Yesterday, April 6, I noted my first Ruby-throated Hummingbird of the year on
my home property in Birchwood (Hamilton County). This male showed up at a
hummingbird feeder in early afternoon. Another highlight of the day was the
sighting of two Hairy Woodpeckers, also at my property. Hairy Woodpecker
sightings are infrequent for me anywhere around Birchwood. These two responded
to a sound recording of their “peek” call followed by their “whinny” call on
the iBird Pro phone app. Also on April 6 at home, I observed the most richly
colored male White-throated Sparrow I have ever seen. I still have a few of
these sparrows around, but most seem to have already started their migration
north to their nesting grounds.
Charles Murray
Birchwood, TN
