As always at this time of year, calls and emails are coming in from folks wanting information on birds, spring migration and nesting:
Q: When will ruby-throated hummingbirds return from their winter grounds in Mexico and Central America?
A: Early arrivals already are coming in, according to reports on Georgia birders' chat lines.
“While taking a break from gardening this morning, my first-of-the-year ruby-throated hummingbird arrived,” Liza O’Neal in Gwinnett County wrote last week. “What a thrill!”
The ruby-throat is Georgia’s only summer-nesting hummingbird species.
Q: When will the warblers arrive?
A: April is often called "warbler month" because it's when more than 25 species of the colorful, melodious songbirds return from winter grounds in Latin America. So, you can expect influxes of warblers all this month. Many of them will stop in Georgia only to rest and refuel before continuing to nesting grounds up north. Others, though — such as hooded, prairie, worm-eating, Kentucky, prothonotary and black-and-white warblers — will stay here to nest. A good place to see migrating warblers is Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park in Cobb County.
Q: Besides maintaining feeders, what can I do to attract birds to my yard?
A: Improving your backyard habitat can make it an oasis for both resident and migratory birds. The Atlanta Audubon Society and the Georgia Wildlife Federation encourage homeowners and landowners to create beneficial wildlife habitats on their properties. Like all wildlife, birds require four essential elements: shelter for resting and escape from predators; food; water; and nesting sites (which, depending on the bird species, may include shrubs, trees, bird boxes, natural cavities or wood piles and vine tangles).
Backyard wildlife sanctuaries also should have a significant variety of native plants. Exotic, non-native species, such as kudzu, privet or English ivy, should be removed or strictly controlled.
More information: atlantaaudubon.org and gwf.org.
In the sky: The moon will be last-quarter Saturday night, said David Dundee, Tellus Science Museum astronomer. Venus is in the west just after dark and sets about two and a half hours later. Mars sets in the west at dusk. Jupiter is high in the west just after dark and sets just after midnight. Saturn rises out of the east at about 10 p.m. Mercury is too close to the sun for easy observation.
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