it’s just being in the right spot at the right time.

Bird Diversity Over Time

As the week progressed, we saw a steady rise in bird species diversity—ending with a strong peak on the final day. This suggests more birds are arriving or becoming more active as we edge into spring. The trend has us excited for what's ahead!

Most Frequently Spotted Birds

This week’s MVPs were the American Robin and the Canada Goose, tied at the top of our sightings leaderboard. European Starlings, House Finches, and Mockingbirds weren’t far behind. It's fun to see how familiar faces shift in rank from week to week!

Wrapping Up the Week

Thanks so much for joining me on this week’s birding adventure! From curious sparrows to soaring crows, and a whole lot of foraging, flocking, and flapping in between—it’s been a week full of feathered excitement. The data gives us a fresh lens to appreciate these behaviors, while the photos help us hold onto those fleeting moments in the wild.

Whether you’re here for the stats, the stories, or just love seeing birds being birds, I’m truly grateful you made it to the end. If you spotted anything fun this week or just want to say hi, drop a comment—I’d love to hear from you. Until next time, happy birding and keep those binoculars close!