All the signs of spring

March 16

Driving eastbound on Terminal Avenue, just outside of downtown

I heard a white-crown singing. My first white-crown song of the season! Too bad I couldn’t see it, but I was at least glad those songs carry. And I knew it would only be a matter of time until I saw my little spark back downtown.

March 17

That clump of trees on Beach just east of Thurlow, facing the Aquatic Centre

I’ve never seen such bright red cheeks and throat on a House Finch! Seriously, just look at him! He’s gorgeous! Do the cherry blossoms have extra caroten or something?

A male House Finch up in a tree, surrounded by pink cherry blossoms. He is holding a blossom in his beak. Solid blue sky in the background — blush

A male House Finch up in a tree, surrounded by pink cherry blossoms. He is holding a single pink petal in his beak. Solid blue sky in the background — pink and red

March 19

David Lam Park, that line of trees and bushes between the playground and the open park

There was a nice variety of birds hanging around this bit of David Lam, from robins gobbling up worms, to my first in-person white-crown of the season, to a small flock of goldfinches!

Muddy

An adult White-crowned Sparrow sitting on a branch, at eye level — So pretty

A male goldfinch, in full spring outfit, is up on a branch with some pink blossoms in the background — goldy

(Also, is this an omen? Does this mean I’ll finally shoot a goldfinch photo I’m really happy with this year? Stranger things have happened!)

March 26

David Lam Park, same line of trees and bushes as above

Sure, kinglets live year round in these parts, so they’re not really a sign of spring… but look at these pussy willow blossoms!

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet hanging on to a pussy willow branch, looking up

A Ruby-crowned Kinglet hanging on to a pussy willow branch

George Wainborne Park, that little clump of bushes near the seawall.

My first singing white-crown of the season! Later than most years, it seems like, but I’m not complaining. The birds come when they come, and I’m just glad they grace my ‘hood with their presence.

An adult White-crowned Sparrow on top of a twig and seated in fresh green shoots, singing its heart out — I CAN SIIIIING

That clump of trees on Beach just east of Thurlow, facing the Aquatic Centre.

I gotta say I never paid that much attention to this little bit of terrain, but it’s a rich space for all sorts of birbs! That day it was some bushtits giving me a show.