the songs of spring
Glorious are these days of spring where everything in the garden is a tapestry of verdant possibility. As each of us steps
forward with fresh vigour and joy, the birds of the Coast seem equally happy. At the Botanical Garden, I can watch whitecrowned sparrows hopping through disturbed ground searching for upturned insets. They are ground birds and scratchers
like the spotted towhee and are typically working under shrubs in perennial boarders. The white-crowned sparrow makes
a fine garden companion, following behind you as you work. Occasionally, they will pop up on a fence post and clean their
bill, turn their head to the side as though to ask, “Okay, what next?”
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/white-crowned_sparrow/id
Just arrived at the garden are Swainson’s thrush. You will rarely see a Swainson’s thrush, as they tend to remain in the
backgrounds of dense forest. This thrush is about the same size as an American robin. The birds are often described
as plain or drab, but I find them beautiful in their modest camouflage. Their song is a haunting spiral of rising notes. I
hear them often in the evening, that final breath of realization that spring has arrived and we can resolve ourselves to a
steady routine of sunshine and fresh air. At the garden, the path along the ravine is a perfect spot to hear them. From the
viewing platform, you might have a better chance to see one as well.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/swainsons_thrush/id
Also busy singing all day at the garden now are American goldfinches. Did you know we have several species of bright
yellow birds at the garden? The most musical is the American goldfinch, with a never-ending variety of chatter earning
them the nickname of North America’s canary. These tiny birds can be hard to see as they are small and fast moving, but
they are pure joy and worth searching out. Try the alders around the vegetable garden and along the walk from there to
the pavilion.
http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/American_Goldfinch/id
submitted by Lexi Harrington
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