On this date last year I saw my very first migrant of the season. It was a Say's Phoebe singing up on the roof of the Bryce Canyon Visitor Center. It will be interesting to see what the next few days bring. I've been somewhat negligent marking off my checklist for the year, but a quick review of my notes and blog posts revealed that my species total is actually way ahead of last year at this time. With the Say's and a Mallard that I saw on March 1, 2008 I had reached 35 species, this year, through February 28, I'm at 46. Not sure what the difference is; I really don't think I have done any more birding this year than last. My best guess is that it is because this winter has been somewhat milder. The next several weeks should be fun as the long winter - mild or not - will finally draw to a close (hooray!).(The Say's Phoebe pictured is from New Mexico a few years ago.)
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