21-April through 04-May

May the Flock Be With You — Two Weeks of Birding Adventures!

Welcome back, birding padawans! It’s been a whirlwind two weeks here at Searching With Shoe, but even in the hustle of daily life, I found time to reconnect with the Force of nature. Spring migration has brought a rebel alliance of feathered friends to the area, from watchful parent geese and their fuzzy younglings to daring mockingbirds practicing their vocal mind tricks.

Every walk has felt like an episode from a galactic birding saga: a curious sandpiper sneaking along the water like a stealthy Bothan, a glossy starling shimmering like a polished droid, and Canada geese standing tall like Jedi masters guiding their flock. Whether you’re birding in a park or your own backyard, the avian galaxy is alive with life, calls, and charm.

Want to be a hero to the birds this season? Here are some ways to join the resistance (against habitat loss, that is):

• Let your yard grow wild like the forests of Endor. Native plants attract more birds! ([Audubon Native Plants](https://www.audubon.org/native-plants)).

• Set out clean water, no carbonite involved! ([Cornell Lab Bird Baths Guide]( https://www.allaboutbirds.org/news/attract-birds-with-birdbaths/).

• Ditch the pesticides and restore balance to the food chain! ([National Wildlife Federation Tips](https://www.nwf.org/Garden-for-Wildlife/About)).

• Add a feeder. Every Jedi needs a cantina stop! ([Project FeederWatch](https://feederwatch.org/)).

Scroll down for photo highlights from these past two weeks of avian adventures. You never know what characters will appear next!

Canadian Goose and gosling

A Canada goose gently encourages its curious gosling exploring the muddy shoreline nearby. Hidden by a downed log, the gosling pecks at the ground in its first steps toward independence. Spring mornings like these offer quiet moments of parent-child bonding in the wild.

Bird Sightings by Location Heatmap

Here we visualized bird sightings by species at Long Bridge Trail from April 21 to May 4. Canada Geese dominated the scene, followed closely by House Finches and European Starlings. This heatmap really shows who’s been holding the high ground.

Male brown-headed Cowbird

This male brown-headed cowbird stands out with its rich chocolate-brown head and glossy black body, strutting confidently across a grassy patch. Though often misunderstood due to their parasitic nesting habits, cowbirds play a fascinating role in North American ecosystems.

Bird Sightings Over Time

This time series chart highlights the number of bird sightings per day. April 23 and 22 saw impressive spikes, while the start of May reflects a more focused observational pace. It’s clear some days the Force was stronger with us than others.

Northern Mockingbird

A Northern mockingbird prepares for nesting season, clutching a tuft of material in its beak. Known for their ability to mimic other birds' calls, mockingbirds are also fiercely protective parents and dedicated builders, making moments like this especially heartwarming.

Grouped Bird Behaviors by Species

Using behavioral data, this bar chart reveals Canada Geese as the reigning champions of activity, with notable nesting and movement. House Finches and Robins also displayed a strong array of behaviors. It's like watching a Senate meeting, but with feathers.

European Starling

This European starling glistens in the sunlight, its iridescent plumage catching hints of purple and green. Though introduced to North America, starlings have adapted well and are known for their stunning murmurations and vocal variety.

Most Frequently Spotted Birds

This ranking chart shows Canada Geese and House Finches leading the pack in sightings. Blue Jays and Cowbirds made rare appearances, while stalwarts like the Northern Mockingbird and Red-winged Blackbird held steady. Every species has its role to play in the Rebellion.

May the Wings Rise to Meet You

Thanks for joining me on this two-week flight through the galaxy of local birdlife. Whether you're a seasoned birder or still earning your wings, I hope these moments helped you feel more connected to the natural Force all around us.

Feel free to share your own sightings in the comments or tag me on social media—I'd love to see which feathered rebels are visiting your area. And if you’ve enjoyed this post, don’t forget to subscribe, share it with your crew, or drop a comment.

Until next time, keep your binoculars at the ready and your senses sharp. There’s always another bird to spot, another chirp to decode, and another story waiting just beyond the next tree.

**May the flock be with you… always. 🐦✨**