2023 Birding Journal Observations - May / June

Red-bellied woodpecker, 
female summer tanager and cardinal

The month of May brought cooler than normal conditions, and the month of June brought wetter than normal conditions, before returning to hot summer weather just before July. The net effect on bird sightings was negligible, meaning the birds have followed their usual patterns of migration and nesting. Plenty of bluebirds, Carolina wrens, cardinals, mockingbirds and more have reproduced this Spring. The neotropical migratory birds that stick around during the summer are no doubt doing the same, albeit in a bit more secretive way, including ruby-throated hummingbird, painted bunting, summer tanager and blue grosbeak.

All manner of woodpecker can be observed during late Spring including red-headed woodpecker, downy woodpecker, hairy woodpecker, red-bellied woodpecker and even Northern flicker. The swallow-tailed kites and Mississippi kites have appeared on their regular timetable, making casual observers gaze in awe at their special type of flight pattern known as Kiting! Big raptors like osprey and owls are also reproducing and photographers on the water or in the woodlands document these special top-tier predators. 

Male painted bunting and red-headed woodpecker

To view the latest Birding Journal Observations click on March / April 2023

To view past Birding Journal Observations for May / June click on 2021 - 2018- 2013 - 2012 - 2011 - 2010 - 2009

To view 2023 Birding Trips click on Sea Island Shorebird Festival - Beidler Forest - Harbor Island -  Kiawah Island -  Webb Wildlife Center - Whooping Crane Pond - Jarvis Creek Park - Caw Caw Bio Blitz -  Botany Bay WMA - Pinckney Island NWR - ACE Basin NWR Combahee Unit