2018 Birding Journal Observations - March / April

Orchard Oriole on April 30

After average temperatures in March, the Lowcountry enjoyed cooler and windy conditions in April, including a 40-degree morning on April 30. The cooler weather pattern didn't have much of an effect on bird migration though, according to my past ten years of birding links, but it has felt like an extended Spring of birdwatching which is always pleasant. Spring birding for neotropical migratory songbirds is the equivalent of watching the Super Bowl, you want to keep a sharp eye out for the highlights during the biggest event of the entire year.

Some of the first sightings for migratory species in 2018 include:
March 8 - Swallow-tailed kite
March 22 - Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Parula warbler
March 27 - Yellow-throated warbler, Ruby-throated hummingbird
March 30 - Ruby-crowned kinglet
April 11 - Summer tanager, Whip-poor-will, Blue grosbeak, Barm swallow
April 22 - Painted bunting, Indigo bunting
April 26 - Gray catbird
April 30 - Orchard Oriole, Red-headed woodpecker

Other birding observations from March / April 2018 include chipping sparrow, red-bellied woodpecker, mockingbird, bluebird, white-throated sparrow, cardinal, Carolina wren, dove, cormorant, downy woodpecker, osprey, wood stork, great blue heron, red-tailed hawk, white-throated sparrow, tufted titmouse, white-breasted nuthatch, brown thrasher, brown-headed cowbird, towhee, Carolina chickadee, blue jay and wood duck.

To view past Birding Journal Observations from March / April click 2017 - 2016- 2015 - 2014 - 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009 

To view the latest Birding Journal Observation click on November / December 2017

To view Field Notes and Photos click on December 2017 - September 2017 - January 2017- December 2016 - June 2016 - February 2016- December 2015 - October 2015 - September 2015 - August 2015 - July 2015 - June 2015 - February 2105 - October 2014 -  September 2014 - August 2014 - June 2014 - March 2012 - February 2012 - October 2011 - September 2011