April NATURE NOTES
By Katie Andersen

Here are a few things happening in the natural world this month.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker by Katie Andersen

  • Early spring wildflowers are in peak bloom. Check along the trails of local parks and green spaces to see what’s blossoming.

  • Early April migrants include Eastern Phoebe, Eastern Towhee, Fox Sparrow, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Snipe, and Tree Swallow.

  • Late April migrants include Brown Thrasher, Pine Warbler, Palm Warbler, American Bittern, Chimney Swift, Chipping Sparrow, Barn Swallow, and Caspian Terns.

  • Hummingbirds and Orioles will return around May 1st. Have your feeders cleaned and up by the end of April.

  • Adult Purple Martins return by the middle of the month. Follow their migration with the Purple Martin Conservation Association.

  • Northern Cardinals, Black-capped Chickadees, and Eastern Bluebirds begin nesting. Record any nesting attempts of these or other birds at the PA Bird Atlas.

  • White-throated Sparrows begin singing.

  • American Goldfinches finish up their spring molt.

Great Horned Owl Chicks by Katie Andersen

  • American Woodcock continue their courtship flights. It's a great family activity to see! The parking lot at Beach 11 and other open areas at the east end of Presque Isle are good spots to find woodcock performing shortly after sundown.

  • Great Horned Owls have young on the nest.


Migrating raptors by Katie Andersen

Osprey by Katie Andersen

  • South winds bring waves of raptors along Lake Erie. Look for hawks such as Red-tailed, Broad-winged, Rough-legged, and Harriers, as well as Bald Eagles, Osprey, and Turkey Vultures. When winds come straight out of the south, kettles of migrating raptors can be viewed soaring overhead from the Tom Ridge Center parking lot and other open spots along Lake Erie.

  • The Spring Peeper chorus swells this month.

  • More butterfly species begin to emerge this month, including Eastern Tailed-Blue, Black & Eastern Tiger Swallowtails, and Red Admiral.

April 2024 Dates Of Note:

Earth Day is April 22nd. 

Arbor Day is April 26th.

April 9: New Moon. April 23: Full Moon

April 8: SOLAR ECLIPSE
Even if skies are not clear, we will still experience the drop in temperature and darkness associated with this event. Pay attention to the sounds and behaviors of the wildlife around you. Read more about what to listen and keep an eye out for on April 8th in the latest blog post from EBO Executive Director, Sarah Sargent, HERE.