With the last two weeks, a colorful array of migrating birds has arrived in Killingly.  The hummingbirds materialized first on Mother's Day with a steady stream of newcomers following.  The common birds that kept me entertained all winter now take to the sidelines, replaced by Indigo buntings, Scarlet tanagers, Rose-breasted grosbeak and Common yellowthroat.  Even when they can't be seen, the chorus can be heard echoing from treetops and bramble.  While nest building is just starting for the newcomers, several other species are weeks ahead in the instinctive reproductive cycle.  An American robin nervously sits on a nest anchored in the fork of a river birch tree near my front door.  Phoebes are already feeding a new brood nesting atop a downspout, and it appears that the Bluebirds are providing insects for hatchings inside a nesting box at the edge of the yard.  Other sightings include Brown-headed cowbirds, Tree swallows, House finches and Chipping sparrows.  

Common yellowthroatKillingly, CT Scarlet tanagerKillingly, CT Common yellowthroatKillingly, CT Northern CardinalKillingly, CT

Rose-breasted grosbeakKillingly, CT