May. A normal May morning will find dozens of species pursuing insects in treetops and underbrush. Many of these will briefly appear in suburban backyards. On particularly active mornings after a clear night and southern breeze, trees may be swarming with birds. A sharp eye and good pair of binoculars are needed to sort out the flitting specks of color. Many songbirds are arriving here from Central and South America for their brief summer breeding season or passing through on their way to territories further north.
Many species sing while on migration.
In wetland areas, migrant shorebirds appear along island shores and Common and Forster's terns work their way north along major rivers and lakes. Spring is not the time to bring in bird feeders. After a winter of providing food, we may be inclined to stop laying out the banquet. But, natural foods actually are yet not widely available, particularly for seed-eating birds that frequent feeders. Wild seed crops won't be available until the summer, and residents and newly arrived migrants need extra energy for nesting.