LOCALadk Magazine

LOCALadk 40 "I saw a robin today! That means spring is here!" We've all thought that before, but how true is it? The reality is that it's not entirely accurate. *Gasp!* Yes, the American Robin, usually portrayed as a harbinger of spring, can be found in some places around the Adirondack coast all winter long. Perhaps it's unfair to place all the pressure of "bring- ing spring" to the Adirondacks on one species. In fact, as the trees begin to bloom, hibernating animals wake from their off-season slumber, and our skis are put away for a few months, many birds begin to return to their breeding grounds within the Blue Line. Warblers are a fan-favorite among birders because of their cheerful songs and colorful plumage. Cele- brating the first warbler of the season is usually some- thing us birders do with great excitement. In spring 2022, my first warbler of the season was a Pine War- bler that my husband and I saw at the Tupper Lake Mu- nicipal Park. The year before, it was a Yellow-rumped Warbler at the Bloomingdale Bog. (Birders have great memories!) What I enjoy most about birding in the spring is the different perspectives of the activity. While I like to challenge myself and see how quickly I can remem- ber all the unique warbler songs, my husband likes to spend hours silently wandering through the woods on a quest for the next great photo. This past February, as I was lamenting the loss of snow during a warm spell, he was wishing spring would arrive sooner so the warblers would return (especially Yellow, Black-throat- ed Blue, and Chestnut-sided warblers). Spring birding is an exercise of true grit. You become very tuned in with the landscape, watching and listen- ing, hyper-aware of your surroundings. I really do love winter birding, searching for irruptive finch species and rare ducks looking for open water, but with spring comes new opportunities. There is no set script; each day is different and more colorful than the last. I think that's why birders love warblers so much. Let's face it: winter in the Adirondacks is long, dark, and gray. Warblers usher in a new season with bold colors, frantic and fun movements, and optimistic songs. It's a direct contrast that invites joy. Of course, there are more birds in the spring than warblers. Red-winged Blackbirds, Yellow-bellied Sap- suckers, Eastern Bluebirds, Common Loons, Red-eyed Vireos, Song Sparrows, and so many more species join us for spring and summer. You won't have to travel far this spring to see and/or hear the chorus. With 6-million-acres to work with, the Adirondacks provide a variety of habitats for birds. They are in backyards, grocery store parking lots, wilderness areas, on lakes and ponds, campgrounds - the list goes on and on. Birding creates lasting memories (trust me, you'll never forget the first time you see a Great Egret or Bicknell's Thrush or Golden-winged Warbler or Amer- ican Woodcock). While you're sitting at home, waiting for the mud to dry in the mountains, don't let the sea- son fly by. Grab some binoculars and go birding! Perspectives of a Spring Birder in Search of Warblers by Janelle Jones (Pictured above) Janelle Jones birding at the Massawepie Mire in Tupper Lake, NY. Photo credit: Braylin Jones

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