Bird Biology: What Central MA Birds Are Doing in Spring

Showing bright plumage. Male Yellow Warbler (Dendroica petechia) by Alan Rawle

Searching for suitable nesting sites. Male Tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor) by Bill Platenik.

Molting into summer breeding (alternate) plumage. American Goldfinch ( Spinus tristis) by Anne Greene

Migrating to regions further north. Blackpoll Warbler (Setophaga striata) by Alan Rawle

Singing. Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) by Anne Greene.

Trying an atypical migratory route. Greater White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons), 15 April, Rutland, by Tanner Purcell.

Alarm-calling. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus) by Doug Wipf.

Hunting. Broad-winged Hawk (Buteo platypterus) by Alan Rawle.

Defending a territory. Northern Mockingbird (Mimus polyglottos) by Alan Rawle.

Searching for food. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus) by Anne Greene.

Eating. Yellow-rumped Warbler ( Dendroica coronata) by Alan Rawle.

Stretching and preening. Ruby-throated hummingbird by Anne Greene.

Nest-building. Female American Redstart (Setophaga ruticilla) by Alan Rawle.

Resting but staying alert. Red-shouldered Hawk ( Buteo lineatus) by Alan Rawle.

Looking for a mate. Eastern Kingbird (Tyrannus tyrannus) by Tom Murray.