Birding in early to mid-May can be good even though many migrants do not venture this far east, preferring a more direct path northward bypassing the Cape and Islands.

There are a lot of transient species passing through on their way north, while others are arriving to stay for the summer.

A golden-crowned sparrow was seen for only the second time on the Island.

One of the most eagerly anticipated arrivals is that of the smallest bird that lives here.

There are behavioral observations that can help us confirm breeding status; my favorite ones are observing a bird carrying vegetation or carrying food.

A pileated woodpecker was spotted and photographed in Vineyard Haven on April 9.

The arrival of migrant robins is considered by many to be a harbinger of spring.

The intensity and volume of migrating birds is increasing, which will continue to do so as the season progresses.

The northward migration now well underway is more than species arriving from the south.

Birds singing in the morning are described as the dawn chorus because their singing is louder and more frequent in the early morning.